Treatment fees reflect scope
A limited alignment problem is different from a comprehensive bite correction. Records, treatment time, appliance choice, review frequency and retention can all affect the total fee.
Ask for the total before discussing monthly payments
Monthly figures are useful for budgeting but can conceal differences in deposits or term length. Compare written total fees first.
Specialist and general-practice fees are not automatically comparable
Different offices may be proposing different goals, appliances or levels of follow-up. If two quotes are far apart, compare the actual plans before assuming one is simply more expensive.
Budget for retention
Long-term retention is part of preserving the result. Ask whether initial retainers, replacement retainers and future retention checks are included or separate.
Questions to take to a consultation
- What is the diagnosis and treatment objective?
- Who will personally diagnose, plan and supervise treatment?
- What reasonable alternatives exist?
- What is included in the total fee, including refinements and retainers?
- How often are in-person visits expected?
Sources and verification
Primary and professional references used to review this page. External information can change; verify current provider and regulatory details at the publisher.