Do you have kids with crooked teeth? Teeth-straightening is a long drawn process that requires a lot of patience and savings.
Before you choose your orthodontist and the type of braces, you must consider the braces cost first. You must certainly be wondering – how much do braces cost?
Well, you are not alone. Many people around the world are constantly asking this question in a bid to take orthodontic treatment and perfect their teeth.
Braces are not cheap. You might pay for braces anywhere between 1,500$ to 13,000$ or even more. Traditional braces are made from metal alloys and are usually less expensive as compared to the advanced braces available today.
There are many different types of braces to choose from and people often prefer the more advanced ones to the cumbersome metallic braces.
To get a better understanding of braces costs, let us look at the types of braces available. This is because the cost of treatment essentially depends on the braces you decide to go with.
Braces Types
Types of braces available today include the Traditional Metal Braces, Damon braces, Lingual braces, Ceramic Braces and Invisalign braces.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, price often being one of them.
Traditional Metal Braces
Those are the braces most people picture when thinking of dental braces. Although the traditional metal braces still involve visible metal wires and brackets on top of the teeth, new technologies made those less noticeable and more effective than in the past. The brackets
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic Braces can be described as metal braces in disguise. Those are very similar to metal braces. The main difference is that the brackets are the same color as teeth giving it a less noticeable look. Some offer ceramic braces with tooth colored wires as well. Those are obviously will have an even less noticeable appearance. Those braces require very thorough dental hygiene as the tooth colored brackets can be easily stained.
Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces are one of the modern alternatives to traditional metal braces. Those braces are attached to the back of the teeth and are more discreet as compared to the traditional braces. Incognito Lingual Braces is the most common lingual braces system available. Those are custom made to fit each individual. Being custom made, together with the fact that fewer orthodontists offer this type of braces and the visual benefit those braces offer to make them far more expensive than traditional metal braces.
However being expensive is not the only disadvantage of lingual braces. Those usually are less comfortable to wear and cause more sourness to the tongue. Lingual braces are not effective for severe dental cases. The adjustment appointments you have during the treatment usually take more time. Dental hygiene is also an issue when it comes to lingual braces. It is a bit tricky to properly clean most types of braces. However when it comes to braces that are sitting on the back of your teeth this might become really challenging.
Damon Braces
The appearance of Damon braces has a lot in common with traditional metal braces. Both of those braces have metal wires and brackets. In Damon braces, the brackets slide on the wire. This fact drastically reduces the number of adjustment appointments one wearing Damon braces will have with his orthodontists. Another major benefit of Damon braces is the amount of time the treatment takes. Damon braces tend to have an effect on teeth faster than the traditional metal braces.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign braces offer a much different experience than other types of braces. Unlike other brace types , Invisalign braces are removable. Those are basically transparent retainers that are worn on top of your teeth. Those braces cause way less discomfort than any other type of braces. Teeth cleaning is also not an issue since the braces can be removed for eating and brushing. However, it is important to brush and floss your teeth after every meal to avoid stains. The main drawback of Invisalign is them not being effective for severe dental cases. Invisalign braces are also not suitable for children.
Other Factors that Affect Braces Cost
Location, Length of treatment and the severity of your bite will influence the overall amount of money you will need to spend on your braces. Age of the patient often plays a role in defining how long the treatment will take. The younger you are , the faster and easier it is to move your teeth into their right place.
How experienced is your orthodontist will also affect the cost of your braces. Those looking for cheaper options might consider checking with dental schools. Dental schools offer attractive prices trying to compensate over the risk you take being treated by a student under professional supervision.
Price Ranges for Different Braces Types
For traditional braces, you will be paying anywhere between $3000 and $7500 without insurance. Sometimes metal braces are worn only on the upper or the lower teeth. Whether you will need braces for both upper and lower teeth or only one set of teeth will affect the amount of money you will need to spend on your metal braces. The severity of your bite will also have a serious impact on the price of your orthodontic treatment. Some really severe cases may require spending as much as 10,000$ for traditional metal braces.
Lingual braces cost at least $1000 to $2500 more than traditional braces. These braces are expensive because they require the dentist to be highly skilled. Treatment for these braces is spread over a longer duration of time. So, if you opt for the Incognito type braces, you can expect the expenses to be in the range of 5,000$ t0 13,000$.
Damon Braces or Ceramic Braces will cost you anywhere between 2,000-8,500$.
If you opt for the Invisalign braces, again your cost can go up to $8000 depending on the extent of alignment required.
Dental Insurance for Braces
Not all dental insurance plans will cover braces. Those that offer braces coverage might not cover the treatment for everyone. Usually, kids get insurance for traditional braces. If you are an adult, you may have to prove the functional necessity of braces. Insurance companies then usually cover a part of the treatment cost.
Having an insurance that covers braces may reduce the price for metal braces by 1000$-2000$. Most insurance companies will provide 40% to 50% of the total price of the
Additional Costs
Most orthodontic plans will include all the treatment-related expenses in their offered price. Some clinics, however, will charge separately for X-rays and Retainers.
Since Invisalign braces are removable those can be often lost or damaged. A replacement set of Invisalign braces will often require an extra charge.
So now you have a good idea about the general cost involved with braces and hope the above information has answered your question.
Conclusion
No matter which type of braces you choose, it will most defiantly have an impact on your wallet. Most dental providers offer convenient payment plans, making braces more affordable than they initially look like. It is important to remember that although having braces is a serious financial expense it is an important health investment. Having straight teeth will not only give you or your kids a beautiful smile but will also greatly contribute to dental hygiene
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what is the lowest price i can get for the braces? i read but still dont know….. thanks
Annabella Hi,
Thank you for your question. It is hard to provide an exact price since it varies from one case to another. I believe that 1500$ is probably the lowest price anyone can get for traditional metal braces. However the actual price you will get for braces really depends on the severity of your dental case , on the area you live in and the experience of your orthodontist. Try checking with dental schools as those often offer attractive prices to compensate for their lack of experience . Although you will be treated by an inexperienced dentist , the treatment will be supervised by a professional. Hope it helps.
Sir,
How much time taken place for treatment for 25 years person.
Hi Venu Gopal,
Thank your question. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the specific case, the exact type of braces you decide to go with, the result you are trying to achieve, how dedicated you are to the success of the treatment and other factors. Wearing braces can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. You need to have a consultation appointment with an orthodontic to get a better estimation. However, you won’t be able to get an exact answer since your cooperation during treatment (not missing adjustment appointments, wearing the retainer etc. ) will also affect the amount of time it will take to achieve the end result. Hope it helps.
The best part of your article is when you talked about how new technologies made metal braces less noticeable and more effective while keeping it affordable. My daughter is interested in dental braces. At the moment, I have to consider the cost of having a brace because we have other bills to consider. It’s great to know that metal braces are the most affordable option, so I will make sure to consider it. Thanks!
Hey, Kiara!
We’re glad we were able to help you. Other cost-effective solutions may work in your situation. These might include retainers rather than braces. We also recommend talking to various dental plans and insurances. It may be more cost-effective to obtain individual orthodontic insurance rather than outright pay for braces. We have two good articles here on insurance plan for orthodontics and a review of supplement program called DentalPlans.com.