If you got braces as a teenager but lost your dental insurance coverage as an adult, you may be wondering where you can go to get your braces removed now that you’re uninsured. Getting braces removed is an important final step after undergoing orthodontic treatment. Leaving your braces on too long can lead to various oral health issues. Luckily there are affordable options for uninsured patients who need to complete their orthodontic treatment. In this article we talk about Where Can I Get My Braces Removed Without Insurance.
Why It’s Important to Get Braces Removed Properly
After investing time and money into straightening your teeth with braces, you’ll want to make sure you complete the process properly so all that effort doesn’t go to waste. Getting your braces taken off correctly helps ensure your teeth stay in their new straightened positions. If you just rip your braces off yourself, your teeth are likely to shift back towards their old crooked positions.
Braces put gentle constant pressure on your teeth to guide them into alignment. When you first get braces put on, your teeth may feel slightly loose or tender from this pressure. Over time though, the bones, roots, gums, etc. surrounding your teeth adjust to these new positions. Once your orthodontist determines your teeth and jaw are stable in their straightened positions, it’s time to remove the braces.
The metal brackets and glue residue must be professionally removed from your teeth or else they could lead to decay, staining, or gum irritation. So while it may be tempting to just yank off your own braces, see an orthodontist to have them properly taken off in order to protect your oral health as well as your newly straightened smile.
Where to Go If You Lost Your Dental Insurance
Losing your insurance can make dental treatment seem unaffordable. However, there are more affordable options than paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to get your braces removed at a traditional private orthodontics office. Here are some places to consider checking:
Dental Schools
Dental students need real patients to practice on as they train to become dentists and orthodontists. Because of this, many dental schools offer dental services at discounted prices compared to private practices. For example, getting braces removed at a dental school may only cost around $100 instead of several hundred dollars.
Dental Hygiene Schools
Dental hygienists are licensed to provide certain types of dental care, including removing orthodontic bands and brackets. Therefore, dental hygiene schools with student dental hygiene clinics often offer very affordable rates for services like getting your braces taken off.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers provide essential medical and dental care on an income-based sliding-fee scale. So even if you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for free or discounted orthodontic treatment based on your income and family size. Many health centers have orthodontists on staff to serve low-income patients.
Non-Profit Dental Clinics
Some non-profit organizations run free or low-cost dental clinics in order to help uninsured, low-income families get the oral healthcare they need. For example, America’s Dentists Care Foundation has a network of volunteer dentists across the country who donate their time to free clinics providing dental care.
State Social Services
Your local health and human services department may offer some orthodontic coverage for those who meet eligibility requirements. For example, Medicaid offers limited orthodontic services for children in many states. Or your state may have special dental programs for certain groups, such as disabled individuals. Call to ask what help may be available.
Dental Assistant Schools
Similar to hygiene programs, dental assistant schools also let students get practical experience. Students may offer braces removal and other orthodontic services for very low fees under instructor supervision.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental savings plans provide discounted rates on services from partner dentists and orthodontists. Monthly fees for discount plans typically range from $80 to $200 per year. With a plan, getting your braces removed may cost 30-60% less than normal rates. Not technically insurance, but can make care more affordable.
Payment Plans
Many orthodontists are willing to arrange no-interest or low-interest monthly payment plans, especially for existing patients. Instead of paying the full fee upfront, you pay smaller installments over 6-12 months. Just ask if a payment plan is available.
Apply for Charity Care Assistance
Hospitals and non-profit clinics often have financial assistance programs for uninsured patients who can’t afford necessary medical or dental care. Submit an application showing your income, expenses, and lack of insurance to apply. If approved, you may get braces removal and other orthodontic services covered as charity care.
Consultations and Cost Estimates
Even if options like dental schools and health clinics seem affordable, the cost can vary greatly depending on your specific orthodontic needs. Some places may charge by treatment type or length of time braces have been on. More complex cases usually cost more if additional procedures are required.
To find the most accurate cost and services, schedule low-cost or free consultations with prospective clinics on this list to get personalized quotes for getting your braces removed. Compare a few options before deciding where to have your braces taken off. During consultations, you can ask:
- Will my orthodontist from before removing the braces or someone new?
- Do you remove cement, glue, and bands from teeth afterwards?
- Is sedation dentistry available if I’m nervous about the procedure?
- When can the procedure be scheduled by?
- What payment plans or financial assistance are available if I struggle to pay the full fee?
Get answers to these questions when researching orthodontic removal costs without insurance. This allows you to make an informed decision about where you can realistically get braces removed based on your budget and needs.
Over to You
While getting dental treatment without insurance can be frustrating, organizations like dental schools and health clinics make orthodontic care possible for the uninsured. From dental hygiene programs charging around $50 to clinics removing braces for free with charity care, plenty of affordable options exist.
Call around locally and research all your choices before deciding where to complete your orthodontic treatment. With some time and effort researching the compassionate organizations aiming to help underserved groups, you can likely find an affordable way to get your braces removed properly. Just be sure to get cost estimates and understand exactly what services are covered beforehand.
Stay determined in your search until you locate a dental provider able to remove your braces thoroughly for an affordable price. While it may require some work to find a good low-cost option for those without insurance, taking the steps in this guide will help you finish your orthodontic journey in a way that continues protecting your bright, straight smile. I sincerely hope you find this “Where Can I Get My Braces Removed Without Insurance? Find Out Now” article helpful.
Katherine Morrissey is the lead writer at InsuranceBlogX.com, specializing in life insurance and financial planning. With over 12 years of experience in the insurance industry, Katherine has a proven track record of helping individuals and families secure their financial future. She works as a Life Insurance Agent at Insurance Agents – USA and is a licensed insurance sales agent. Connect with Katherine on Facebook at @Katherine Morrissey and Instagram at @katherine56_morrissey for expert insights and updates.