What is to 'Capitalize'. Capitalize is an accounting method used to delay the recognition of expenses by recording the expense as a long-term asset. In general, capitalizing expenses is beneficial as companies acquiring new assets with a long-term lifespan can spread out the cost.
For orthodontics, most, if not all plans have a lifetime maximum amount that the carrier will pay for treatment. This is typically anywhere from $750 to $4000 and the patient is responsible for the remainder of the orthodontic cost.
Here's the maximum amount you can save in your IRA (whether Roth or traditional) next year. I won't keep you in suspense: The 2017 maximum IRA contribution limit is $5,500 (or $6,500 if you're 50 years old or older). Keep in mind that Roth IRAs have different limits based on your income (which can affect your eligibility for a Roth IRA).