How Much Do Braces Cost in 2023?
Answering the question “How much do braces cost?” can depend on several factors in your orthodontic treatment. Braces usually take between 1-2 years depending on the severity of the teeth. Each smile is unique and the price of braces can increase depending on your needs.
Several appointments will be scheduled with your dental professional during this time frame for adjustments and other necessary interventions in your braces treatment. This article breaks down all the factors involved and what they typically cost.
Table of Contents
How Much Braces Cost: The Initial Breakdown
When wondering how much do braces cost, it’s important to understand all the steps needed to perfect your smile. There will be several adjustment appointments over the course of your braces treatment in order to align the teeth correctly.
Teeth are like puzzle pieces and movement is measured in millimeters. Aligning the teeth is a scientific process that takes precise engineering. Due to this, several factors are needed to implement each unique treatment plan.
Initial Records
After your consultation with your orthodontist, you will need an initial records appointment. Factored into how much braces cost are the records taken before braces are started. These records may be updated throughout the process. This can include:
- Any necessary x-rays needed – these typically include Panoramic and CT Scans images.
- Photos of every angle of the mouth.
- Impression and/or scan of the teeth.
- Numeric measurements and classifications.
These records are also important to your dental insurance and are requested prior to starting treatment. Your dental insurance will use these records to determine if they will cover your braces cost. In most cases, dental insurance will only cover braces if it’s medically necessary. Initial records will tell you how much do braces cost for you.
Banding / Bonding
This is the stage when the braces treatment starts. For traditional braces, metal or ceramic brackets are precisely positioned on the tooth and a metal wire is placed and anchored by bands.
Clear aligner therapy (Invisalign style), is when tooth-colored buttons are bonded onto the tooth as anchorage to the tray. The tray may also be adjusted for comfort by your dentist or orthodontist.
To read more about traditional braces vs Invisalign, check out our article Braces vs Invisalign: The Complete Guide
Adjustments
All orthodontic treatments will need adjustments throughout the process. These appointments can range from every 4 to 10 weeks. The number of adjustment appointments needed can play a role in answering the question of how much do braces cost.
Adjustment appointments are also where you get to change your band colors if using the traditional metal bracket system. Check out our Best Braces Color for ideas and inspiration.
As mentioned before, braces are a precise process and even the smallest incorrect movement can result in pain and permanent damage to the teeth and bone. This is why a trusted dental professional is necessary for this process.
Debond, Final Records, & Retainers
After your braces goals are met, the brackets or buttons will be removed. Your dental professional may take records again to record the process. This is also when you’ll receive a retainer.
Retainers are important to maintaining alignment. Teeth will try to move/shift throughout your entire life. Our Types of Retainers article has more information on the different styles of retainers to consider with your dental professional.
How Much Do Braces Cost: The Numbers
Today’s technology has expanded orthodontics to improve patient compatibility. The braces system used will affect how much braces cost overall.
Not all braces options will successfully achieve every goal the patient may have. It’s important to work with a dental professional to choose which one is right for your individual smile.
- Traditional Metal Bracket Braces: This practice is still very commonly used with braces because it works! The average cost for total treatment can range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the severity.
- Traditional Ceramic Bracket Braces: This practice is basically identical to metal bracket braces but comes with a more aesthetically pleasing look. Due to the materials used, it usually costs slightly more than metal, ranging from $3,500 to $8,000.
- Lingual Bracket Braces: This orthodontic practice places the brackets on the inside of the tooth. This treatment is a specialty that comes with many unique benefits but at a higher price tag. It can range from $6,000 to $12,000.
- Clear Aligner Therapy (Invisalign): Becoming increasingly popular, clear retainer therapy is also a viable option for some. The cost can range from $3,500 to $7,000.
For more information on the different orthodontic systems, check out our Your Guide to Braces article.
Other Factors that Decide How Much Braces Cost
- Insurance: Some dental insurances come with orthodontic coverage. The insurance uses a point system that uses x-rays, measurements and classifications, and photos to see how you qualify. The “worse” your alignment is, the more points you get. Functional interference gets insurance coverage while aesthetics usually does not. Some insurance also comes with an age cap.
- Other Dental Specialties Needed: Sometimes a specialist is needed to work with your dental professional. Commonly an Oral Surgeon is used to help retrieve teeth that are stuck in the bone or extract teeth that interfere with alignment.
- Length of Orthodontic Case: The severity of your case will play a role in how much braces cost. Minor aesthetic adjustments may need a shorter course that can reduce cost. This is common in relapsed patients that already went through braces at a younger age but for whatever reason experienced shifting. Patients that do not wear their retainer correctly experience relapse.
WARNING!
We DO NOT recommend Direct-To-Consumer Aligners. These mail-order braces can come with severe, permanent damage. Changing the alignment of your teeth should be done under the precise supervision of a licensed dental professional.
Teeth are like puzzle pieces and movement needs to be safely done in slow, millimeter increments. The permanent damages that can occur are, but are not limited to:
- destruction of the gums
- permanent bone loss that supports the teeth
- an improper functioning bite that leads to tooth fractures
- TMJ jaw disorders
Always consult your dental professional before any orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists can help you find a doctor near you.
We hope you have found your answer to the important question of how much do braces cost.
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