When you find out that you’ll need braces, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much they’re going to cost you and how much of an impact they’ll have on your wallet in the long run. In order to help you determine just that, we’ve done all the research and can now share with you exactly how much braces cost, what factors can affect the cost, and everything else that comes with getting orthodontic treatment. We’ve also done some comparing between costs of braces in the US and costs of braces in the UK!
What are braces made of?
Braces are often made from a variety of different metals. Metal braces are extremely durable, and they usually last several years. The strongest metal that is used in braces is stainless steel. Silver-colored braces have also become popular in recent years due to their ability to resist staining. In addition to metals, braces may also be made from tooth-colored composite resin or ceramic; these materials are more stain resistant than metal and tend to look less obvious in patients’ mouths. Some braces are also now being manufactured with porcelain fused to metal components. Porcelain is a very strong material, but it can chip if handled roughly.
Different types of braces
Braces come in different colors, styles and material. These days, there are four main types of braces: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces and lingual braces. How they differ will depend on your preferences and your orthodontist’s recommendations. Your orthodontist will review your teeth and mouth to determine which type best meets your needs before setting you up with an appointment for your initial consultation. Once you get fitted for them, different types of braces will be used at different stages during treatment. You may even see multiple types—perhaps both metal and ceramic—at once in certain areas. Each stage has its own purpose based on how aggressively or conservatively it is appropriate to move each tooth into its new position.
Common misconceptions about braces
When most people think about braces, they immediately picture metal brackets and wires that are connected with rubber bands. While those components are part of your orthodontic treatment, they’re only one small part. To figure out how much you’ll pay for braces, consider how many appliances you’ll be fitted with and purchase as well as any additional treatments you may need to complete your oral care plan. This could include things like headgear or retainers. Because these devices can vary in price, it’s hard to give an exact number for how much braces will cost. However, if you break down all of your potential costs into individual parts, it becomes easier to determine what you can expect from each piece of equipment. For example: How many different types of braces do I need?
Why are they so expensive?
If you’re looking for affordable braces, you’ve come to right place. In most cases, teeth straightening is a safe and effective procedure. However, that doesn’t mean it comes cheap! If you haven’t already read our guide to orthodontic costs , now is definitely a good time to do so. Whether you choose traditional or invisible braces, rest assured that your dentist will be as concerned about how much you pay as she is about how straight your teeth are at the end of treatment. Here’s why: The high costs associated with braces have nothing to do with providing top-notch care—dentists want their patients to look good and feel confident about their smile after treatment!
Where do you get them done?
The best place to get braces done is at your local orthodontist. Braces are very affordable and affordable can be as low as $5,000 for all four sets. And if you’re lucky you may be able to have them paid for by insurance, but check with your specific insurance company first. If you don’t have dental insurance or don’t want to pay out of pocket you may want to consider getting them done in Mexico or Malaysia, where they can be done for less than half of what they would cost in America and Canada, however make sure you check credentials first as there are a lot of quacks that practice these days and some will literally pull your teeth without any concern for oral health or consequences.
What else will I need to pay for?
There are indeed extra costs you should expect to incur after getting braces. While most braces-related costs are covered by dental insurance, there are some important things to know about what doesn’t get covered by insurance. One large expense that insurance won’t cover is headgear. If your orthodontist recommends that you wear headgear during your treatment, be prepared to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 per month for it, depending on how long you need it.
Are there any extra costs I should know about?
Unfortunately, there are some non-negotiable expenses that aren’t included in your braces costs. These are fees for items like retainers, orthodontic wax or rubber bands. You should also factor in extras like regular checkups and replacement parts if you need them. Additional costs might also be required if your teeth require a more complex treatment plan than simple clear braces—like appliances or invisible braces. Don’t forget to budget for these extras when you start planning your dental care budget and braces costs.