With the end of 2020 fast approaching, the team here at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics wants to provide a friendly reminder to use up your FSA savings before the end of the year! Because FSAs operate on a “use it or lose it” principle, any amount that has not been spent by the end of the year is lost. Using FSA benefits for your orthodontic treatment can be an immense help in paying off your remaining balance or just getting your treatment started with Great Neck Orthodontics!
What Is An FSA?
Did you know any medical expenses considered to be deductible by the IRS that has not been reimbursed through insurance can be reimbursed through a flexible spending account? That includes orthodontic treatment like braces and Invisalign clear aligner therapy at your Orthodontist in Flushing! An FSA is an account that you can put money into specifically to cover any out-of-pocket healthcare expenses that may arise throughout the year.
You do not pay taxes on the money you deposit into your flex spending account. This means that you’ll end up saving the same amount as the taxes you would have paid on the money you set aside.
FSA and Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic care differs from other medical and dental procedures that require the actual service to be performed and paid for within the benefit period. While some patients will choose to pay for their orthodontic treatment in full, others may choose to make regular monthly payments.
An FSA will generally allow reimbursement for prepaid orthodontic expenses up to the chosen amount as long as the payment was made within the benefit period.
It’s not too late to take advantage of any available funds you have, whether you already have an active payment plan with our office, or are simply thinking about starting orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member!
Treatment Options for Your Smile
Here at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics, we’ll always consider your lifestyle and personal goals when creating your treatment plan. In most cases, patients can choose what type of treatment they want to use to straighten their smile. We’re proud to offer the following treatments:
Invisalign
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of customized aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. Unlike traditional braces, no brackets and wires are needed to move the teeth! This offers patients a measure of freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat. Designed to fit snugly but comfortably over your teeth, Invisalign provides a more subtle and comfortable orthodontic experience. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, and changed out weekly with the next in the set, these aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions.
Invisalign Teen
Although Invisalign and Invisalign Teen work the same way when it comes to the underlying technology, Invisalign Teen was developed with the unique needs of teen patients in mind. There are a few special features that are specific to the Invisalign Teen system, including the following:
Compliance indicators
To help teens stick to their treatment plan, Invisalign Teen has a compliance indicator incorporated into each aligner. This will fade from blue to clear as it is used, providing a visual approximation of wear. This lets patients, parents, and Dr. Wolf keep track of patient use. If a teen is skipping out on hours, it will be noticeable in enough time for us to correct compliance, thus keeping the overall process moving along according to schedule.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
We all lose or damage things from time to time. While we encourage all of our Invisalign patients to be careful with their aligners, teens don’t need to worry about misplacing or losing one. Invisalign Teen anticipates it happening, and provides up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case!
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used orthodontic appliance and have come a long way in recent years. They are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other durable metals. Bands wrap around the back molars, and smaller metal brackets are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. There is also a thin, springy metal wire that runs through the brackets, which may be fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. All of these components come together to gently guide your teeth into the desired positions over time.
Clear braces
Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do, but are made of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they are less visible than traditional braces, they’re popular with older teens and adult patients who may be more image-conscious. They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
Start the New Year with A Plan For Your Smile
Dr. Stacy Wolf and our Stacy Wolf Orthodontics team are here to help you achieve the incredible smile you’ve always dreamed of using your FSA benefits. Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your current or upcoming treatment, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Using FSA benefits for your orthodontic treatment is the perfect way to end your year smiling. Stacy Wolf Orthodontics is here to help you get the smile you deserve. Contact our team of caring experts to schedule an appointment today.