Why braces are so expensive

If the teeth are moved at the wrong pace, it could seriously damage the teeth. The intricate details of the brackets and the expertise of the orthodontist allow the teeth to move at the proper pace. Higher quality orthodontic materials also increase the price, and the quality of appliances used does significantly impact the results of your treatment.

Teeth should be moved very slowly to maintain their health. Patients may wear their braces for about 1 to 3 years. Patient cooperation also plays a large role in the time spent in braces. A general rule of thumb is that conventional metal braces are typically cheaper than a clear, removable alignment system like Invisalign.

However, the more advanced some of these treatments become, the price gap is becoming narrower. The difference may be as little as a few hundred dollars total. How long your orthodontic treatment takes will impact your overall cost of braces. Keep in mind, your dentist still has materials to purchase, lab fees to pay for, overhead expenses to run their office, and needs to earn a profit like any business would but shorter treatments will generally be more affordable.

Each dental insurance plan covers different procedures at varying rates. Other considerations to think about include maximum allowable the total amount your insurance will pay for each year and deductibles. Some dental insurance policies will also dictate the age of the patient covered. One example is a plan that covers braces but only up to age Other plans may cover braces on anyone over 7 years of age, even adults.

These details vary from policy to policy. Some orthodontists offer discounts on treatment if you pay for them up front. Most braces providers will break the treatment up into affordable monthly installments. Home About Dr. Contact us. Why are braces so expensive? Par Dr. Exact matches only. Search in title. Staff, equipment and other expenses are behind the prices of every dental procedure. Most orthodontists have one price for braces which covers everything including work, materials and appointments.

However, sometimes additional fees can apply for the first visit, x-rays, replacement materials and more. If a dentist recommends orthodontic work, his or her main concern is almost certainly not personal profit. Instead, he or she wants your teeth to be healthy. Straight, even teeth are far less likely to develop problems later in life. Plus, a great smile can be a lifelong confidence booster. Although dental insurance plans vary , full coverage for braces is almost impossible to find.

Orthodontic treatments for adults are almost never covered by dental insurance. Plans do often cover children under the age of 18, but only partially.