Getting braces, whether for children or adults, can be a daunting financial challenge, reaching into the multiple thousands of dollars. CrossCheck’s many services can help both orthodontists and parents/patients as they navigate this financial challenge. Our MED-RDC program boasts several services, including electronic processing through Remote Deposit Capture, as well as Check Guarantee and Multiple Check, all of which can insure payment for the provider and payment options for the patient.

Braces are one of the most stress-inducing costs for young parents

When my wife and I revealed to friends and family we were expecting our first child, we were inundated with well-meant advice. It included everything from how to avoid getting peed on during a diaper change, to which books to read and what music to listen to. Financially, the cost of childcare was a big one, as was the cost of adding a bedroom to our small household. However, one of the biggest was: “Now remember, he or she will probably need braces at some point. That’s expensive!” In terms of financial advice, the concern about braces was (perhaps surprisingly) only surpassed by the need to save for college.

Our son’s provider used Check Guarantee

Though we prudently continue saving for college, we only had enough in our other savings to cover about half the orthodontist's bill. The braces and all subsequent office visits during the 18 months our son had to wear them cost us about $2,000. We paid $1,000 up front with a personal check – which was verified by the orthodontist’s accountant and their check processing service – and we used a credit card for the remainder. One thing we did not plan for, however, was our 16-year-old son coming to us last week and telling us that he couldn’t find his clear retainer. I was a little taken aback when I called his orthodontist, who informed me that a replacement would cost $300.

The Cost of Braces can be a Shock

As mentioned, we paid $2,000 out-of-pocket for my son’s braces. It should be noted he was double covered as his mother and I both had dental insurance. The average cost of braces is $5,000 to $6,000 but can be as much as $10,000, depending on how much correction is needed. In these cases more than simple check verification may be needed.

CrossCheck’s MED-RDC is a suite of services and includes Multiple Check, which can be both a great selling point for the provider and a great payment solution for the patient. Multiple Check allows the patient to write several checks, which will be deposited at agreed-upon intervals, often coinciding with pay periods.

New technology, new solutions.

A popular treatment alternative to traditional braces is Invisalign. The popularity of Invisalign is based on the fact it is not only effective in most cases, but also much less cumbersome than metal braces. Despite the new technology, however, the cost can still be prohibitive for many patients. According to hypothetical quotes presented on Invisalign’s website, treatment will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,100, which is either cheaper, or more expensive than braces, depending on the problem, the provider and the location.

The good news is, we have come a long way from days of yore, when ancient people of Rome and Egypt would use fine threads of animal skins (!). Many years later, treatment would include some (questionable), easily manipulated metals like zinc, copper and brass. That turned to expensive gold thread to try to properly align teeth. New methods are certainly cheaper than gold and likely much more effective than animal skins.

To go back to my original story, my son got a somewhat stern scolding for losing his retainer, a reminder that he is more than old enough to take care of valuable items. He has been working part time since he turned 16 so he agreed to pay for part of the cost of the replacement retainer. The remainder I paid for with a personal check, which – again – was both verified and guaranteed through the service CrossCheck provides. Had I only known about Multiple Check when he got his braces in the first place, I would have chosen that interest-free option over credit card payments any day.

CrossCheck’s MED-RDC solves payment problems

The MED-RDC suite of services is a preferred solution by dental and medical providers across the country. The providers can choose the Check Guarantee option and be secure in the knowledge they will be guaranteed payment for costly and complicated services. Beyond Check Guarantee and Multiple Check, MED-RDC also includes Remote Deposit Capture with rent-free loaner equipment. If something goes wrong with the equipment, CrossCheck associates will quickly be on hand to address any problems, free of charge to the provider of course.