Can I get a loan for braces if I have bad credit?

While a higher credit score will always result in better loan offers and lower interest rates, it may still be possible to secure financing for braces with less-than-perfect credit. Some lenders specialize in working with borrowers in the 'fair' credit range (typically 580-669). These loans will likely have higher APRs to offset the lender's risk. To improve your chances, ensure all your income is documented and consider applying with a cosigner who has a strong credit profile.

Is it better to use a personal loan or my orthodontist's payment plan?

The best option depends on the specifics. If your orthodontist offers a true 0% APR plan (not deferred interest) and you are 100% confident you can pay it off within the promotional window, that can be the cheapest route. However, if there's any doubt, a personal loan is often safer. Its fixed interest rate and consistent monthly payment eliminate the risk of a surprise deferred-interest charge, providing peace of mind and budget predictability.

How much can I borrow for an Invisalign finance plan?

Personal loans for dental and orthodontic work typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, which aligns perfectly with the average cost of Invisalign treatment. The exact amount you can borrow will depend on your creditworthiness, income, and the lender's policies. It's wise to get a firm quote from your provider before applying so you know exactly how much you need to request.

Can I use a personal loan to pay for my child's braces?

Absolutely. A personal loan is one of the most common ways parents finance their children's orthodontic care. When you're approved for the loan, the funds are deposited into your bank account. You are then free to use that money to pay any provider for any approved purpose, including paying your child's orthodontist in full.

What's the difference between CareCredit and a personal loan?

CareCredit is a healthcare-specific credit card that can only be used at enrolled providers. It's famous for its promotional 0% APR offers, which often operate on a deferred interest basis. A personal loan is a more general financial product from a bank, credit union, or online lender. It provides you with cash that can be used anywhere, offering greater flexibility and the security of a simple, fixed interest rate.

Does checking my rate for a dental loan for braces affect my credit score?

No. The initial process of checking your rate through our platform uses a 'soft credit inquiry.' This allows lenders to review your credit profile to determine pre-qualified offers without impacting your credit score. A 'hard credit inquiry,' which can temporarily lower your score by a few points, only occurs if you select a loan offer and proceed with the full, formal application.

Financing Plans for Your Orthodontic Treatment

Don't let the cost of a perfect smile hold you back. Compare personal loan options to cover braces or Invisalign with a single, predictable monthly payment.

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Navigating the Cost of Braces and Invisalign

The decision to get orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member is a major investment in long-term health and confidence. However, the price tag for braces or an Invisalign payment plan can be a significant hurdle, often ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. While dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, many patients are left with a substantial out-of-pocket expense. This reality leads many to search for manageable solutions like orthodontist payment plans or ways to handle the braces monthly cost without straining their budget.

Most orthodontic offices offer in-house financing or partner with third-party medical credit companies like CareCredit or OrthoFi. These can be convenient, but they aren't your only choice. A personal loan for dental work offers a powerful alternative, providing you with the full amount for treatment upfront. This empowers you to pay your orthodontist in full—sometimes even unlocking a pay-in-full discount—while you repay the loan over time with predictable, fixed monthly payments.

The Challenge of Paying for a Straighter Smile

In-house financing has rigid, inflexible payment schedules.
Our lender network offers personal loans with flexible repayment terms that can be tailored to fit your monthly budget.
My orthodontist’s plan requires a large down payment I can't afford.
A personal loan can cover the entire cost of treatment, potentially eliminating the need for a significant down payment.
Medical credit cards often come with confusing deferred-interest terms.
Personal loans offer simple, fixed interest rates, so your monthly payment and total cost are clear from day one.
I'm not sure if I qualify for specialized options like OrthoFi financing.
Our simple online form lets you check your eligibility with multiple lenders at once, without impacting your credit score.

How a Personal Loan Works for Orthodontic Financing

Unlike a payment plan managed by your orthodontist's office, a personal loan is a direct relationship between you and a lender. The concept is straightforward: you apply for a specific amount, and if approved, the funds are deposited directly into your bank account. You can then use this cash to pay your orthodontist for the entire treatment cost upfront. Afterward, you repay the loan to the lender in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to five years. This structure transforms a large, intimidating bill into a series of manageable braces monthly payments.

This approach provides significant advantages. First, it separates your medical treatment from your financing. Your repayment obligation is to the lender, not your healthcare provider. Second, having the cash on hand makes you a 'cash-payer' at the orthodontist's office, which can sometimes give you leverage to negotiate a discount. Finally, the funds are flexible. If your treatment requires an unexpected procedure or a more expensive type of retainer, the loan can be structured to cover all associated costs, not just the initial quote.

See Your Personalized Loan Options

Compare rates for orthodontic financing in minutes.

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Get Your Orthodontic Treatment Funded in 3 Steps

1
1. Fill out one simple form
Tell us how much you need to borrow for your treatment. The secure online form takes about two minutes to complete.
2
2. Compare your offers
If you pre-qualify, you can review loan amounts, APRs, and monthly payments from our network of lenders. This step won't affect your credit score.
3
3. Receive your funds
Once you select an offer and are fully approved, funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account, often as soon as the next business day.

Understanding the Total Cost of Orthodontic Work

Traditional Metal Braces Average US cost	$3,000 - $7,000
Invisalign Treatment Average US cost	$3,000 - $8,000
Ceramic or Lingual Braces Average US cost	$4,000 - $10,000
Post-Treatment Retainers Typical cost	$200 - $600

Estimated monthly

~$120/mo

Based on a $5,500 loan with a 5-year term at 11% APR

These figures are national averages, and your specific cost will depend on your orthodontist, geographic location, and the complexity of your treatment plan. A personal loan is designed to be flexible enough to cover the full spectrum of these costs, ensuring you can choose the best treatment option for your needs, not just the cheapest.

Loan amount: $2,000 – $10,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Term: 24 mo – 60 mo

Your actual rate depends upon credit score, loan amount, loan term, and credit usage and history. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0.99%-8.99% of your loan amount, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.

Orthodontist Payment Plans vs. Personal Loans

When you're presented with financing options at the orthodontist's office, it's crucial to understand what you're agreeing to. Many in-house plans or medical credit cards offer an attractive 0% introductory APR. While tempting, these offers often use a 'deferred interest' model. This means if you don't pay off the entire balance within the promotional period, you'll be charged all the interest that accrued from day one, often at a very high rate of 25% or more. A personal loan, by contrast, has a simple, fixed interest rate from the start, making your total cost clear and predictable.

Comparing Your Financing Options

Feature	Personal Loan	In-House Financing / Medical Card	Traditional Credit Card
Interest Rate	Fixed, typically 8-35.99%	0% intro, then high deferred interest	Variable, typically 20-30%+
Monthly Payment	Fixed and predictable	Can change after intro period	Minimum payment fluctuates
Funding Method	Lump sum cash to you	Direct payment to provider	Pay provider as a purchase
Best For	Predictability and budget certainty	Those who can pay off 100% in promo period	Small expenses or earning rewards

Find Out What You Qualify For

Checking your rate is free and won't affect your credit score.

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What Lenders Look for in an Orthodontic Loan Application

Good to Excellent Credit: A credit score of 640 or higher generally gives you access to more lenders and better interest rates.
Steady Source of Income: Lenders need to see that you have a consistent income sufficient to cover the new loan payment plus your existing obligations.
Low Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Your total monthly debt payments (including the new loan) should ideally be less than 40% of your gross monthly income.
Positive Credit History: A history of on-time payments and responsible credit management demonstrates to lenders that you are a reliable borrower.

If your credit profile is still developing, you may still have options. Some lenders work with borrowers with fair credit. You can also consider applying with a creditworthy cosigner to potentially improve your chances of approval and secure a lower interest rate.

Example scenario

The payment plan from my orthodontist had a huge down payment I couldn't afford. A personal loan let me cover the whole cost of my Invisalign upfront and the monthly payments are way more manageable.

Jessica M.·Invisalign Patient, Austin, TX

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontist Financing

Can I get a loan for braces if I have bad credit?
While a higher credit score will always result in better loan offers and lower interest rates, it may still be possible to secure financing for braces with less-than-perfect credit. Some lenders specialize in working with borrowers in the 'fair' credit range (typically 580-669). These loans will likely have higher APRs to offset the lender's risk. To improve your chances, ensure all your income is documented and consider applying with a cosigner who has a strong credit profile.
Is it better to use a personal loan or my orthodontist's payment plan?
The best option depends on the specifics. If your orthodontist offers a true 0% APR plan (not deferred interest) and you are 100% confident you can pay it off within the promotional window, that can be the cheapest route. However, if there's any doubt, a personal loan is often safer. Its fixed interest rate and consistent monthly payment eliminate the risk of a surprise deferred-interest charge, providing peace of mind and budget predictability.
How much can I borrow for an Invisalign finance plan?
Personal loans for dental and orthodontic work typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, which aligns perfectly with the average cost of Invisalign treatment. The exact amount you can borrow will depend on your creditworthiness, income, and the lender's policies. It's wise to get a firm quote from your provider before applying so you know exactly how much you need to request.
Can I use a personal loan to pay for my child's braces?
Absolutely. A personal loan is one of the most common ways parents finance their children's orthodontic care. When you're approved for the loan, the funds are deposited into your bank account. You are then free to use that money to pay any provider for any approved purpose, including paying your child's orthodontist in full.
What's the difference between CareCredit and a personal loan?
CareCredit is a healthcare-specific credit card that can only be used at enrolled providers. It's famous for its promotional 0% APR offers, which often operate on a deferred interest basis. A personal loan is a more general financial product from a bank, credit union, or online lender. It provides you with cash that can be used anywhere, offering greater flexibility and the security of a simple, fixed interest rate.
Does checking my rate for a dental loan for braces affect my credit score?
No. The initial process of checking your rate through our platform uses a 'soft credit inquiry.' This allows lenders to review your credit profile to determine pre-qualified offers without impacting your credit score. A 'hard credit inquiry,' which can temporarily lower your score by a few points, only occurs if you select a loan offer and proceed with the full, formal application.

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Take the next step towards a confident smile

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.

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