One of the biggest questions asked by most people who are considering having braces fitted, is how much do braces cost. The following information will go a long way towards answering that question, although the cost can vary, based on a number of factors. These can include the type of dental insurance that you have and what is included, as well as the type of braces that you choose to have fitted.
Types Of Braces
The type of braces are one of the biggest factors when it comes to figuring out how much it will cost you to have better looking teeth.
Metal. Most people are familiar with metal braces, which are the most affordable option and are traditionally what many people go for. If you wear your braces for about two years, you should plan on them costing you around $5,000.
Clear. If you want to have a better smile without people noticing that you are wearing braces quite as easily, clear braces may be the perfect solution for you. The average cost is between $4,000 and $6,000. However, these ceramic or plastic braces may not be the best solution for you if you need a lot of correcting as they have limitations on what they can do.
Lingual. These are fitted to the back of your teeth and are practically invisible. Lingual braces are quite expensive, carrying a price tag typically around $6,000 to $8000, but are ideal for anyone who needs braces but does not want anyone else to notice.
Unfortunately, many general dental insurance plans do not cover the cost of having braces fitted, although if this procedure is covered partially or entirely under your insurance, it can obviously help to bring the cost down significantly. To take advantage of the lower cost, you will need to use a dentist who is included in the network of your insurance provider. Another thing to check is whether the cost of office visits and checkups for your fitted braces are included; these costs can add up over a year or so if you have to pay for them all yourself.
Dental School
Many local dental colleges offer a reduced rate for a wide range of dental procedures, including having braces fitted, and these can be an affordable answer for those who do not have the appropriate dental insurance. An experienced orthodontist monitors the students and the procedures at these dental colleges, meaning that you can be assured that the quality of the procedure or treatment you receive is just as high as it would be elsewhere.
Discounts
It may surprise you to learn that you can actually find legitimate discounts on braces and other dental procedures by looking online, although most of us are probably more used to getting discounts on groceries and local restaurants this way. Simply type an appropriate phrase into the search engine that you like to use, and see what you can find. Many orthodontists also sometimes offer discounts and special offers, partly as a way to attract new customers and it is worth checking the websites of dentists in your area to see if they offer a discount to have braces fitted.
Cost is a big factor for most of us when it comes to having any type of cosmetic dental work carried out, and the above information should help you to answer the question of how much do braces cost. If the initial cost seems too high, be sure to explore all your options, including discounts and special offers, dental schools and the type of braces that you would like to have. If your insurance does not cover some or all of the cost of your new braces, there are still some ways that you can save money and enjoy a great looking smile.
