What is the cost of braces and how can you ensure you get the most value for your hard-earned money? While we all want to have straight teeth, the cost of the treatment is usually the point of departure for most questions about braces.
Orthodontic braces do the important work of moving crooked teeth into place, and correcting misaligned bites. And thanks to the advances that have been in orthodontics, most people only need to wear them for 18 to 24 months to get a beautiful, straight smile.
The amount you can expect to pay is dependant on the degree of correction your smile needs, and the type of appliances that you have fitted in your mouth. It is virtually impossible to quote on the true price of braces until you have seen your dentist.
What Are Your Options?
The most common types of orthodontic braces include metal or traditional braces, lingual braces, invisible braces and ceramic braces. Very broadly and generally speaking, what is the cost of braces ranges between $5000 and $9000 for orthodontic treatment, dependant on a number of variable factors. If you would like invisible braces you may need to spend more than $9000 for your treatment.
The Cost Of Traditional Or Metal Braces
If budget is your primary motivator then metal braces are the most cost-effective orthodontic solution for you. Don’t worry though: modern metal braces are much smaller and more discreet than they used to be years ago.
Metal braces offer the fastest correction on a budget. Depending on the type of correction you need, you can expect to pay between $2000 and $9000 for metal braces.
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost?
Ceramic braces are very similar to the traditional ones in terms of their size and shape but they are becoming increasingly popular because they are much less noticeable than metal. You can have ceramic braces fitted with tooth-coloured wires, which makes them a lot less noticeable.
Ceramic braces combine the fast result of metal braces with attractive aesthetics. It is important to remember that ceramic can stain, so you do need to exercise very careful dental hygiene to keep them looking good. Ceramic braces usually start from about $5000 for treatment and may cost up to $8500 depending on your needs.
What Do Lingual Braces Cost?
Another way to straighten your teeth less noticeably, lingual braces are popular with adults because they are placed on the back of your teeth. This does make them more discreet but it can also make them more challenging to clean. As such lingual braces are typically not recommended for children.
If you opt for lingual braces your budget will probably get to approximately $9000 for the treatment.
How Are Invisible Braces Priced?
Known most commonly under the brand name Invisalign, invisible braces are extremely popular today because they are hardly noticeable to the people around you. Invisalign aligners need to be replaced every two weeks and require a fair degree of interaction with your dentist.
Because of their convenience factor they are also the most expensive option. You might pay more than $9000 for your treatment.
What Is The Average Cost Of Braces?
Your dentist will present you with a quote for your entire orthodontic treatment. To make sure you can prepare yourself adequately for the financial investment you should check that it is inclusive of all the charges you will encounter on the road to treatment:
Assessments, consultations and adjustments
Your initial consultation requires a significant amount of work and planning by your dental practitioner. Scans, x rays and casts are likely to be taken, and your dentist will also record a full medical history.
Make sure that your quotation includes the cost of the follow up visits because regardless of the system you end up choosing, you will need quite a few adjustments to be made.
The appliances you choose
Your aligners, braces and fittings will be included in the quote too. It is useful to know if there are any other items required such as bonding adhesives or cleaning agents.
Post treatment consultations
Once your braces have been removed you will need to see your dentist regularly to ensure that you maintain your progress. These reviews and any other costs should be included in your quote. It is highly likely that you will wear a retainer for a few months once your braces have been taken off.
To find out more about the cost of braces and which system could work for you please contact our clinic: (02) 9158 6753