Quick Guide to the Average Cost of Dental Braces

Interested in getting braces and achieving the perfect smile but don't know where to start in terms of budgeting, price checking and insurance? Well worry not as today we'll be taking a quick but effective look at the average cost of dental braces.

Knowing the average cost of the main types of braces plays a large role in which one you decide for yourself or your family.

Average Cost for the Most Popular Types

Traditional Braces

In short, traditional braces in general will take anywhere from $3,000 to $11,000, depending on the severity of the procedure, if braces are put on one or both arches and also depending on the type of braces you choose - metal, ceramic, lingual or self-ligating. To take a more in-depth look at the average cost of each type in specific, be sure to read this guide.

The main factor affecting the price of care is the level of improvement that the patient wants. This will in turn change the time span of the treatment, which can take anywhere from 1 year to 3 years in total. Don't worry though as today's progress in orthodontic practices means that you typically only have to visit your dentist once every six weeks to make the necessary adjustments and check ups.

According to statistics from the American Dental Association (ADA), the price for braces for kids usually constitutes $4,685 to $6,500, and the price for individual braces in general is $4,800 to $7,135. The cost for braces can be higher or lower than these amounts, depending on how long the program lasts. Care programs last on average 24 months.

Invisalign Clear Braces

Some providers provide a clean plastic option to braces called “Invisalign” - and this type of innovative, non-intrusive braces have been rocketing in popularity in recent years.

Invisalign braces are designed for people with small adjustment issues, and their price would depend upon how many trays are needed to reach the objective (you continuously change teeth molds as your dentition progresses and improves). The mean price of the Invisalign "mold" is around $100 to $300 for each. This means that overall, the treatment can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Some dental insurance programs consider the Invisalign braces a cosmetic treatment and due to this they do not cover the price. If Invisalign treatments are not covered by your insurance program, you may need to consider using the Health fund program option, e.g. the HSA or FSA.

As mentioned above, Invisalign has become a household word. Five million patients have gotten the see-through dental trays - good looking and subtle replacements for unsightly metal braces - over the past 20 years. In 2017 alone, orthodontists prescribed Invisalign trays to 931,000 people, at a cost to the consumer of $3,000 to $8,000 each. (Tindera, M., May. 2018)

Conventional braces typically cost around $2,500 to $6,000. Invisalign, in contrast, tends to be more costly in the average price of $3,500 to $8,000.

Your personal dentist or orthodontist will give you a better assessment of the exact cost by looking at your unique case. The factors that come into play are, just like we've discussed above, the level of the adjustment the teeth need and how many aligners you want throughout this care. Again, the price changes on a case-by-case basis, depending on the personal needs, which should be talked about with a professional dentist. Now the price of either might be covered by your insurance program, as mentioned previously, so always check with them before diving in. The price of braces with insurance can also vary depending on your coverage program. Out of pocket disbursements may add co-pays and deductibles. It's best to call your insurance manager to figure out the best option.

Conclusion

And that's, in short, the average cost of dental braces - both traditional and the innovative Invisalign variety as well. We hope that this handy guide has helped you figure out which one's the best for your budget and we truly hope you'll be able to obtain a perfect smile. Thank you for reading and have a great day!