"does going monthly usually affect how flexible they are if you need adjustments or extra visits down the line?"
From what I've heard, payment method doesn't usually change how accommodating orthodontists are...but now you've got me worried. Has anyone had issues scheduling extra visits when paying monthly?
Has anyone had issues scheduling extra visits when paying monthly?
Honestly, I wouldn't assume payment method has zero impact. My orthodontist was generally great, but when I was paying monthly, scheduling extra visits felt a bit awkward—like they were subtly checking if I'd caught up on payments first. Could've just been my anxiety talking, but it did feel different compared to when I paid upfront later on. I'd say it's worth double-checking their policy beforehand to ease your mind...
I totally get what you're saying about feeling a bit awkward with monthly payments. When I had braces, I paid monthly too, and even though my orthodontist never openly said anything, I always felt slightly self-conscious asking for extra visits. Like, maybe they were quietly checking if everything was up to date before squeezing me in? Could've just been my anxiety kicking in as usual, but it definitely felt different compared to when my sister paid upfront and seemed to get appointments more easily.
That said, I think it might depend on the office itself. My friend went somewhere else and paid monthly without any issues at all—she even got extra visits scheduled without hesitation. So maybe it's more about the office culture or their specific policies rather than the payment method alone. Either way, it's probably a good idea to ask upfront about how they handle extra visits, just so you don't have that nagging worry in the back of your mind...
I definitely relate to feeling a little awkward about monthly payments. When I had braces, my ortho office had this super chill receptionist who always made me feel comfortable—but I still couldn't shake the feeling they were double-checking payments whenever I asked for extra visits. Maybe it's just human nature to worry about it? Still, like you said, it probably varies by office culture. Did anyone else notice if paying upfront made the whole process smoother overall, or was that just a coincidence at your sister's office...?
I totally get the awkwardness you're describing, but honestly, I think that feeling might be less about monthly payments themselves and more about how the office handles things. Like, I did monthly payments for my braces, and my ortho's office was so laid-back that half the time they forgot to remind me when payments were due (which, trust me, created its own kind of awkwardness when I had to sheepishly ask if I owed anything...).
On the flip side, my cousin paid upfront, thinking it'd smooth things out, but weirdly enough, she said it made her feel almost invisible afterward—like they already had her money, so they weren't as attentive. Not saying that's the norm, but it definitely made me rethink the whole "upfront is always better" idea.
I guess it really boils down to the vibe of the office itself rather than the payment method. Some places just nail the customer service thing, and others... well, not so much.
