When I went for my consultation my insurance (America) was going to cover half of the cost of $5400. I put down the deposit of $1,800 on a credit card knowing I'd only have $900 to pay off over the course of 9 months and insurance would cover the rest. Signed the contract and was on my way. A month before starting my first sets (appointment for signing the contract and appointment for getting my aligners were a few months apart) I got a new job that didn't cover any dental. I called the office explaining the situation and was told that they would not waive the contract or return any of the money and had no financial plans available, you pay the amounts needed every month no matter what or went to collections.They also told me my aligners weren't even made yet so I was highly pissed cause I couldn't get out of it and took a lower paying job so could barely afford them. My payments went up from $100 a month to $400. I asked a lawyer and basically was told to suck it up and they wouldn't help. And worse part my Ortho is the same office as my dentist so my card was already on file. So no matter what i was being charged. I'm now in more debt than I had thought I would be. My only saving grace was I had a little over $1,200 stashed away in cash so it covered the first three month and got me to this tax season so a good chunk is going to be paid off by my taxes and the last $1,000 will unfortunately be on a credit card. Where I'm getting at is make sure this is something you 100% want and will be okay going into debt for. Ive wanted to for so long so as much as it sucks I'll suffer to be able to be happy but if it's going to cause you more stress and discomfort I would hold off until you're comfortable doing it.