Putting a Price on your Smile: How Much are Braces?
Investing in dental braces to correct your teeth alignment can be a costly and time consuming venture. Depending on the patient’s age, location, and how much dental work he needs done, he can expect to wear his braces for up to four years, and fork over anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 to his orthodontist.
In children, the cost of braces in 2007 averaged $4,941, while in adults it averaged at $5,354.
In some countries in Europe, dental costs come free to children under the age of 18, as orthodontic care is covered by federally funded healthcare. Cost of braces is also dependent on which type of braces a patient chooses. Recent advances in orthodontic care have led to several alternatives to traditional metal braces. Prices for care therefore vary.
How Much are Metal Braces?
Traditional metal braces can range in price from $3,000 to $5,000 for two years of care. This cost does not include additional x-rays, tooth extractions, or other options. Conventional metal braces work through periodic tightening of metal brackets linked by wire. These brackets force the patient’s teeth to adjust along a desired path. Typically, a tooth will move about one millimeter per month with braces.
How Much are Ceramic Braces?
“Clear” or ceramic braces have white colored brackets, and blend more easily with teeth. They can run about $500 more than traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces are popular due to their aesthetic appeal. They work much the same as metal braces otherwise. “Clear” braces also come in plastic.
How Much are Invisalign Braces?
Invisalign aligners are an example of progressive, clear removable aligners for teeth. Like traditional braces, aligners may be used to gradually move teeth into the desired position. Invisalign aligners typically cost more than traditional braces. Costs average anywhere between $3,000 and $9,000. Aligners are used primarily for cosmetic orthodontics, and not for complex surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, jaw surgery, or palate expansion.
Orthodontic Retainers
One of the most important parts of a patient’s orthodontic care takes place after he gets his braces removed. During this period immediately following his braces removal, the patient typically wears an orthodontic retainer, which helps keep his teeth in place as they settle into their new placement. If the patient neglects using his retainer, he may suffer relapse, and his teeth may move back into their previous positions.
How do I Choose an Orthodontist
Choosing a skilled orthodontist is an essential part of getting quality tooth care and improving your smile. When searching for an orthodontist, patients should consider the physician’s experience with orthodontic procedures, the options for service he provides, and the level of individual care his facility can give. In many cases finding the right orthodontist can mean finding the specialist you trust for all your dental care needs.
A great resource for finding skilled, certified orthodontists in your area is the American Association of Orthodontists web site, braces.org. They provide a quick and easy tool for searching for trained orthodontic professionals by region.
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