When you’re first considering braces for yourself or your child, it can be hard to find immediate answers online. For a personalized estimate of orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with our experienced orthodontists here in Grand Rapids, MI.
The often prevents many patients from getting the smiles they want. However, asking how much braces really costis an excellent question because the price varies on a case by case basis.
Finding online estimates for orthodontic treatment can be difficult because each patient’s needs are different. During your free consultation at Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics, we will provide you with an estimate for how much it will cost to fix your bite and align your teeth.
Factors That Affect The Cost of Braces
The increases with how long the treatment takes. While some patients may only need to align a few teeth, others may need to correct overbites.
For a guide to why people often need braces, check out our blog on 5 Reasons Why You Might Need Braces.
When it comes to the , price is affected by:
- The orthodontist you choose
- Length of the treatment
- Orthodontic appliances needed
- Your type of dental insurance
- Payment plans
- Financial assistance through nonprofits
As far as braces go, there are multiple different options to choose from depending on your preferences. Here are the most common types of braces offered:
- Metal Braces
- Ceramic Braces
- Invisalign®
- Lingual Braces
How to Pay for Braces
If you are worried about how you’re going to pay for braces, there are many available resources. First, you’ll want to check with your dental insurance company to see if your policy covers orthodontics for teenagers or adults.
Most insurance companies don’t cover treatment for people over the age of 18. Children are usually partially covered for braces with a lifetime maximum for each child. Check the specifics of your insurance policy before beginning treatment.
It’s never too late for adult braces though and age should never disqualify you from getting them. There are many alternatives to metal braces, such as Invisalign.
Most orthodontists are willing to create a payment plan that works with your budget. For example, it may be possible to space your payments throughout treatment or even extend them beyond treatment. Payment plans for orthodontics make treatment affordable for many families.
If you qualify as a low-income family, it’s also worth checking if there are any local nonprofits that offer . Straightened teeth can improve a child’s self-esteem so they can feel confident with their smile, so many nonprofits have stepped in to help cover the cost.
Orthodontic treatment for children doesn’t have to be a financial hardship for your family. At the very least, scheduling a consultation with one of our orthodontists can help you get a better sense of the costs.
When to Consider Braces
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children receive an orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. Getting your child seen early by an orthodontist will help determine whether they’ll need orthodontics in the future.
If you know ahead of time that your child will require orthodontics, you’ll be able to start saving money that much sooner. While you may not be able to save enough to pay the entire cost of your child’s treatment, it could still offset the cost significantly.
Wearing Your Retainer After Braces
After your braces are removed, make sure to wear your retainer. You would hate for all that time, hard work, and money to go to waste by not wearing your retainer as suggested by your orthodontist. Your teeth will naturally want to shift back to their old position, but a retainer can prevent this!
Considering Braces?
As your Grand Rapids orthodontists,we are dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile. If you’re interested in learning more about what orthodontic treatment options are available for you, feel free to schedule a free consultation with us online or give Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics a call at (616) 455-4800.