Use Your Flex Benefits Before They Expire

Use Your Flex Benefits Before They Expire

Wertz Orthodontics Explains How to Maximize FSA Dollars Before the Year Ends

Table of Contents

Introduction
Meet Dr. Robert Wertz
Understanding Flex Spending and Why It Matters
FSA vs HSA: What Is the Difference
Orthodontic Treatments Eligible for Flex Benefits
Why Flex Spending Dollars Expire
Smart Ways to Use FSA Funds Before Year-End
Using Flex Benefits for Braces
Using Flex Benefits for Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Using Flex Benefits for Retainers and Ongoing Care
How Flex Spending Lowers the Cost of Treatment
Why Year-End Is an Ideal Time to Start Treatment
Why Choose Wertz Orthodontics
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions


Introduction

As the year comes to a close, many families are reviewing their benefits and realizing they still have unused flex spending dollars. At Wertz Orthodontics, we see this happen every year. Patients set aside money for healthcare expenses, only to let it expire simply because they are unsure how or when to use it.


Led by Dr. Robert Wertz, our team has proudly served families across Lebanon, Robesonia, and Hershey, Pennsylvania, for more than 45 years. We believe orthodontic care should be both accessible and easy to understand, especially when it comes to making the most of your benefits.


If you have an FSA or HSA, now is the time to put those dollars to work. Braces, Invisalign®, retainers, and many orthodontic services are eligible expenses. In the following sections, we will explain how flex benefits work, why timing matters, and practical ways to use your remaining funds before the year-end deadline to invest in a healthier, more confident smile.


Meet Dr. Robert Wertz

Dr. Wertz has spent more than four decades helping patients achieve confident smiles through personalized orthodontic care. Known for his experience, consistency, and patient-first approach, Dr. Wertz works closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that fits their goals, lifestyle, and budget.


At Wertz Orthodontics, we combine trusted expertise with modern technology to deliver braces and Invisalign treatment that is efficient, comfortable, and effective for patients of all ages.


Understanding Flex Spending and Why It Matters

Flex spending accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars specifically for healthcare expenses. When used correctly, these accounts can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for orthodontic treatment.


Many patients are surprised to learn how much orthodontic care qualifies. Using flex benefits means:

  • Lower overall treatment costs
  • Reduced taxable income
  • Less financial stress when starting treatment
  • The ability to plan ahead with confidence


The key is understanding deadlines and eligibility.


FSA vs HSA: What Is the Difference

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 allows you to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. Most FSAs require you to spend the funds by December 31 each year, or you will forfeit any remaining funds. Some plans may offer a grace period into the new year or permit a small carryover amount, but these provisions vary and are not guaranteed.


Health Savings Account (HSA)

An HSA also uses pre-tax dollars, but the funds roll over from year to year. HSAs are typically paired with high-deductible health plans and offer long-term flexibility.


Both accounts can be used for orthodontic care, but FSAs are especially time-sensitive.


Orthodontic Treatments Eligible for Flex Benefits

Flex spending dollars can be applied to a wide range of orthodontic services, including:


  • Braces for children, teens, and adults
  • Invisalign 
  • Diagnostic records and digital scans
  • X-rays and treatment planning
  • Orthodontic adjustments
  • Retainers and replacement retainers
  • Emergency orthodontic visits


These services qualify because they improve oral health, function, and long-term dental stability.


Why Flex Spending Dollars Expire

FSAs encourage proactive healthcare planning by requiring funds be used by a specified deadline, typically December 31. The IRS generally does not permit unused FSA dollars to roll over, so any amount left after the deadline must be forfeited, unless your plan specifically allows for a grace period or carryover.


This means:

  • Unused money does not roll over
  • Funds are returned to the employer
  • Missed opportunities for meaningful care


Using your FSA before the December 31 deadline ensures the money benefits you and your family, not your benefits provider. If you miss the deadline and your plan does not offer a grace period or carryover, any unused funds are lost.


Smart Ways to Use FSA Funds Before Year-End

If you still have money in your FSA, there are several practical ways to apply it.


Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation
Initial evaluations and diagnostic records are often eligible expenses.


Apply Funds to a Down Payment
You do not need to complete treatment this year. Starting treatment and making an eligible payment is enough.


Cover Ongoing Treatment Costs
Patients already in treatment can apply funds toward adjustments or remaining balances.


Replace or Purchase Retainers
Lost or worn retainers are a common year-end FSA expense.


Using Flex Benefits for Braces

Braces remain one of the most effective orthodontic solutions for correcting alignment and bite issues. Flex benefits can help cover:


  • Initial exams and records
  • Brackets and wires
  • Adjustment visits
  • Retainers after treatment


Using FSA or HSA dollars can make braces more affordable while supporting long-term oral health.


Using Flex Benefits for Invisalign and Clear Aligners

Clear aligner treatment is also an eligible flex expense. Invisalign and similar clear tray systems are popular among teens and adults who want a more discreet treatment option.


Flex benefits may apply to:

  • Digital scans and treatment setup
  • Aligner fabrication
  • Replacement aligners
  • Post-treatment retainers


Many patients choose to begin Invisalign before year-end to maximize unused benefits.


Using Flex Benefits for Retainers and Ongoing Care

Even if you are not starting full treatment, flex benefits can still be used for orthodontic maintenance.

Eligible expenses often include:


  • New retainers
  • Replacement retainers
  • Retainer check appointments
  • Digital scans for retainer fabrication


This is an excellent option for patients who want to protect their smile long-term.


How Flex Spending Lowers the Cost of Treatment

Using pre-tax dollars can reduce orthodontic costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on your tax bracket. Instead of paying with post-tax income, a flex spending account lets you stretch your healthcare budget further.


Many families use flex benefits to:

  • Reduce upfront costs
  • Lower monthly payments
  • Start treatment sooner than planned


It is one of the smartest financial tools available for orthodontic care.


Why Year-End Is an Ideal Time to Start Treatment

Starting orthodontic treatment before year-end offers several advantages:

  • You avoid losing unused FSA funds
  • You lock in current pricing
  • You take advantage of lighter winter schedules
  • You begin the new year already making progress


Small steps now can lead to big smile transformations in the months ahead.

Why Choose Wertz Orthodontics

Families choose Wertz Orthodontics because we offer:

  • Over 45 years of orthodontic experience
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Braces and Invisalign options
  • A welcoming, family-focused environment
  • Clear financial guidance and flexible payment options
  • A commitment to long-term smile success


Our team is dedicated to helping patients feel confident in both their care and their investment.


Conclusion

Unused flex spending dollars are a missed opportunity for your health and confidence. Each year, families let these funds expire because they're unsure how to apply them. At Wertz Orthodontics, we want to help you put your dollars to work instead of letting them go unused.


Whether you are considering braces for your child, Invisalign or clear aligners for yourself, or simply need new retainers to protect the smile you already love, flex benefits can make orthodontic care more affordable and accessible. Using pre-tax dollars helps reduce overall costs while allowing you to take meaningful steps toward improved oral health and confidence.


Our team is here to make the process simple. We will help you understand your benefits, explore treatment options, and apply eligible funds before they reset. With flexible scheduling and personalized care, starting treatment before the end of the year can feel both manageable and rewarding.


Don't let your FSA or HSA benefits expire. Schedule your consultation today at 717-273-9780 or wertzortho.com and make the most of your benefits before year-end.


Frequently Asked Questions

To further assist you in making the best use of your flex benefits, here are quick answers to common questions patients often have.

Can I use my FSA for Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign and clear aligners are eligible expenses under most plans.


Do I have to finish treatment before year-end?
No. You only need to begin treatment or make an eligible payment before the deadline.


What if I am already in treatment?
You can use the remaining funds for ongoing care or retainers.


Are retainers covered by flex benefits?
Yes. Retainers and replacements are typically eligible.



Can your team help verify my benefits?
Absolutely. We are happy to help you understand and maximize your coverage.

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