Gluck Orthodontics Reminds You to Use Your Flex Spending Before It Expires
The year’s almost over; here’s how to make your benefits work for your smile.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Meet Dr. Joel Gluck and Dr. Jono Gluck
Understanding Your FSA and HSA
Orthodontic Treatments Eligible for Flex Spending
Why FSAs Expire and What That Means for You
How to Maximize Your Benefits Before Year End
Using Your Flex Funds for Braces
Using Your Flex Funds for Invisalign
Using Your Flex Funds for Orthodontic Retainers
How Flex Spending Helps Make Treatment More Affordable
The Gluck Orthodontics Experience
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Treatment
Why Choose Gluck Orthodontics
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
At Gluck Orthodontics, every patient deserves the opportunity for transformative treatment. As Nashville’s trusted orthodontic home for over 40 years, we know the importance of smart financial planning for braces and aligners. Dr. Joel Gluck and Dr. Jono Gluck are dedicated to helping you understand your benefits, maximize savings, and start your smile transformation with confidence.
As the year ends, many let valuable flex spending dollars expire, unaware they can be used for orthodontic care. Whether considering braces, Invisalign®, aligners for your teen, or a replacement retainer, your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) could help before December 31.
In this guide, we explain how these benefits work, how to use them for orthodontic treatment, and why now is the best time to use your remaining balance. Our goal is to ensure every dollar you set aside supports a smile you love.
Meet Dr. Joel Gluck and Dr. Jono Gluck
For more than four decades, families across Nashville have trusted Gluck Orthodontics to deliver personalized, high-quality care. Dr. Joel Gluck and Dr. Jono Gluck are known for their expertise, innovation, and compassion. Together, they provide braces, Invisalign, and advanced digital orthodontics that help patients of all ages achieve legendary smiles.
Our practice has earned more than 1005 five-star reviews because we prioritize patient experience, comfort, and education. Whether you are beginning braces, managing an FSA, or exploring clear aligners, our team walks with you every step of the way.
Understanding Your FSA and HSA
Before deciding how to use your benefits, it helps to understand the difference between an FSA and an HSA.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
An FSA is a special account where you set aside pre-tax money to pay for medical, dental, and orthodontic expenses. Most FSAs expire on December 31, meaning unused funds are lost.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA uses pre-tax dollars, rolls over funds annually, is paired with high-deductible health plans, and can be used for orthodontic treatment.
Both accounts can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost for orthodontics, but FSAs are especially time-sensitive.
Orthodontic Treatments Eligible for Flex Spending
Many people are surprised to learn just how much orthodontic care is considered eligible for FSA or HSA use.
Common eligible services include:
- Braces for children, teens, and adults
- Invisalign treatment
- Other clear aligner therapies
- Orthodontic retainers
- Replacement retainers
- Treatment-related diagnostic exams and digital scans
- Orthodontic consultations
- Emergency orthodontic visits
In most cases, any orthodontic service that straightens teeth, corrects the bite, or improves oral health qualifies.
Why FSAs Expire and What That Means for You
Flexible Spending Accounts are designed to encourage individuals to be proactive with their healthcare. The funds do not carry over, which is why using them before the end of the year is so crucial.
If you have unused money in your FSA, you have several options:
- Start orthodontic treatment before December 31
- Purchase retainers or replacement retainers
- Reserve your spot for braces or Invisalign with an eligible down payment
- Apply funds toward ongoing treatment if you are already a patient
If you do not use your remaining balance, the money is forfeited back to your employer.
How to Maximize Your Benefits Before Year-End
Here are the steps our team recommends:
1. Check Your Current Balance
Log in to your benefits portal or ask your HR department how much is left in your account.
2. Confirm Orthodontic Eligibility
Most plans cover orthodontics, but it is smart to double-check.
3. Schedule Your Consultation Now
The earlier you schedule, the more time you have to complete paperwork and use your benefits.
4. Use Your FSA for Your Down Payment
You do not need to complete treatment this year. You only need to begin and apply eligible funds.
5. Start With Diagnostic Records
Digital scans, X-rays, and evaluations are eligible FSA expenses.
6. Apply Funds to Retainers
Retainers, whether for post-treatment or nighttime maintenance, are also covered.
Using Your Flex Funds for Braces
Braces are among the most common orthodontic treatments eligible for FSA and HSA dollars. Whether your child needs braces or you are finally ready to start your own smile journey, your flex spending account can help cover the cost of:
- Initial consultation
- Diagnostic exams
- X-rays and 3D imaging
- Brackets and wires
- Adjustments
- Retainers after treatment
This allows you to take advantage of tax savings while improving your long-term dental health.
Using Your Flex Funds for Invisalign
Invisalign is eligible under most FSA and HSA plans. Clear aligners are ideal for adults and teens seeking a discreet, comfortable solution.
Your flex spending may apply toward:
- Invisalign diagnostic records
- Your full treatment plan
- Replacement aligners
- Post-treatment retainers
Many families use their FSA to start their new smile before year-end.
Using Your Flex Funds for Orthodontic Retainers
Even without starting braces or aligners, your FSA can cover orthodontic needs.
Your FSA may cover:
- New retainers
- Retainer replacements
- Digital scans for retainer fabrication
- Retainer check appointments
If you need a retainer replacement, now is the perfect time to use leftover FSA funds.
How Flex Spending Helps Make Treatment More Affordable
Using pre-tax dollars can reduce your treatment cost by hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on your tax bracket. Instead of allowing unused benefits to expire, you can apply them directly to a treatment that enhances both confidence and oral health.
Families often use their FSA money to:
- Reduce upfront treatment costs
- Lower their monthly payment
- Start treatment earlier than planned
It's one of the simplest ways to make orthodontic care accessible.
The Gluck Orthodontics Experience
Our practice is built on personalized care, leading technology, and a team that truly loves serving our community. With Gluck Orthodontics, you receive:
- A friendly, supportive introduction to treatment options
- Clear and honest financial guidance
- A customized treatment plan
- Flexible financing options
- Expert care from a team that has transformed Nashville smiles for more than 40 years
We are here to help you use your benefits wisely and confidently.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Treatment
There are several advantages to beginning treatment before December 31:
- You maximize unused FSA funds
- You take advantage of any year-end dental benefits
- You lock in your pricing before the new year
- You can begin treatment during winter break when schedules are lighter
- You set yourself up for a healthy, confident new year
- Small steps now can lead to big smile improvements all year long
Why Choose Gluck Orthodontics
Families across Nashville choose our team because we offer:
- More than 40 years of trusted orthodontic care
- A warm, supportive, patient-centred environment
- Advanced technology and digital treatment planning
- Invisalign and braces for all ages
- Flexible payment options
- A reputation for excellence supported by more than 1005 five-star reviews
We put our heart into every smile we help create.
Conclusion
Your FSA dollars are a powerful tool to invest in your smile, but only if you use them before they expire. At Gluck Orthodontics, we are here to help you make the most of every benefit so you can achieve a confident, healthy smile you love.
Call or text us today at 615-269-5903 to schedule your end-of-year consultation with our team. Visit drgluck.com to request your appointment and ensure your flex spending is used on time. Let’s help you put your benefits to work before December 31 so you can begin a rewarding new smile journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my FSA for Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign, diagnostic records, and retainers are all eligible under most FSA plans.
Do I have to finish treatment before the year ends to use my FSA?
No. You only need to begin treatment or make an eligible payment by December 31.
What if I am already in treatment?
You can use the remaining funds for retainers, adjustments, or treatment-related costs.
Does insurance also apply to orthodontic treatment?
Many plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team can help you verify coverage.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept FSAs, HSAs, insurance benefits, major credit cards, and flexible financing.
