Teeth braces cost

Braces are the oldest and most successful methods that dentists use to straighten and align teeth. If you need braces you may be wondering about the overall cost. While braces are not nearly as expensive as one may think, there are definitely not considered cheap by any means. Depending on the severity of your problem and the type of braces that you choose, you can expect them to cost a couple of thousand dollars, not including the cost of visits to the dentist during your straightening process.

To determine your actual teeth braces cost, you will need to understand the different types of braces and the benefits of each type. You should keep in mind that these are estimate costs and only include the braces themselves and not any additional dental visits, x-rays or other procedures that you may need.

Traditional metal braces typically cost around $5,000 depending on how long you need to wear them and which dentist you use. Many find the metal to be very uncomfortable and simply do not like the look of metal braces. You may be able to purchase colored ceramic braces that make the metal look a bit more attractive if you want. Metal is the oldest material used in braces and is the most commonly chosen due to the lower cost.

Concealed braces run behind your teeth so they are much less obvious to others. If you are self-confident and do not want others to see you wearing braces, these offer an excellent alternative although they are a bit more expensive. Again, depending on where you get them, concealed braces can run anywhere from $7,000 to more than $9,000. Keep in mind also that while these are a much more attractive alternative to metal braces, they are on the inside of the teeth near your tongue. Many patients prefer to have braces on the outside of the teeth simply because concealed braces tend to be much more uncomfortable and offer a greater chance of scraping or cutting the tongue with the braces.

Plastic trays are a good choice for those with minor alignment issues. You can typically get a plastic tray straightening system for around $3,000 although this is also a very uncomfortable option for many. Invisalign is the newest popular form of braces and while they cost about as much as traditional metal braces, they are said to be much more comfortable and attractive than traditional braces. Depending on your specific alignment issues, they may cost much more or substantially less. If you are purchasing braces for a child, you may be able to claim some of the cost on your dental insurance plan. If you have dental insurance, be certain that you check to see if braces are covered and just how much of the cost the insurance will handle. This can help significantly to cut down the overall out of pocket cost.

One factor that will help to determine your overall cost of braces is the specific reason for braces. While most patients wear braces to straighten misaligned teeth, other factors should also be considered when calculating the final cost. You will need to determine whether or not you have teeth that will need to be pulled in order to make room for your newly straightened teeth. If so, this will raise the cost of your braces. You will also need to speak with your orthodontist to determine whether you will need jaw surgery to wide your jaw to accommodate straight teeth. Many patients find that they do not have room in their mouths for all of their teeth once they have been straightened. If you will need to have teeth pulled or have surgery to remove teeth, your cost will go up considerably.

Since the cost of braces is fairly expensive, many dental offices will work with you to make affordable monthly payments after a small down payment. Check with your orthodontist’s office to determine whether they offer a payment plan, particularly for those who do not have dental insurance coverage to help with the cost of braces. Overall, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the orthodontist that you use, the severity of your condition and the type of braces that you choose to wear.

Last updated on Dec 15th, 2010 and filed under Dental Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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