We went monthly too, mostly because I wasn't totally sold on the first orthodontist's plan. Glad we did, because after about six months, something just felt off—progress seemed slow, and communication wasn't great. Decided to get a second opinion, and turns out the original treatment plan was way off base. Switching was a hassle, but at least we weren't locked in financially.
"it's also flexibility in case your situation changes unexpectedly."
Exactly this. Sometimes the savings upfront look tempting, but flexibility can be priceless when things don't go as planned...
Totally agree about flexibility being worth more than upfront savings sometimes. We went through something similar with my braces—initially chose monthly payments just to spread out the cost, but it turned out to be a lifesaver when we had to move halfway through the treatment. Finding a new orthodontist was stressful enough without worrying about losing money we'd already paid upfront.
Also, I've noticed that paying monthly keeps the orthodontist a bit more accountable. When you're locked in with a lump sum, it's easier for them to get complacent or less responsive (not saying they all do, but it can happen). Monthly payments mean they need to keep earning your trust and satisfaction over time.
Glad you trusted your gut and got that second opinion, though. Orthodontics is such a long-term commitment—it's crucial to feel comfortable and confident with whoever's handling your care.
I get the flexibility argument, but I'm still a bit unsure about the accountability part. I mean, wouldn't a good orthodontist stay professional regardless of how payments are structured? I'm about to start braces myself and feeling pretty anxious about it all... I figured upfront payment might simplify things—one less monthly bill to stress over. But now I'm second-guessing if monthly payments might actually be safer, especially if something unexpected pops up. Tough decision.
I totally get the anxiety—been there, done that, got the awkward braces selfies to prove it, lol. Honestly, I went with monthly payments myself, and here's why: braces are a long-term commitment, and life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. Paying monthly gave me peace of mind knowing I wasn't locked into a huge upfront investment if something went sideways.
As for accountability, you're right—a good orthodontist should stay professional no matter how you pay. But let's be real, when you're paying monthly, there's a built-in incentive for them to keep you happy and coming back. It's not like they're gonna slack off if you pay upfront, but monthly payments do kinda keep everyone on their toes.
Either way, don't stress too much. Braces are annoying at first (hello, mashed potatoes diet), but you'll get used to them faster than you think. Good luck!
"Paying monthly gave me peace of mind knowing I wasn't locked into a huge upfront investment if something went sideways."
Totally agree with this point. We went monthly too, mostly because braces aren't just the initial cost—there's also retainers, adjustments, and sometimes unexpected repairs (my kiddo broke a bracket eating popcorn...lesson learned). Monthly payments made budgeting easier and less stressful overall. Plus, orthodontic treatment timelines can shift unexpectedly, so spreading out payments felt safer for us financially. Just my two cents from experience.
