How Much do Braces Cost?

So how much do braces cost? First, it’s necessary to identify the type of braces for you or your child and the duration of the treatment. This will help you understand your options in providing the very best care for your investment.

 

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The Right Age

When should my child get braces?  The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening by the age of seven years.

If your orthodontist identifies an incorrect bite or potential for crowding during the screening exam, he or she can sometimes take what is called “interceptive” action to prevent the problem from playing out or getting worse. This can include fitting a palatal expander or other appliance to ensure that the permanent teeth erupt in the right position. The exam might also highlight the need to control habits such as thumb-sucking, which can cause damage to a child’s mouth over time.

Types of Braces

The braces your orthodontist recommends will depend on you or your child’s particular problem. Types of braces include:

  • Traditional metal braces – Have color ties holding the wires to the brackets.
  • Damon® braces – They do not have color ties, as the brackets themselves hold the wires in place (the braces are self-ligating).
  • Invisalign® (or other clear or removable aligners) – Fit over the the teeth in a way that resembles a mouth guard.
  • Lingual braces – Instead of the brackets and wires being placed on the front of your teeth, they are placed behind the teeth.

In addition to appliances like an expander, your orthodontist might also recommend the use of an appliance to use in conjunction with braces to correct problems affecting you or your child’s natural bite.

Variations in Treatment Costs

Determining how much braces cost for kids depends on the type of braces you choose and the estimated length of time you or your child will need to wear them. According to the Consumer Guide for Dentistry, the cost of wearing braces ranges between $3,000 and $7,000 – with respect to the type of braces recommended – for the following reasons:

  1. With traditional braces the cost is driven by what the orthodontist will charge for the orthodontic treatment for your case, which includes multiple visits during the time it takes to straighten the teeth and correct the bite over a monthly or yearly period.
  2. Damon® Braces are typically more expensive, initially, due to the higher cost of materials used during your treatment.
  3. With Invisalign® (clear aligners), you will receive a number of aligners to use in a specific order, changing every week or couple of weeks. The cost is usually determined by the number of aligners needed to achieve the right result.
  4. Lingual Braces are a completely invisible braces solution. Instead of the brackets and wires being placed on the front of your teeth, they are placed behind the teeth. Due to the fact that you can’t see the braces at all, lingual braces are another orthodontic treatment type that is very popular among adults.

Ways to Pay

We never want costs to stand in the way of quality treatment, which is why we are dedicated to providing our patients with care that is both effective and affordable. Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered.

If you have insurance, it may cover a portion of the cost (if your insurance plan has orthodontic benefits).  The treatment is usually eligible for flexible savings account (FSA) reimbursement, too.

In addition, we are pleased to offer in-house financing options with little or no down payment and low monthly payments that make your treatment more affordable. If you can pay in advance for some or all of the treatment, this typically qualifies you for a discount. This flexible payment option allows you to pay for your treatment over a period of time so you can focus on what matters most – keeping your smile healthy!

You can read more at our website. If you have any questions about financing or payment, ask us! We will thoroughly explain your choices and work hard to accommodate you.

*some information courtesy of: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/early-orthodontics/how-much-do-braces-cost-for-kids-1014

Shannon Hayashibara