Comparison Shopping Orthodontics - Kids braces

[ExtraSlow]

So, prices seem to vary a lot with kids braces. Anyone have tips on how to comparison shop this service? I know that even with double medical benefits, our family is not even covering half of some quotes. And if I'm reading the benefits guide correctly, the second kid won't be covered at all. Considering the second kid will probably need braces too, that's a lot of Honda Fits I could be buying instead!

But, real talk, aside from strictly price, how would you choose an orthodontist for your kids?

[The_Rural_Juror]

Ortho coverage varies a lot from company to company, so that is a tough one to comment on. Orthodontists tends to charge about the same price in my experience, and it all comes down to personal preference. I look for someone that I can trust, a reasonable treatment plan, competent dental assistants, and non-pedophilic tendencies. You might have different criteria, but I am sure it's all valid.

[ExtraSlow]

competent dental assistants, and non-pedophilic tendencies. How would I assess either of these in an introductory appointment?

[Tik-Tok]

Not first hand info, but Ive heard from others experiences that going out of Calgary can be some decent savings (like way out, not just Airdrie or Okotoks), and you'll get even better pricing in BC. So if you dont mind the drive every couple of months, it might be worth looking into.

[The_Rural_Juror]

How would I assess either of these in an introductory appointment?

I ask my dentist for recommendations, and then I ask his dentist for recommendations. I stalk their social media and beyond posts (if applicable). Then I apply Israeli airport security methods, that I had learned on youtube, against the staff during the consult. A hard no for me is if the ortho is more than 2 standard deviations more attractive than me. I can't trust anyone that beautiful.


Not first hand info, but Ive heard from others experiences that going out of Calgary can be some decent savings (like way out, not just Airdrie or Okotoks), and you'll get even better pricing in BC. So if you dont mind the drive every couple of months, it might be worth looking into.

The visits could shorten to monthly or every few weeks as the treatment ends, so that could get annoying.

[AndyL]

The visits could shorten to monthly or every few weeks as the treatment ends, so that could get annoying.

*Gasp* drive? I thought you aspen MFers just hopped in the Learjet or phenom and flew... Driving and commercial flights (gag me with a spoon) is for peasants.

:rofl: sorry had to.

[The_Rural_Juror]

*Gasp* drive? I thought you aspen MFers just hopped in the Learjet or phenom and flew... Driving and commercial flights (gag me with a spoon) is for peasants.

:rofl: sorry had to.

You are mistaken kind sir. I do not live in the kingdom of Aspen. I merely seek to enter their Safeway to purchase some grey poupon for a very special occasion.

[ExtraSlow]

Not first hand info, but Ive heard from others experiences that going out of Calgary can be some decent savings (like way out, not just Airdrie or Okotoks), and you'll get even better pricing in BC. So if you dont mind the drive every couple of months, it might be worth looking into.

This is for kids braces, so you'd be looking at a day off work, and a day off school, for what, 25 appointments over a couple years? Maybe you can get half of those on the weekend? Still, it's three weeks of vacation in total. I think anyone who thinks they are saving money driving more than an hour distance is fooling themselves.

Have heard of uninsured seniors getting dental work in Mexico, but that's one trip a year, and they probably wanted to go somewhere warm anyway. Totally different animal.

[ThePenIsMightier]

I've heard it's almost exactly $10k/kid from a guy who has put two of his kids through it.
I'd more ask for recommendations of Ortho's through this thread rather than shopping tips.

Some people think it's interesting that our government will pay for me to lop off my functioning genitals and replace them with faux lady parts while they won't pay for $0.001 of braces...
But that's none of my business...

[ExtraSlow]

I've heard it's almost exactly $10k/kid from a guy who has put two of his kids through it.
I'd more ask for recommendations of Ortho's through this thread rather than shopping tips. So my current quote of $7800 seems downright reasonable I guess.
The telephone quote I have for $4500 may be missing some items. Better check that it's "inrich loaded"

[The_Rural_Juror]

I have been seeing quotes of around $7-$8k.

Most of the treatment depends on how diligent the child is on wearing the elastics. Visits should start off around once every 6 weeks and increase in frequency to maybe once every 4 weeks as treatment progresses.

[bjstare]

How would I assess either of these in an introductory appointment?

If the dentist flirts with your kid during the first appointment, that’d be the first sign.

[suntan]

We had our daughter's braces done at Family Braces. Cheapest by far, if you can pay all at once. They're super busy so I think the chances of them going under is slim. Service was great. The one at Beacon Hill is one big huge open area where all the staff and patients are together so the chances of creepy behaviour is very low.

Read the benefits very carefully, it usually doesn't work the way you think it does at all.

[ExtraSlow]

Read the benefits very carefully, it usually doesn't work the way you think it does at all. can you elaborate on this?
I was thinking that we'd just get the predetermination, and that would be clear and simple.

[The_Rural_Juror]

can you elaborate on this?
I was thinking that we'd just get the predetermination, and that would be clear and simple.

Predetermination is the key. The orthodontic offices should be able handle it for you. I have seen plans that cover nothing, one that cover up to a certain age, one that cover 50%, and ones that cover 100% to a max of $X.

[suntan]

can you elaborate on this?
I was thinking that we'd just get the predetermination, and that would be clear and simple.

They can say something like "50% of the cost, up to a maximum of X dollars", but that means, for example, that they cover 50% of $1000 (the "max"), so your remuneration is actually $500.

[sabad66]

Was also going to suggest Family Braces. Keep hearing a lot of radio ads and when I took a look at reviews online they seemed pretty good and on the lower end of pricing.

[ExtraSlow]

Have a family member who works in the field tell me family Braces is for sure a bit of a meat grinder in terms of time and care for each patient. They keep costs down by seeming more people in fewer hours.

Could be a good trade-off, but worth knowing.

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We need a second opinion on what medically we are looking at anyway. So the price / service discussion is not all we are checking.