$3465 each for 3 kids in Phase 1 right now. Paid off kid #1 and started #2 & #3. #4 will start treatment at the end of the year to put as much into 2010 as possible. Our insurance covers $1500 lifetime. I may need to get a job with dental to cover Phase 2 on 5 kids.
We had various issues- crossbite, over bite, little mouths- none requiring a palate expander or extractions.
We got a larger than usual discount on #2, #3, and #4. They usally have a flat rate sibling discount of $250- we got 10%
We are paying monthly, after a deposit of (I think) 10%. When we took our quads in, they were very willing to work with us on payment, extending it twice as long as typical. We also just have it hit our credit card each month, so we get cashback bonus too. It's like an add'l 1% discount. There is no finance charge to do it this way.
We LOVE the docs and the office staff. We do not pay for lost/broken brackets. It's all included. My DS also had some gum tissue lasered off when a tooth just wasn't erupting. No charge. Doc said it actually saves them money, as treatment was stalled until the tooth came down enough for a bracket to be put on.
We did not get 2nd opinions on our quads, but had 3 on our DS. ALL agreed that treatment was needed ASAP and for the same reason, but they all offered different treatment plans. The one we chose said they could do it without expanders or extractions. One ortho wanted to extract and another wanted to expand. We have been very pleased with the progress without such invasive measures.
There are lot of orthos in our area. All offer complimentary consultations and will provide digital photos and a digital panorama xray. Some also offer extras, so know what you are paying for. Common extras- points for good brushing and care accumulate and earn gift cards like Blockbuster, etc. Ours and a couple others give you a free photo session with a photographer when your smile is complete. You get to keep the photo after they are finished displaying it in their office. Free coffee and a parent room with power cords, etc so you can work while your kid is being seen- it's always empty, except for an occasional cell phone convo. Video games for the kids to play while waiting.
The best thing is the staff is AWESOME. You can tell that it's a positive work environment. Heck, I'd consider being a receptionist, especially for the dental plan
. They have patient party each year. The first one was a screening of HSM3 on Saturday AM of opening weekend. DH walked up with DS and no less than 3 people called DS by name. DH had never been in the office and this impressed the heck out of him. This practice is HUGE and has 2 locations. My DS had only been in treatment for 3 months.
It's worth shopping around for a good fit.
). We paid it off immediately with Flex Spending $$ we had put aside for that year (we knew more than a year in advance that this was coming up). Then our insurance reimbursed us their portion ($2000) with a small payment every month for a year. While it did take some saving and planning, it is nice to walk into that office for appointments and not worry about whether I have the check book or whether I have enough money that month for the payment!! 
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) but I managed to avoid that. I was lucky I saved up enough money at my minimum wage job, since I couldn't land a good job with benefits. 
