Do orthodontists offer payment plans?
Yes. Most offices no longer require the full fee before braces go on. A down payment is common. The rest is paid monthly for 12–24 months, often without interest when the plan stays with the office. The monthly amount is the remaining balance divided by the months on the plan.
Some Invisalign doctors offer a low or no down payment. That depends on the office.
What is CareCredit, and can I use it for braces?
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card accepted at more than 285,000 locations. Charges of $200 or more can qualify for promotional financing, subject to credit approval. The interest rate and any promotional period are set when the account is approved. A 0% example on a practice website is that office's offer, not a national rate.
Can I use an FSA or HSA for braces?
Yes, for eligible orthodontic expenses. The IRS lists braces under dental treatment and excludes teeth whitening. Braces, clear aligners, retainers, and follow-up visits can be paid from an HSA or FSA for the uninsured portion. HSA balances roll over. FSA funds are use-it-or-lose-it unless the employer offers a grace period or carryover.
The federal-employee FSA lists Invisalign and other clear aligners, including self-service mail order, as eligible with a receipt. It also allows pre-paid orthodontia reimbursement during the benefit year. The 2026 federal FSA contribution limit is $3,400, with a $680 carryover if you re-enroll. Private-employer FSAs can differ.
Are there programs that help pay for braces?
- AAO Gifted SmilesChild 18 or younger. Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level ($62,400 for a household of four in the 48 states). Volunteer AAO members.
- Smiles Change LivesAges 7–18. $30 to apply, $650 if accepted. Treatment typically 20–36 months.
- Smile for a Lifetime$20 to apply, $480 if matched. Wait typically 6–12 months. Confirm age eligibility with the local chapter. Program pages have listed both 8–18 and 10–18.
If a child is on Medicaid and under 21, orthodontic care can be covered when the state agrees it is needed for health, not only for appearance. Adult Medicaid dental coverage is optional and varies by state.
Guides to read next
Questions about paying
Most families combine an in-house plan (a down payment, then 12–24 months, often without interest), a healthcare credit card if the office accepts one, and pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars for the eligible balance. Insurance, when it applies, is usually a lifetime maximum rather than a monthly subsidy.
Yes. Most offices no longer require the full fee before braces go on. A down payment is common. The rest is paid monthly for 12–24 months, often without interest when the plan stays with the office.
Yes, for eligible orthodontic expenses. The IRS lists braces under dental treatment and excludes teeth whitening. Braces, clear aligners, retainers, and follow-up visits can be paid from an HSA or FSA for the uninsured portion. HSA balances roll over. FSA funds usually expire unless the employer offers a grace period or carryover.
Yes. Clear aligners are eligible expenses. The federal-employee FSA lists Invisalign and other clear aligners, including self-service mail order, as eligible with a detailed receipt.
If a child is on Medicaid and under 21, orthodontic care can be covered when the state agrees it is needed for health, not only for appearance. CHIP includes a dental benefit; that is not a promise that every plan covers braces. Adult Medicaid dental coverage is optional and varies by state.
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card accepted at more than 285,000 locations. Charges of $200 or more can qualify for promotional financing, subject to credit approval. The interest rate and any promotional period are set when the account is approved. A 0% example on a practice website is that office's offer, not a national rate.
AAO Gifted Smiles takes children 18 or younger at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Smiles Change Lives charges $30 to apply and $650 if accepted. Smile for a Lifetime charges $20 to apply and $480 if matched, with a typical wait of 6–12 months.
Start with the in-house plan (down payment, 12–24 months, often without interest). Add HSA or FSA dollars for the eligible portion. A healthcare credit card is optional if the office accepts one. For children who meet income and clinical screens, Gifted Smiles, Smiles Change Lives, and Smile for a Lifetime are the documented assistance programs.
Sources
These figures come from published studies and professional groups. We do not sell treatment or set fees. Use them to read an office quote against a national baseline.
- 1.American Association of Orthodontists, Payment Plans in Orthodontics Most in-house plans require a down payment, then monthly payments for 12–24 months, often without interest. Third-party cards may advertise promotional periods; standard rates can apply after.
- 2.CareCredit, How CareCredit Works Healthcare credit card accepted at more than 285,000 locations. Transactions of $200 or more are eligible for promotional financing, subject to credit approval. The rate and promotional period are set at approval.
- 3.IRS Publication 502 (2025), Medical and Dental Expenses Braces are listed under dental treatment. Teeth whitening is not includible. Publication 502 does not mention Invisalign by name, and it does not treat adult and child cases differently.
- 4.American Association of Orthodontists, HSA and FSA Most orthodontic treatment can be paid from an HSA or FSA, including braces, clear aligners, retainers, and follow-up. Only the uninsured portion. HSA balances roll over. FSA funds are use-it-or-lose-it unless the employer offers a grace period.
- 5.FSAFEDS eligible expenses, Invisalign and other clear aligners Lists Invisalign and other clear dental aligners, including self-service mail order, as eligible with a detailed receipt.
- 6.FSAFEDS Health Care FSA (2026) Federal-employee program: contribute up to $3,400 in 2026; carry over up to $680 if you re-enroll. Private-employer FSAs can differ.
- 7.Medicaid.gov, Dental Care Children: dental is required under EPSDT; medically necessary services, including orthodontics, must be covered when the state finds them necessary. Adults: no federal minimum dental benefit.
- 8.AAO Gifted Smiles Child 18 or younger. Family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (household of four in the 48 states: $62,400). Volunteer AAO members.
- 9.Smiles Change Lives, How to apply Ages 7–18. $30 application fee plus $650 when accepted. Treatment typically 20–36 months.
- 10.Smile for a Lifetime, How to apply $20 application fee plus $480 when matched. Wait typically 6–12 months. Confirm age eligibility with the local chapter. Program pages have listed both 8–18 and 10–18.
- 11.Align Technology, Invisalign cost Some Invisalign doctors offer a low or no down payment. FSA and HSA funds can pay eligible fees. Terms depend on the office.