Are you expecting a tax refund? Use it to begin orthodontic treatment

In 2017, nearly 80 percent of taxpayers received a tax refund at an average amount of $2,895. While it’s tempting to use a refund on something spontaneous or impractical, most people spend the money wisely, using it to pay down debt, increase their savings or make progress toward another financial goal.

If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or you suspect your child would benefit from braces or Invisalign, your tax refund could be the perfect way to get started.

Some of the benefits of orthodontics are obvious. A straighter, more beautiful smile increases lifetime confidence and self-esteem. A confident, straight smile can even have a positive effect on personal and professional relationships, including increasing the likelihood of going on a date and landing a higher paying job!

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your overall health. Patients who complete treatment can improve their health in many ways, including the prevention or relief of:

• Periodontal disease (gum disease), which can cause gum, bone and even tooth loss.
• Tooth decay, which can occur when crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss.
• Speech impediments caused by crooked teeth and bite problems.
• Trouble chewing, which can lead to digestive problems.
• Irregular and increased wear of teeth.
• Chipping or breaking teeth, when the teeth protrude.
• Headaches related to jaw misalignment and clenching.
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which is pain and/or popping in the TMJs.

Tooth decay and gum disease have also been linked to heart disease and high blood sugar. Preventing them through orthodontic treatment and regular dental care can improve your health over the long term and save thousands of dollars in future dental and medical expenses.

In addition to using your tax refund for orthodontic treatment, you might be able to reduce your overall tax liability for 2018 in two ways:

• By deducting the cost of treatment. For tax year 2018, certain taxpayers can deduct medical expenses, including orthodontics, in excess of 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. The threshold increases to 10 percent in 2019.
• By paying for treatment using pretax funds from your flexible spending account or a health savings account. Orthodontics is a qualified expense under federal guidelines.

Be sure to speak to your tax adviser for more information about your individual situation.

We realize that orthodontic treatment requires a significant financial investment, but using your tax refund, along with our other payment options and orthodontic insurance, can make orthodontic treatment more affordable than ever. We offer zero-interest financing along with optional extended payment plans. We also have a family care program that gives discounts when multiple family members begin treatment. We accept and can help you apply for CareCredit, and our office will work directly with your insurance company to maximize your benefits.

To talk about your treatment options and determine which financial arrangements work best for your family, call 540-563-1640 or use our appointment request form to schedule a free consultation today at any of our three locations in Roanoke and Rocky Mount. For more information about starting treatment, check out our New Patients section.

— Dr. Jones and the Roanoke Valley Orthodontics team