For many people, the aesthetic appeal of perfectly straight teeth is a desirable goal. You may find yourself getting orthodontic treatment at any time during your life; in fact, 20% of today’s orthodontic braces patients are adults. Whatever stage of life you are in, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
However, you may find yourself wondering how much orthodontic treatments, like braces or clear aligners, cost. The fact is that this can vary widely depending on what type of treatment you need, what your insurance situation is, and the base price that your orthodontist charges for various treatments. Some systems, like Invisalign, do not offer a fixed price. While average costs range from $4,000 to $7,000, your insurance may cover some of the cost. It really depends on many individual factors, but here are some of the things you can expect when you are determining how much braces cost.
What Do Braces Cost?
In the American Dental Association’s 2018 annual survey, the average price of comprehensive orthodontic treatment was listed as $5,000 to $6,000. However, different types of orthodontic appliances have different costs. When you’re estimating how much your braces cost, you first need to look at the different types of braces available.
Standard metal braces that use metal brackets and wire are the least expensive, ranging from $2,000 to $7,500.
Ceramic braces, which are less noticeable, are slightly more expensive than metal braces. Their price ranges from $3,000 to $8,500.
Invisalign and other clear braces that use retainer trays instead of brackets and wire have fallen in price to be comparable to ceramic braces. The price usually falls between $3,000 to $7,000. However, this may go up if you need additional retainers or your treatment needs to be extended.
Lingual braces are like traditional braces, but they aren’t attached to the front of your teeth. Instead, they’re attached to the back. These are typically the most expensive braces; their cost is usually $5,000 to $13,000.
How To Save Money On Braces
Affordable orthodontic treatment is often top of mind. Many places offer payment plans or financing that help make treatment more accessible for everyone. Some offices offer:
- A discount when you pay in full at the start of treatment
- A zero-interest installment plan with a down payment
- Third-party financing with no down payment
Most orthodontists will accept your health insurance but ask if they can work with your insurance company to maximize your benefits. Your insurance also may not cover adult braces, even if they do offer coverage for pediatric braces. This is why it’s important to choose a clinic like Boschken Orthodontics. They will help you lower your out-of-pocket expenses and make payments easier.
Braces and other orthodontic appliances do not have to be extremely expensive. Boschken Orthodontics can offer you a variety of orthodontic services with excellent customer service and care. Contact us or give us a call at 1-408-225-6660 to set up a consultation today.
