Do you have uneven teeth or gaps in your mouth? Want to correct them and get that perfect smile? Orthodontic braces offer the best solution for your problem. You can have straight, even teeth, that is, if you’re willing to invest money and time to correct those dental flaws.
Yet again, getting dental braces is notorious for breaking the bank. You’ve to set aside a significant amount of money before seeing a dentist for an orthodontic procedure. The typical cost is around $4,500 and can go up to $8,000. This will already include straightening the teeth with dental braces and other treatment procedures.
If you look for a cheaper alternative, you can opt for invisible braces called Invisalign, which utilizes clear plastic trays that cost around $3,500 to $5,000 or even more depending on how much alignment and treatment is required.
To give us some more idea of how much do braces cost, the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics published in 2007 a study on orthodontic practice, showing that the national average cost in the United States for comprehensive orthodontic treatment to be $5,354 for adults, and $2,000 for children.
To know exactly how much do braces cost, you have to consider the following variables:
- Duration of treatment
Typical duration of treatment is from 6 months to 6 years. This will depend on the severity of your case, age, positioning techniques used by your orthodontist, and other factors. Expect to pay more if you’re slated for a longer duration of treatment.
- Type of braces
The type of brace you decide to use will determine the cost. So if you’re a bit tight in your budget, you can go with invisalign braces rather than basic metal braces or concealed braces, which can run up to $7,000 to $8,000. If you like dental braces that match the color of your teeth, choose ceramic braces. But they are more expensive compared to silver colored metal braces.
- Additional brace features
If money isn’t a problem, you can have your orthodontic braces gold-plated or shaped like hearts, flowers and other images, including letters and symbols you can select from. These additional brace features can cost you $5 to $300 or more.
Finally, when it comes to how much do braces cost, it’s also worth mentioning that there are orthodontists who offer patients with a payment plan to help cushion the financial blow, unless, of course, you have a lot of money to pay up front. Some dentists also offer a discount if you pay in full whether in cash or a credit card. You may also negotiate a discount if you’ve two or more family members getting braces.