Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in teeth and jaw alignment. Orthodontists will provide appliances and in some cases surgery to treat misalignment issues and help patients correct their bite which reduces pain and infection. Orthodontic treatment can be necessary in many cases and dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life.
One of the barriers to receiving orthodontic care is that orthodontics is one of those health services that falls outside of the standard group benefits bucket for employee benefits, so when employers must make decisions about spending, this category doesn’t always make the cut.
Orthodontics: Who needs ortho services or ortho care?
Patients of all ages will benefit from orthodontic care – braces are not just for teenagers! Orthodontics are not only a cosmetic investment, but an oral health investment as well. Having straight teeth makes it easier to maintain good hygiene and prevent other health concerns down the road such as heart disease and diabetes. Some common issues that orthodontists help treat include:
- Missing teeth or extra teeth
- Teeth that are crooked
- Teeth that are crowded together or spaced far apart
- A jaw that is not positioned correctly
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
These concerns can affect employees of all backgrounds and you can’t always assume whether they or their dependents will require this type of care.
Choosing a group plan forces employers to evaluate an unlimited variety of potential needs which is impossible to include in a one size fits all plan without spending a lot of money. For care as unique as your needs, health spending accounts are the option that provides the most tailored support.
Orthodontics: How much does ortho care cost?
In Canada you can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 for braces depending on the type of braces or orthodontic devices needed. With an HSA as a complementary add-on to a group benefit plan – or as a replacement of a benefit plan – the employee never has to pay out of pocket or make tough decisions about their health finances.
Using their employer-provided HSA, employees can use their annual allotment to help pay for non-covered but clearly health-related purchases.
This HSA add-on or substitution benefit makes the employee compensation package look extremely attractive as it meets their unique needs.
How often should you see your dental care provider?
Visiting your dental care provider at least twice a year for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. During these appointments you can bring up any concerns you have about your dental health and alignment. Things worth mentioning to your dentist for a referral to an orthodontist include:
- Trouble chewing
- Difficulty maintaining dental hygiene
- Jaw or gum pain
- Increased dental problems due to pressure
Catching these problems sooner rather than later will save you discomfort and prevent issues from getting worse over time.
Stress Less with your HSA Easy Pay prepaid Mastercard
When it comes to paying for your orthodontic care, it’s as easy as swiping your Mastercard. No need to worry about justifying the purchase or paying out of pocket to send a reimbursement claim for your orthodontic treatment. Managing payments is easy for the employee, employer and service provider, making our product one of the most efficient solutions on the market.
Conclusion
When employees can take care of their healthcare needs without worrying about their other essential expenses, they can continue to work towards their personal goals and productivity without worrying about their essential needs. Employers play a role in helping their employees achieve this through maximizing health care spending.
Does your employee benefits plan include a predictable yet flexible solution attractive to you and your team? Not sure? Contact the team at HSA Easy Pay Ltd. for a free consultation or to request a demo. We provide an HSA Prepaid Mastercard solution for businesses of any size to ease the stresses for your entire team!
Healthcare is stressful enough. Paying for it shouldn’t be.
