You’ve probably seen a decent amount of braces in your life. Traditional braces are metal devices used by orthodontists to straighten out their patient’s teeth. As months go by and sometimes years, these devices are adjusted to move teeth into the desired position. Over the years, more subtle styles of braces have grown in popularity.

Considering 9 out of ten people have misaligned teeth, it makes perfect sense that braces are incredibly common.

Braces are known to be one of the more expensive options for teeth correcting on the market. While many people wish they had straighter teeth, few are prepared to take on the price of braces. The cost of braces can change depending on the type you use and the state of your teeth. Some people might get braces to fix an overbite, while others might get them to straighten out their teeth.

Without insurance, paying for braces might seem a little daunting. Let’s break down the many factors that play a role in the price of braces.

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How much do braces typically cost?

The American Dental Association found that in 2018 the average price of comprehensive orthodontic treatment, such as braces, fell around $5,000 to $6,000. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates braces to cost between $5,000 and $7,000. It’s safe to assume you’ll pay somewhere around those estimations.

There are multiple types of braces available. These include traditional braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating, invisible aligners, and lingual braces. Apart from the more expensive lingual braces, these all tend to fall around that $5,000 to $7,000 range. There are many reasons why the price of braces fluctuates.

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The type of braces you choose plays a role in how much you’ll pay but, there are many other factors, including:

  • The severity of any issues your teeth may have
  • The length of time required to get the results you want
  • The state or city in which you live
  • The office you choose to receive your dental care from
  • Whether or not you have insurance that covers this procedure

For those that carry insurance, metal braces typically cost $3,000 to $7,350. This style is most commonly selected. Invisalign tends to cost between $3,000 and $8,000, typically landing closer to $5,000. Lingual braces are more pricey as they require extra work. These braces are installed behind the teeth, so those around you may not realize you have them. This style is not available in every dental office, but they tend to cost between $5,000 and $13,000.

The cost of braces also tends to increase for those who have teeth with more severe positioning issues that need to be corrected. For example, if you have a severe overbite or underbite, you are likely looking at a cost closer to $10,000. These braces would need to be worn for quite a long period to correct the placement of the teeth. Braces will cost more the longer you have them due to regular appointments you will have to attend for adjusting and upkeep.

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There might be a few additional costs you have to consider before seeking out braces.

These additional costs include retainers and refinements.

Once your orthodontist gets your teeth strictly where they should be, you will get your braces removed. Your teeth will naturally want to move pretty soon after your braces come off. No one wants to spend thousands of dollars to fix their teeth just for them to revert to their original position. That makes retainers crucial. After a good cleaning, your orthodontist will make a mold of your teeth. They will then use this to create a retainer that fits your new smile perfectly.

If you are not completely satisfied with your teeth after braces, your dental care provider can help you alter them even more through refinements. They will make a series of clear aligners that encourage your teeth to shift a bit more. Refinements allow final corrections to easily be made to your teeth so you finish the process pleased with your new smile. Sometimes these are included with the package you initially chose, but other times this might add to the price by an additional $2,500-$4,000.

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Paying for dental procedures might seem overwhelming without insurance, but does having it even help?

It might be a relief to know that you are not missing much assistance in this specific area of dental care if you lack insurance. The thing is, while braces for children are typically a part of most dental insurance plans, adults seeking braces for themselves are unlikely to be covered within their insurance. In most cases, braces are not considered a necessary treatment.

While your insurance might not cover braces, if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA), you should be able to use those.

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There is assistance available for those without insurance.

The price of braces should not hold you back from being the best version of yourself you can be. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it directly impacts how you look and feel about yourself. If you are insecure about how your teeth naturally appear, it can affect how you carry yourself in everyday life.

How your teeth appear can affect your quality of life, so if you think braces might help, you should go for it. This is not always a superficial thing either. Some people find that their health benefits from fixing up their teeth. Many orthodontists claim braces also prevent disease, and in some cases, fixing up teeth can help people breathe better.

You may be looking into braces for your child rather than yourself. It is nearly impossible to predict exactly how your child’s teeth will turn out in the early stages of their life. Many families do not consider saving for braces when first starting a family. If you find yourself overwhelmed when the time comes, it is nice to know there are ways to make this cost more manageable.

Many dental offices offer payment plans and other financing options. Never be afraid to ask your orthodontist about any plans they may offer. Paying upfront is usually an excellent choice if your budget allows it. This will help you avoid ridiculous amounts of interest, but there are always other options. For example, you may qualify for CareCredit or an alternative financing option to help you pay for your treatment.

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If your teeth don’t need to be heavily altered, there might be another option for you.

Technology continues to develop, and more treatment options have become available. This accessibility has created more affordable options for those not looking to go the traditional route. Traditional braces remain the most reliable and better option as far as seeing the results you truly want, but now there are home treatments as well.

Home treatments only seem to be helpful for people who have less drastic changes to make for their teeth. There are quite a few at-home treatment options, such as SmileDirectClub. With this option, you should not exceed the $2,000 mark, making this cheaper by thousands of dollars. They also offer monthly payment options and accept FSA, HSA, and CareCredit.

You might also be able to find a dental school near you. They offer programs that come at a lower cost than just visiting an orthodontist. Students need people to practice on, and if you are willing to be one of them, you can save a decent amount of money. These students are always supervised by experts so you should not be scared. Find one near you through the Commission of Dental Accreditation.

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The bottom line

Braces can be costly, but your self-esteem is priceless. Anyone without straight teeth can benefit from seeking an orthodontist and putting up with this device for the recommended time. Some people prefer to save money and keep their crooked teeth which is understandable. However, if your teeth have been something that has discouraged you in life, why not conquer them now? It is never too late.

You should be proud of the smile you have and feel excited to show it off. Flashing those pearly whites with a big grin helps fight off stress. Why not release those endorphins and be the happiest version of yourself you can be? When you smile, other people are eager to smile along with you, creating a more favorable environment for all those around you.

If you are not seeking braces for yourself, but are instead considering braces for your child, think about the confidence you will bring to their life. They might not care about their teeth right now, but as they get older, they will likely get to a point where they regret skipping braces.

It is essential to research all of the options available to you on your own. Once you feel you have a grasp of your options, you should arrange a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist. They can further assess your teeth and should have no problem finding the best braces to meet your smile goals.

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