End-of-Year Reminder from Shimizu Orthodontics: Use Your Flex Benefits Before They Expire

Turn unused benefits into a beautiful smile; learn how your FSA or HSA can help pay for braces or aligners before the year ends.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Meet the Doctors at Shimizu Orthodontics
Why the End of the Year Is a Smart Time to Think About Your Smile
Flex Spending Explained: Turning Benefits Into Smile Progress
FSA vs HSA: Which One Do You Have and Why It Matters
Orthodontic Care That Qualifies for Flex Benefits
Why Flex Spending Accounts Have a Year-End Deadline
How Families Use Flex Benefits at Shimizu Orthodontics
Using Flex Benefits for Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Using Flex Benefits for Braces
Protecting Your Results: Retainers and Smile Maintenance
How Pre-Tax Dollars Reduce the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment
Why Choose Shimizu Orthodontics
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

As the year comes to a close, many families begin reviewing their healthcare benefits and realizing they still have unused funds in their Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account. At Shimizu Orthodontics, we see this every December. Patients are often surprised to learn that orthodontic care is one of the most impactful and rewarding ways to use flex benefits before they reset.

Led by Dr. Ken Shimizu and Dr. Kevin Shimizu, our practice has proudly served Sunnyvale and the surrounding communities with advanced orthodontic care for decades. As a Diamond Plus Top 1% Invisalign® Provider, we specialize in braces, aligners, and personalized treatment plans designed to fit real life.

If you have flex benefits that will expire at year-end, now is the time to act. This guide explains how these benefits work, which orthodontic services qualify, and how you can turn unused dollars into meaningful progress toward a confident, healthy smile.

Meet the Doctors at Shimizu Orthodontics

Dr. Ken Shimizu and Dr. Kevin Shimizu are known for their experience, innovation, and patient-centered approach to orthodontic care. Together, they have built a practice rooted in trust, technology, and long-term results.

Our team believes orthodontic treatment should feel clear and empowering. From your first consultation through the final retainer check, we focus on education, comfort, and outcomes that last. With a long-standing reputation for excellence and recognition as a top Invisalign provider, Shimizu Orthodontics is proud to help patients of all ages reach their smile goals.

Why the End of the Year Is a Smart Time to Think About Your Smile

The end of the year naturally invites reflection and planning. It is a time when families look ahead, set goals, and make thoughtful decisions about health and wellness. Orthodontic treatment fits perfectly into this planning mindset.

Starting treatment before year-end allows you to:

• Use flex benefits that may otherwise expire
• Take advantage of quieter winter schedules
• Begin the new year already making progress
• Lock in current treatment costs
• Avoid delaying care that can improve oral health

For many families, the end of the year offers a natural pause that is often missing during busier seasons. School schedules tend to slow down, work calendars are lighter, and families are already thinking ahead to the new year. This creates an ideal window to focus on orthodontic care without the pressure of packed schedules or competing priorities.

Starting orthodontic treatment during this time allows patients to adjust to braces or aligners privately and comfortably. Any initial soreness or habit changes often occur while routines are already flexible, making the transition smoother. For teens, winter break offers time to adapt before returning to school, while adults appreciate starting treatment without disrupting work or social commitments.

Rather than viewing year-end deadlines as stressful, we encourage families to see this season as an opportunity to make thoughtful, proactive decisions that support long-term oral health and confidence.

Flex Spending Explained: Turning Benefits Into Smile Progress

Flex benefits let you set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses. When used wisely, these accounts can significantly reduce the overall cost of orthodontic treatment.

Flex spending helps patients:

• Lower taxable income
• Reduce out-of-pocket expenses
• Make treatment more accessible
• Take proactive steps toward long-term oral health

Orthodontic care qualifies because it improves tooth alignment, bite function, and overall dental stability.

FSA vs HSA: Which One Do You Have and Why It Matters

Understanding which type of account you have helps you plan effectively.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

FSAs allow you to use pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses, but most plans require you to use the funds by December 31. Any remaining balance may be forfeited.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

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

Both accounts can be used for orthodontic care, but FSAs require more immediate action.

Orthodontic Care That Qualifies for Flex Benefits

Many orthodontic services are eligible flex expenses, including:

• Braces for children, teens, and adults
• Invisalign
• Digital scans and diagnostic exams
• X-rays and 3D imaging
• Orthodontic adjustments
• Retainers and replacement retainers
• Emergency orthodontic visits

If a service supports tooth movement, bite correction, or long-term oral health, it typically qualifies.

Why Flex Spending Accounts Have a Year-End Deadline

FSAs are structured to encourage proactive healthcare planning. Because funds are set aside pre-tax, unused dollars usually do not roll over.

This means:

• Remaining funds reset at year-end
• Unused dollars are forfeited
• Opportunities for meaningful care can be missed

Using your benefits before the deadline ensures your money is invested in your health and confidence.

How Families Use Flex Benefits at Shimizu Orthodontics

Families use their flex benefits in a variety of practical ways:

• Scheduling consultations and diagnostic exams
• Applying funds toward a treatment down payment
• Covering remaining balances for ongoing care
• Purchasing or replacing retainers

You do not need to complete treatment before year-end. Starting treatment or applying for eligible payments before the deadline is enough.

Using Flex Benefits for Invisalign and Clear Aligners

As a Diamond Plus Top 1% Invisalign Provider, Shimizu Orthodontics helps many patients use flex benefits for clear aligner treatment.

Eligible expenses may include:

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

Clear aligners are a popular option for teens and adults seeking a discreet, flexible treatment experience.

Using Flex Benefits for Braces

Braces remain a highly effective option for correcting complex alignment and bite concerns. Flex benefits can often be applied toward:

• Initial evaluations
• Braces placement
• Adjustment appointments
• Retainers following treatment

Using pre-tax dollars helps make braces more affordable while supporting long-term oral health.

Protecting Your Results: Retainers and Smile Maintenance

Even if you are not starting full treatment, flex benefits can still be used to protect the smile you already love.

Eligible maintenance expenses often include:

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

This is an excellent way to maintain results and prevent future orthodontic issues.

How Pre-Tax Dollars Reduce the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment

Using flex benefits allows you to pay for orthodontic care with pre-tax income, which can lower overall costs significantly depending on your tax bracket.

Patients often use these savings to:

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

Flex spending is one of the most effective financial tools available for orthodontic care.

Why Choose Shimizu Orthodontics

Families choose Shimizu Orthodontics because we offer:

• Experienced, patient-focused orthodontic care
• Diamond Plus Top 1% Invisalign expertise
• Advanced digital technology
• Personalized treatment plans
• A supportive and welcoming environment
• A long-standing reputation for excellence

Beyond clinical excellence, our practice is built on relationships and trust. We understand that orthodontic treatment is a journey, and we are committed to supporting patients every step of the way. From your first visit through the completion of treatment, our team is focused on communication, education, and personalized care.

We take pride in helping patients feel confident not only in their smiles, but also in their decisions. Our experience, technology, and patient-first philosophy allow us to deliver results that are both beautiful and lasting.

Conclusion

Unused flex benefits represent an opportunity to invest in your health and confidence before the year resets. At Shimizu Orthodontics, we believe those dollars should be working for you, not going unused.

Whether you are considering braces for your child, aligner treatment for yourself, or retainers to protect an existing smile, flex benefits can make orthodontic care more accessible and affordable. With thoughtful planning and expert guidance, starting treatment before year-end can feel both simple and rewarding.

If you have questions about your FSA or HSA, or if you are ready to take the next step toward your smile goals, now is the time to act. Call us at 408-738-1314 or visit shimizuortho.com to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my FSA for Invisalign treatment?

Yes. Invisalign and clear aligner treatment are eligible expenses under most FSA plans.

Do I have to finish treatment before the year ends?

No. You only need to begin treatment or make an eligible payment before the deadline.

Are retainers covered by flex benefits?

Yes. Retainers and replacement retainers are typically eligible.

What if I am already in orthodontic treatment?

Remaining flex funds can often be applied to ongoing care or retainers.

Can your team help verify my benefits?

Absolutely. Our team is happy to help you understand and maximize your flex benefits.