Over 4 million people in the United States wear braces. Approximately 25 percent of those with braces are adults. The cost of braces varies depending upon several factors, including the type of dental treatment your orthodontist recommends and whether you have dental insurance. While many factors are out of your control, there are a few considerations you can evaluate to determine the orthodontic treatment that will meet your needs.
Cost of initial consultation
Many orthodontists, including Smith Orthodontics, offer a free in-person or digital consultation. A free consultation can save you money before treatment even starts, and you will be under no obligation to start treatment. During the consultation, your orthodontist will review information to help you understand the best course of treatment and total costs. They will also explain any available financing options. If they offer zero-percent interest financing, you can save money on interest and your monthly payments will be lower.
Geography
Where you are located is one of the top factors in determining the cost of braces. The tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have the highest cost for orthodontic treatment in the United States. Crossing state lines can save you thousands of dollars, with states located in the southeast being much less expensive. Even driving a little further from a major city can reduce the cost of treatment.
Treatment plan
Your orthodontist will recommend the best orthodontic treatment plan for your specific case. There will be a difference in cost between correcting minor orthodontic issues and more complicated treatment. A complicated case can take a year of treatment or longer, which can also affect the cost.
Type of braces
The type of braces can play a significant role in the pricing. Silver braces are typically the least expensive, followed by ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Smith Orthodontics charges the same as silver braces for gold braces and WildSmiles Braces. However, not all orthodontists do. So it’s important to check with your orthodontist to understand the difference in cost among the type of braces before you start treatment.
Dental insurance
Dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage are a great investment and can help offset the high cost of braces. The best dental plans provide comprehensive coverage with low deductibles, high coverage limits, and a large network of providers. Some dental policies will cover the majority of the cost of braces while others cover only a small portion. It is also important to understand the types of braces covered by your insurance; for example, some insurance plans do not cover Invisalign.
Smith Orthodontics accepts all types of dental insurance even if their name is not listed as being an in-network provider. The office Smith staff will help you understand your dental coverage and work directly with insurance providers to file and process payments.
Overall, consulting an orthodontist is the most important step you can take to establish a treatment plan. However, it is helpful to go into your orthodontic consultation armed with data that will help you understand the cost of braces.
