How to ask for a discount on braces?

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#1 Post by **boomshakelaka** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 2:12 pm

I'm a full time university student planning to work full time this summer to pay for braces. I have dental insurance.. but it doesn't cover anything cosmetic, so everything will be coming out of my own pocket. When speaking to an Ortho or Dentist, how can or should i ask for a discount on their quoted prices without sounding weird or making the situation awkward?

#2 Post by **Audra** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 3:16 pm

I would say just tell them you are a student and ask if they have a discount program.

I have to say though, that I really doubt you'll find anyone to give you a discount. Most will tell you to get a loan, use their financing or wait until you can afford it - which is why there are a lot of adults on these boards in their 20's, 30's, and 40's - because we couldn't afford it previously.

#3 Post by **catgyrl** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 7:43 pm

I agree with Audra. At my first consult, they wanted to charge me $6,175, with a $2,000 down payment. I told the lady "Well, that down payment 'aint gonna happen..." The only thing she agreed to do was lower that to $1,000, which jacked up my monthly payments to $275 a month. It sounded like there was NO negotiating to be done. But give it a shot - maybe you'll get lucky.

#4 Post by **Lela** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 7:58 am

My ortho offers a 10% discount if you pay in full upfront. He also has a family discount. Full price for the first family member, 5% off for each additional person.
No breaks for students or the uninsured though

#5 Post by **catgyrl** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 10:23 am

Lela wrote:My ortho offers a 10% discount if you pay in full upfront. He also has a family discount. Full price for the first family member, 5% off for each additional person.
No breaks for students or the uninsured though

Silly me - you're right. My current ortho did offer me a 5% discount if I got braced by the end of April. Since paying them off in full would not be an option for me, I didn't investigate that one.

Never hurts to ask...

#6 Post by **fluffybottom** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 1:35 pm

You should try going to a dental school if you have one in your area. You won't get a discount but they are usually a lot cheaper than a private practice ortho.

#7 Post by **cosmo** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 7:22 am

I made my ortho feel really bad and I had my mom with me lol. I really couldnt affor $185 a month so I told them I can give you $1,000 now and told them that live alone and about bills and that i was desperate and they went down to $140

make them feel sorry for you lol.