Orthodontic treatment can provide you with a beautiful smile and excellent benefits that last a lifetime, but it requires an investment on your part. Here at Sawgrass Orthodontics, one question we hear most often is, “how much will braces cost?” Because we create personalized treatment plans for each patient we see, the answer to this will vary from case to case. There are several factors to consider, including:
- the type of orthodontic appliance
- if the braces are for a child or an adult
- the orthodontic issues that are being treated
- the estimated treatment time
- whether the patient has insurance that will cover orthodontics
- the orthodontist and practice providing treatment
Each of these has a part to play in the total cost of treatment. To help explain this, let’s take the type of appliance used. Traditional metal braces will be the least expensive option, while clear braces or Invisalign aligners may cost slightly more. The age of the patient matters, too. Orthodontic treatment for children and teens is often somewhat less expensive than treatment for adults, although this depends on the specifics of the case.
Another example is patients who require complex treatment vs. those with more straightforward orthodontic issues. Severe cases may require longer treatment times, which leads to more work for the orthodontist and more follow-up appointments in the office. You should also consider the pricing structure along with the price itself. The total cost of treatment will depend upon whether your dental insurance will cover a portion of orthodontic treatment.
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into determining the overall cost for braces! To help you understand more about what you can expect from the orthodontic process, let’s explore what treatment typically includes, how much the average cost is, and what payment options are available here at Sawgrass Orthodontics. Keep reading below to learn more!
What does the total cost of treatment include?
When you schedule a free consultation with our team, we’ll sit down with you and go over the investment needed for your new smile. You don’t have to worry about any hidden costs or unwelcome surprises here! You’ll always know what to expect before the active phase of treatment ever begins.
Our customized treatment plans contain everything you’ll need for beautiful results that last, including:
- all appointments, including emergency visits
- braces or aligners
- retainers
- post-treatment follow-up visits
- an oral hygiene starter pack
The fees we charge reflect our team’s experience and skill, the highest quality products we use, and the service we provide. We know that braces are a significant investment for most families and are dedicated to providing affordable treatment options for every budget.
What is the average cost for braces?
We talked above about the various factors that need to be considered before determining the exact cost of treatment. For this reason, there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how much orthodontic treatment will cost. We can still get a general idea from the average totals, however. Orthodontic treatment for a child can run anywhere from $4-8K, while adult braces or aligners will usually be around $6-9K.
Does dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
There are several dental insurance plans out there that will cover orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, the coverage rules and policies are often confusing and hard to understand! Our team has years of experience working with insurance companies to help our patients receive the maximum coverage, and we’ll be happy to work with you to do the same.
We present each patient with a plan that will best address their specific needs and goals. Once your exam is complete and you’ve gone over your treatment plan with Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny, we’ll look at your insurance to see what your insurance provider will and won’t cover in the way of orthodontic treatment. Co-payments or out of pocket expenses are estimated before treatment begins.
If insurance doesn’t cover treatment, can I deduct the cost?
Costs associated with orthodontic treatment can sometimes be tax-deductible. Many employers provide Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) that allow pre-tax money to pay for braces. You should keep track of all expenses associated with braces treatment if you’re thinking of trying to deduct the costs, including co-pays and check-up visits.
A smile from Sawgrass Orthodontics is worth the investment
Braces are about more than giving you a lovely smile! Your oral health has an important role to play in your overall health, too. Misaligned teeth can increase your tooth decay and gum disease risk, and you may experience pain and soreness in the head, neck, and shoulders.
You only get one smile, and it’s too important to shop around based on price alone! We all want a good deal, but you should choose an orthodontist based on their skill, experience, and how comfortable you feel with their office. Braces patients have regular follow-up visits with Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny throughout the treatment process, so you’ll want to be sure you’re comfortable in our practice.
Here at Sawgrass Orthodontics, we work hard to provide you with a rewarding and stress-free orthodontic experience from start to finish! We believe everyone should have access to the high-quality orthodontic care they need. If you’d like to learn more about how we create beautiful smiles that fit every budget, get in touch with our office today to schedule a free consultation, virtually or in-office.
Back to Blog