How Much Are Braces?

People are always asking, “How much are braces?” Braces are the number one way to straighten crooked teeth, and their cost will vary depending upon your individual needs, the material you use, and the orthodontist who will be performing the procedure. What will majorly impact the price is your reason for needing braces; if you have to have a tooth extracted because of overcrowding, and then braces are necessary, this may increase the cost.

A female mouth with braces. A female mouth with braces. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are Braces Necessary?

Once again, it all depends upon your personal situation. Sometimes when a tooth is pulled because of overcrowding, the rest of your teeth will shift into their correct positions on their own. Most often, however, your dentist will recommend braces to ensure that they straighten properly, to preserve the integrity of your teeth and your oral health. In some cases, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, you may be able to bypass braces and get by with just a retainer.

How does this affect the answer to your question, “How much are braces?” Your personal needs will make the cost vary. If you need braces for only a few months, they will cost less. But if your problem is more severe, you may have to wear braces for over a year, which will increase the price. Retainers are also cheaper than braces; however, your dentist or orthodontist will know better what is best for your oral health and should be able to answer all of your personal questions.

Types of Braces

Remember, you aren’t just paying for the braces themselves – you have to factor in all the office visits, the x-rays, the cleanings, the moldings, the adhesive, wax, brackets and retainers. Between all of that, braces can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $10,000, depending upon the type you use, how long you will need to use them, and your orthodontist. So how much are braces when you compare the different types?

How much are traditional metal braces?

These are on the lower price end for braces. Because they are metal, they are very noticeable at first glance, and they can also be more painful around the inner lip and cheek areas. They are the most common kind used and will cost between $3,500 and $5,000. Add on $500 and you can switch out the traditional metal brackets for ones that are ceramic, colored to match your teeth so that they are less apparent.

How much are concealed braces?

Concealed braces are virtually unnoticeable other than a slight lisp because the brackets and wires are placed instead behind the teeth. These are the most preferred kind of braces because of their cosmetic appeal, but are on the upper price end between $7,500 and $10,000. These don’t cause the same discomfort on the soft inner lip and cheek tissues, but they will instead affect your tongue.

How much are braces like Invisalign?

Invisalign is the latest development in braces. These clear plastic trays are virtually unnoticeable and far more comfortable because they are removable for when you eat. These are at the lower end of the price range, around the $3,500 end limit. However, these do not work for more severe cases. To see if you are eligible for Invisalign, consult your dentist.

Payment Options

If you are struggling financially but have a serious dental problem that requires braces, there are always options open for you that will reduce the cost or make your payments easier.

Insurance is the best way to reduce your cost. Check with your insurance providers to see if they cover any of the cost of braces.

A payment plan is another great option. Because of the downturn in the economy, you will find that most dental clinics offer easy payment plans, breaking up your lump sum into smaller, easier monthly payments.

If you want the best price for braces, consult a number of orthodontists in the area and settle on the one with the best price option for you. Talking to your orthodontist about your options is the best way to answer your question, “Exactly how much are braces?”

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