How Much Do Braces Cost?

“How much do braces cost?” is one of the most frequently searched questions when it comes to orthodontic treatment. And with good reason. It doesn’t matter how many types of braces there are or what they can do for your smile if treatment is not in your price range.

There is no easy answer to this question because the cost of braces depends on several factors, all of which can affect the price. However, knowing what these factors are and learning what orthodontists do to make treatment as affordable as possible is the perfect way to determine how you can fit braces into your budget.

Where You Live Affects the Cost of Braces

“Location, location, location” is a popular phrase in the real estate industry, but it is also a factor in the cost of Invisalign or braces. If the cost of living is relatively high where you live, chances are orthodontic treatment will be more expensive as well. People in these areas may actually get a better price by travelling a bit further for their treatment.

Another factor related to your location is how many orthodontic offices are located in your area. If there is only one orthodontist within 15 or 20 miles, fees may be higher than if there are three or four orthodontists within the same distance due to market competition.

Your Smile Is a Factor Too

Just like a dent in the bumper in your car will cost less to fix than extensive front-end damage, the amount of work needed to correct your smile directly affects how much your treatment will cost. A patient who has mild crowding or a couple crooked teeth will pay less than someone with more severe orthodontic issues because the amount of treatment needed will be less.

Different Types of Orthodontic Treatment

There are numerous types of orthodontic treatment available to kids and adults today, and they often vary in cost. Ceramic braces may cost more than silver braces, and Invisalign may cost more than any braces option. These differences in price are based on several factors, including how much the orthodontist pays the manufacturer for the materials needed and how much time is needed for adjustments.

For instance, one doctor may charge less for silver braces than Invisalign because the metal brackets and wires are less expensive for them to purchase. Another doctor may determine Invisalign requires fewer appointments and less staff time, so they charge the same as for braces.

Mail-Order Braces

Some companies are now offering mail-order treatment, which is supposed to save a patient both time and money by avoiding trips to an orthodontist. While this sounds like a great option, many patients have ended up paying much more than they anticipated because the treatment did not fix all of their issues or even created new problems with their teeth.

Orthodontic treatment cannot be done properly using impressions made at home and a few selfies. Seeing an orthodontist who takes x-rays and examines your progress in person on a regular basis is the only way to ensure you get the treatment you need and the results you seek.

How Orthodontists Help You Fit Treatment into Your Budget

Orthodontists and their staff work in their field for a reason—they want to help all patients achieve their best smiles regardless of their incomes. As a result, orthodontic teams do their best to make braces and Invisalign affordable for everyone.

One of the best ways to make treatment affordable is by accepting dental insurance. If you take your insurance information with you to your first appointment, most orthodontic offices will help you determine how much of the cost your policy will cover. Many orthodontists also accept payments from health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which means some of your treatment cost can be paid tax-free.

Payment plans are another excellent way to get the smile you want without breaking the bank. Whether an outside lender, like CareCredit is used, or an in-house payment plan is offered, being able to make an initial down payment and pay the rest over a period of several months makes it easier for you to afford the treatment you or your child need.

Many orthodontists prefer not to talk about the cost of treatment, but it’s a significant part of the decision-making process. At Fravel Brewer Orthodontics, we believe an informed patient is a happy patient, we offer complimentary initial evaluations with photos and x-rays so that we can determine the best treatment options for your care. We will break down payment options for you and are more than willing to answer any questions you may have about treatment.