Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by hassan abbas
Braces are essential for individuals who want to straighten their teeth or fix their bite. They are specially suitable for growing children when their jaw is still developing. However, in the last few decades, the number of adults requiring braces has increased exponentially. To put things into perspective, at least 25% of people seeing an orthodontist are adults.
It cannot be stressed harder that braces are incredibly effective at treating a myriad of dental problems, but they some with a price tag. The cost can vary depending on where you live, the type of braces you require, and the duration you will need braces for.
In this article, you will find all you need to know about braces, their costs, the elements that affect price, and how you can save money.
Types of Braces
First and foremost, braces come in different shapes and sizes, and all do not cost the same. Let’s do a deep dive and look at each and how much they could potentially cost you.
Metal Braces – $3000 – $7000
Metal braces are the most common and typical braces you can see around you. They have been around for more than a hundred years now. Previously, braces were noticeable and bulky, but that is not the case anymore. Due to technological advances, metal braces are now smaller, comfortable, and incredibly effective.
Metal braces are commonly used for children and adolescents, and they are applied to the teeth using a wire. The wire is then tied to braces with elastic ties that come in various colors. The teeth are then adjusted by the orthodontist every 4-8 weeks.
Ceramic Braces – $4000 – $8000
Ceramic braces are made using tooth-colored material. They are pretty similar to metal braces, except they are less visible and more discreet. Ceramic braces are perfect for patients who do not find lingual bracessuitable for them but still want to straighten their teeth without breaking their bank in the process. This option is typically opted by adolescents and adults.
Self-ligating Braces – $8000 – $10000
Self-ligating braces are also similar to metal and ceramic braces, and patients can choose from metal or ceramic material. These braces also require a wire to adjust the teeth, but they differ from using clips or doors to keep the wire in place instead of elastic rubber ties.
Patients who can’t handle discomfort, or can’t sit still for long, will find self-ligating braces to be the perfect option, especially if they are dealing with developmental delays.
Lingual Braces – $4000 – $7400
Lingual braces are applied behind the teeth, explaining why they are not that popular. It is worth noting that these braces require a different skill set to apply, and not many orthodontists are trained to apply them.
While the braces mentioned above are presented as options, lingual braces are not offered to patients even if they are eligible. However, lingual braces provide numerous benefits that others cannotprovide, such as complete customization according to your teeth, complete invisibility, and improved versatility and efficiency in some patients.
How much do I pay to get braces?
The average cost of braces lies between $5000 and $6000, but some patients pay as much as $10000 or as little as $3000. The prices vary because orthodontic treatment is highly personalized, and your expenses will depend on the type of braces you wear, insurance plan, and age.
The total cost of braces depends on the type of braces you wear and how long you wear them. Your options could be limited to the kinds of braces an orthodontist has experience with and the extent of your dental problem. Since most orthodontists offer free consultations, visit as many places as possible to find an appropriate plan at a reasonable price. Be sure to note down invisible brace costand jaw alignment braces cost to make an informed decision.
If you are fortunate to find an orthodontist offering several choices, find the right balance between speedy treatment and cosmetic value.
Think of it like this: the cheaper the treatment, the more visible your braces will be, and vice versa.
The length of time you require braces for depends on the type of braces you choose and how much adjustment is needed for your teeth. Most treatements last for 24 months, but your progress can be improved by your active participation in the treatment.
| Age | 1st Year | 2nd Year | 3rd Year | 4th Year |
| Child | $2457 | $4914 | $7372 | $9829 |
| Adult | $2546 | $5091 | $7637 | $10183 |
Many patients end up paying more than necessary because of issues that could have been prevented, like slow alignment and broken brackets. Avoiding foods that stick to the braces or shatter them ensures you do not end up paying for additional appointments.Most importantly, you will need to keep your teeth clean at all times.
Braces are considered a cosmetic procedure, which is why you will find specific insurance plans that will cover them. Once you find these, they will help reduce the final cost by leaps and bounds.
Best Place for Braces
Finding the best place for braces will require extensive research, without which you will end up doing more harm than good. After your research and getting a good insurance plan under your belt, it’s time to hunt for the best skill set in town.
To find the best place for braces, here are a couple of things you can do:
- Look for reliable and trustworthy orthodontists online or stick to orthodontists that have a solid reputation near your place of residence.
- Check reviews to get a deep insight into a potential orthodontist you consider visiting. Consider visiting review sites, Google or dental forums for insight.
- Ask about orthodontists from your friends and family, more specifically individuals who got braces recently.
If you are unable to find the best place for braces, then be sure to check out Anderson Lake Dental. You will find precisely what you need, that too at an affordable cost. Rest assured.
