The cost of orthodontic care is one of the first things patients ask about, and for good reason. Treatment is a meaningful investment, and understanding how payment works before you commit makes the whole process less stressful. At Backus Orthodontics, in-house payment plans are available through a trusted third-party provider that handles all billing, auto-withdrawals, and payment processing.
The structure is straightforward once you know how the pieces fit together.
How the Payment Plan Works
Treatment fees vary based on each patient’s individual plan. Once your fee is determined and any estimated insurance benefits are applied, the remaining balance can be financed through a monthly payment plan. A financial slider tool lets you see in real time how your monthly payments shift based on your down payment amount and the length of your treatment.
Down payments start at $500. The more you put down upfront, the lower your monthly payment will be. Treatment length also affects the monthly amount since a longer plan distributes the balance across more months.
A 3% convenience fee is applied to all card transactions.
Available Discounts
Backus Orthodontics offers a few discount options for qualifying patients. Only one discount can be applied per financial contract.
- Pay in full: Receive a 5% discount on the total treatment fee when paid upfront
- Family discount: Once one family member enters active treatment, additional family members qualify for a reduced rate
- Teacher discount: Available to educators working within local school zones
If you think you qualify for more than one, the team can help you determine which option provides the most value for your situation.
How Insurance Factors In
If you carry orthodontic insurance, your estimated benefit is applied to the treatment fee at the start of your plan. It is worth understanding that insurance estimates are provided by your carrier and are not a guaranteed payment amount. If your insurer pays less than estimated, or does not pay at all, the remaining balance is added to the end of your financial contract. If your insurance reimbursement is issued directly to the subscriber rather than to the practice, that amount is applied to the end of the contract as well. The patient is responsible for any balance not covered by insurance.
This is a standard structure across orthodontic practices, and it is worth reading your policy carefully before treatment begins so there are no surprises later.
Why the Flexible Payment Structure Matters
Not every patient has the same financial situation, and a rigid payment structure would put treatment out of reach for many families. The slider approach lets you build a plan that works with your budget rather than against it. Choosing a higher down payment can meaningfully reduce what you owe each month, which makes a difference for patients managing multiple financial priorities at once.
As a Bessemer orthodontist committed to accessible care, the goal is to make sure cost is not the reason someone skips treatment they genuinely need.
If you are ready to understand what your specific plan would cost and how the payment options would work for you, reach out to our Bessemer orthodontist to schedule your records appointment and get a clear picture of your options.
