Dental braces are orthodontic devices that are used to straighten, align, and position teeth over time. They use pressure over the course of anywhere from one to three years in order to create a straighter smile. While braces can have a major impact on a person's smile, it does come at a cost. The cost can also vary depending on a variety of factors. Here are three things that can affect the overall cost of braces.
The Type Of Braces
While traditional metal braces may come to mind immediately when braces are mentioned, there are other types of braces available. Ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign are options that work well for those who want braces that are less obvious. Metal braces tend to be the most affordable and average between $3,000 and $7,000. Invisalign costs between $4,000 and $7,400. Ceramic braces typically cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Finally, lingual braces tend to be the most expensive, costing between $8,000 and $10,000.
Length Of Treatment
Another thing that can have an impact on the cost of braces is the length of treatment. The longer the braces are in place, the more braces cost. There are two things that can lead to longer treatment times. The first is the complexity of the alignment issues. Patients with severely misaligned or crooked teeth tend to have braces on longer than those with less severe alignment problems. Bite problems also tend to take longer to correct. The second thing that leads to longer treatment time is not taking proper care of the braces and failing to get the braces adjusted. Any damage to the braces will mean a longer treatment time and higher cost.
Age Of The Patient
The age of the patient can also have an effect on the cost of braces. On average, braces for adults cost about 3.6 percent more than braces for children. Overall the difference is fairly small, but adults can usually expect to pay a little more for a similar treatment. Adults may also find that they have difficulty getting their dental insurance to cover any of the cost of their braces. Many dental insurance plans will only cover orthodontic treatments for children under the age of 18. Adults who are looking to get braces may need to switch plans in order to have a portion of their orthodontic work covered.
Braces are a big investment and usually cost a few thousand dollars. There are also a few things that can impact the overall cost. Certain types of braces are more expensive than others. Overall traditional metal braces tend to offer the best value. The length and complexity of the treatment also plays a major role in cost. Adults can also expect to pay more for braces. Typically braces for patients under the age of 18 are slightly less expensive.
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