Investing in braces – why a confident smile is priceless

Many patients are hesitant to get braces because of the cost. We understand that it is an investment, but many patients agree that it is worth every penny. If the cost is holding you back, don’t let it, because there many options available that will ease the financial burden.

Understanding the cost of braces

A common question we receive is “what is the cost of braces?” The average cost of treatment in the United States could be anywhere between $3000 – $8000. It’s hard to give an exact price because it varies from patient to patient.

Here are a couple of factors that determine the overall price of treatment:

• Appliances – There are many appliances that are available to patients such as metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual appliances, and clear aligners such as Invisalign®. Depending on which appliance you choose, or which one is just right for your treatment, will affect the overall cost. Metal braces are the most cost-effective, while clear aligners tend to be priced higher.
• Length of treatment –The severity of the patient’s condition can affect the length of treatment. Patients requiring longer treatment can expect to pay more, while patients with a shorter treatment time can expect to pay less.

If you’re wondering how much the cost of braces is for adults compared to the cost of braces for kids, there really isn’t much of a difference. It depends on the appliance that is chosen, the severity of the problem, and the length of treatment.

Easing the financial burden

Understanding that this is a considerable investment, there are a few options patients can consider that may ease the financial burden.

Insurance coverage

Some dental insurance policies offer orthodontic coverage. If you already have dental insurance, check to see if it is included in your policy. If you’re shopping for a new plan, reputable insurance companies such as Delta Dental, Aetna and MetLife, may offer plans that include orthodontia.

Keep in mind that an insurance plan usually doesn’t cover the entire cost of treatment, but it does help offset a percentage of the cost. Make sure to review all the details of the plan with your insurance broker to better understand who in your family is eligible for coverage and what is included.

Our Accepted Insurance Plans:

• VA Smiles for Children
• Aetna
• Ameritas
• Assurant
• BCBS
• BCBS FEP
• Careington
• Cigna DHMO
• Cigna PPO
• Delta Dental
• Dente Max
• DHA/Sunlife
• GEHA
• Guardian Dental Guard
• Humana
• Metlife
• Principal
• SisCo
• Teamsters
• Tri-Care
• United Concordia
• United Concordia DOD
• United Health Care
• TN Coverkids
• TN Medicaid

Third-party financing

Many patients choose to finance their orthodontic treatment with a third-party financial lender or credit card. If you’re considering this option, we recommend CareCredit to all our patients. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that’s used exclusively to pay for out-of-pocket healthcare fees. Click here for more information and to apply.

In-house payment plans

Wondering how much braces cost a month? At Local Orthodontics, we provide flexible payment plans with no interest. Depending on the length of treatment and the amount of your down payment, we can provide you with an affordable monthly payment.

Questions?

If you still have questions or would like a complimentary evaluation to find out exactly how much braces will cost, we can help. Local Orthodontics is here to help you—from your very first visit, to the day your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete! Request a free exam today.