What Smile Generation offers and how it differs from other orthodontists
Smile Generation is a network of dental practices that provide orthodontic treatment, including braces and aligners, through affiliated locations across multiple states. Unlike independent orthodontists, Smile Generation operates as a group practice model where individual offices are independently owned but follow shared clinical standards and use centralized marketing and administrative systems.
The main difference between Smile Generation and a standalone orthodontist is how treatment costs and payment plans are structured. Smile Generation locations typically offer in-house financing options and bundled pricing that may differ from what you would negotiate with a private practice. The treatment itself — the actual orthodontic care — follows the same clinical principles as any other orthodontist, but the business model affects what you pay upfront, how payments are divided, and what happens if you move or need to switch providers.
Smile Generation does not operate as a dental insurance plan or discount network. You still pay out of pocket or use your own dental insurance; Smile Generation straightforward coordinates how that payment is structured through their locations.
Key Takeaways
- Smile Generation locations offer in-house payment plans that typically divide the total cost into monthly installments, often with no interest if paid within a set timeframe.
- Your dental insurance coverage applies the same way it would at any other orthodontist — Smile Generation does not change your insurance benefits or coverage limits.
- Treatment costs vary by location and case complexity, so the price quoted at one Smile Generation office may differ from another.
- If you move or need to transfer care, you may be able to continue at another Smile Generation location, but policies on transferring balances and treatment records vary by practice.
How Smile Generation's payment plans work
Most Smile Generation locations offer in-house financing, meaning the practice itself extends credit rather than referring you to a third-party lender. These plans typically break the total orthodontic fee into equal monthly payments over 24 to 36 months. Many plans charge no interest if you complete payments within the promotional period — usually 24 months — and then explore a standard interest rate if the balance extends beyond that.
The total cost you see quoted usually includes the full course of treatment: the initial exam and X-rays, braces or aligners, adjustments, and retention. Some practices separate the retention fee (the cost of the retainer after braces come off) as an additional charge. Before you commit, ask whether the quote includes retention and whether there are any fees for emergency visits or broken brackets.
You pay a portion upfront — often called the down payment or initial fee — and then the remainder in monthly installments. The down payment amount varies by location but is typically 10 to 25 percent of the total cost. If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontics, your insurance payment is usually applied to reduce the total amount owed, and then you pay the remainder through the in-house plan.
How dental insurance interacts with Smile Generation treatment
Your dental insurance coverage works the same way at a Smile Generation location as it does at any other orthodontist. If your plan includes orthodontic benefits, the insurance company pays their portion directly to the practice, and you are responsible for the rest. Smile Generation does not negotiate different insurance rates or offer special insurance arrangements.
Most dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics pay 50 percent of the cost after you meet your deductible, up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $2,000. Your actual coverage depends entirely on your specific plan — the network, the deductible, the percentage covered, and the annual or lifetime limit. Smile Generation's billing department can contact your insurance company to verify your benefits before treatment starts, which tells you exactly what your insurance will pay and what you owe.
If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover orthodontics, you pay the full cost through Smile Generation's in-house plan or out of pocket.
Comparing Smile Generation's costs to independent orthodontists
Smile Generation's pricing is not standardized across all locations. Each practice sets its own fees based on local market rates, overhead, and the orthodontist's experience. This means the cost of braces at one Smile Generation office may be $3,500 to $7,000, while another location charges differently. You cannot assume that all Smile Generation practices cost the same or that they are cheaper or more expensive than independent orthodontists in your area.
The main cost advantage of Smile Generation is often the in-house payment plan structure, which may offer zero-interest financing if you pay within the promotional period. Independent orthodontists also offer payment plans, but they may require you to use a third-party lender like CareCredit, which typically charges interest from the start. Some independent practices offer their own in-house plans as well, so the financing difference is not unique to Smile Generation.
To compare actual costs, you need to get treatment estimates from multiple practices — both Smile Generation locations and independent orthodontists — in your area. Ask each one for the total treatment cost, the down payment required, the monthly payment amount, the interest rate (if any), and what is included in the fee.
What happens if you move or need to transfer care
If you start treatment at one Smile Generation location and move to another area, you may be able to continue at a different Smile Generation practice. However, policies on transferring treatment records, continuing the same payment plan, and honoring the original fee vary by location. Some practices will transfer your case smoothly; others may require you to restart the payment arrangement or pay a new down payment.
Before you begin treatment, ask the practice what happens if you relocate. Get the answer in writing if possible. If you need to transfer to an independent orthodontist or a different network, you can request your treatment records and X-rays, and the new orthodontist can take over your care. You may owe a transfer fee or be required to pay a new down payment, depending on how much treatment remains.
If you stop treatment before it is complete — for example, if you move and cannot find a Smile Generation location nearby — you are typically still responsible for the remaining balance on your payment plan, even if you do not finish the treatment. Read the payment agreement carefully to understand what happens if treatment is interrupted.
Smile Generation's treatment options: braces and aligners
Smile Generation locations offer both traditional metal braces and clear aligners (similar to Invisalign). The type of treatment recommended depends on your specific orthodontic needs, and not all cases are suitable for aligners. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine which option works for your situation.
Metal braces are typically the less expensive option and are effective for complex cases. Clear aligners cost more but are less visible and can be removed for eating and cleaning. The treatment timeline is similar for both — usually 18 to 36 months — though this varies based on how much movement your teeth need.
The cost difference between braces and aligners is usually reflected in the total fee quoted to you. Ask whether the practice charges the same for both options or if aligners cost more. Some insurance plans cover braces but not aligners, or they cover aligners at a lower percentage, so verify your coverage before choosing.
Questions to ask a Smile Generation location before starting treatment
Before you commit to treatment, gather specific information about costs, payment terms, and what happens if your situation changes. Ask the practice for a written treatment plan that includes the total cost, the down payment, the monthly payment amount, the number of months, the interest rate, and the exact date interest begins if the balance is not paid off. Confirm what is included in the fee — initial exam, X-rays, adjustments, emergency visits, retention — and what costs extra.
Ask what happens if you move, if treatment takes longer than expected, or if you need to pause treatment. Ask whether the practice accepts your dental insurance and whether they will verify your benefits before you start. Ask about their cancellation or refund policy if you decide not to proceed after the initial consultation. Get all of this in writing before you sign any agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Smile Generation accept my dental insurance?
Smile Generation locations accept most major dental insurance plans, but coverage varies by plan. The practice's billing department can contact your insurance company to verify what your plan covers before treatment starts. Your insurance benefit applies the same way it would at any other orthodontist — the insurance pays their portion, and you pay the rest.
What if I cannot afford the down payment?
Some Smile Generation locations may negotiate a smaller down payment or offer alternative payment arrangements, but this varies by practice. Contact the location directly to discuss your situation. If Smile Generation cannot work with your budget, you can explore other orthodontists or look into third-party financing options like CareCredit, which some practices accept.
Can I switch to a different Smile Generation location if I move?
You may be able to transfer to another Smile Generation location, but policies differ by practice. Some will transfer your records and continue your payment plan; others may require a new arrangement. Ask about this before you start treatment and get the answer in writing.
What is included in the Smile Generation treatment cost?
The total cost typically includes the initial exam and X-rays, braces or aligners, adjustments during treatment, and a retainer after braces come off. Some practices charge extra for the retainer, emergency visits, or additional X-rays. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what is included before you sign the payment agreement.
Do I have to use Smile Generation's payment plan, or can I pay in full?
Most practices allow you to pay the full cost upfront if you choose. Paying in full may may have access to you for a discount at some locations. Ask whether the practice offers a reduction for full payment before treatment starts.