Can I Use My FSA or HSA for Braces? What You Need to Know Before Year-End
As the year comes to a close, many families find themselves asking: “Can I use my FSA for braces?” or “Does HSA cover orthodontics?”
The answer is yes–and knowing how to use these benefits wisely could save your family hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on orthodontic treatment.
At Sander Orthodontic Arts, we want to help you make the most of your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) before the FSA deadline 2025. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about using these accounts for braces and how to plan ahead for next year.
What’s the Difference Between FSA and HSA?
Before diving into orthodontics, let’s clear up the difference:
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Funded through your employer.
“Use it or lose it” rule: funds typically must be spent by year-end (some plans allow a short grace period).
Annual election is made before the plan year starts.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Available if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
Funds roll over year after year, so you won’t lose unused money.
Offers triple tax benefits: contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Both FSAs and HSAs can be used for qualified medical expenses, which includes many types of orthodontic treatment.
Can I Use My FSA or HSA for Braces?
Yes, you can! Orthodontic treatment is generally considered an eligible medical expense under both FSAs and HSAs.
This means you can use these accounts for:
Down payments on braces or Invisalign
Monthly payments throughout treatment
Orthodontic appliances (such as retainers) if prescribed by your orthodontist
At Sander Orthodontic Arts, we make it easy–we’re happy to apply your FSA or HSA funds toward either your initial payment, ongoing installments, or both.
Why Use FSA or HSA for Orthodontics?
There are two major advantages:
1. Tax Savings
Money in your FSA or HSA is pre-tax. That means you save the percentage you’d normally pay in federal, state, and payroll taxes–typically 20–30%.
Example:
Braces cost = $6,000
Paid through FSA/HSA → $1,500+ in tax savings
2. Budget-Friendly Payments
Using your account for orthodontic treatment helps spread out costs and makes braces more affordable without interest or financing.
Timing Matters: FSA Deadline 2025
Here’s the catch with FSAs: if you don’t use your funds by the deadline, you lose them.
Most FSAs follow the calendar year (ending December 31, 2025).
Some employers allow a grace period of 2.5 months into the new year.
Others allow a small rollover amount (up to $640 for 2024, with possible adjustments in 2025).
If you’ve been considering braces, now is the time to act before unused funds disappear.
Planning Ahead: Schedule Your Consultation Early
At Sander Orthodontic Arts, we recommend scheduling your consultation before your FSA/HSA election period for the next year.
Why? Because:
We can tell you if your child is ready for treatment.
You’ll know the estimated cost of braces or Invisalign.
You can decide how much to allocate for your FSA or contribute to your HSA.
This proactive approach ensures your orthodontic plan aligns with your financial benefits.
HSA Orthodontics: A Flexible Alternative
If you have an HSA, you’re in an even better position:
Funds roll over each year – no rushing to use them.
You can continue contributing during treatment.
HSAs can also cover post-treatment retainers and ongoing orthodontic needs.
This makes HSA orthodontics one of the most cost-effective ways to manage long-term dental and orthodontic care.
Insurance + FSA/HSA: Maximizing Your Savings
If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, you can combine insurance with FSA or HSA funds for maximum benefit.
Example:
Total braces cost: $6,000
Insurance covers: $2,000
Remaining balance: $4,000
Paid through FSA/HSA → potential $1,000 tax savings
That’s a win-win for your smile and your wallet.
FAQs: Using FSA and HSA for Braces
1. Can I pay for Invisalign with FSA or HSA?
Yes. Clear aligners like Invisalign are considered orthodontic treatment and are eligible expenses.
2. What if my child isn’t ready for braces yet?
You can still schedule a consultation to plan ahead. That way, you’ll know how much to set aside for next year’s FSA election.
3. Can I prepay for treatment before the FSA deadline?
Yes. Many families use leftover FSA funds at year-end to make a down payment toward braces.
4. Are retainers covered by FSA/HSA?
Yes, if prescribed as part of orthodontic treatment.
5. What if my insurance denies coverage?
You can still use FSA/HSA dollars to cover the full cost of treatment.
Orthodontic Treatment Insurance vs. FSA/HSA
While insurance may cover a portion of orthodontic costs, it often comes with:
Lifetime maximums
Age restrictions (often only covering children)
Limited coverage for Invisalign or clear aligners
That’s where FSA and HSA funds fill the gap, ensuring your family can afford the care they need without financial stress.
Sander Orthodontic Arts: Helping Families Plan Smiles & Savings
At Sander Orthodontic Arts, we believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of a healthy, confident smile. We work with families to:
Apply FSA or HSA funds toward orthodontic treatment
Maximize insurance benefits
Create flexible payment options that fit your budget
Whether you’re racing the FSA deadline 2025 or planning next year’s benefits, our team is here to guide you.
Don’t lose your hard-earned benefits – schedule your consultation with Sander Orthodontic Arts today and make the most of your FSA or HSA before year-end.