There are probably many reasons that you or a loved one need to wear braces. If you haven’t had a need to look before now, you may be surprised to discover the high costs that come with getting these put on. Depending on where you live, the cost can add up to as much as $10, 000.00 or more. Children’s braces are less expensive than adult braces, and the price can also vary depending on the brand of braces you choose to go with. Generally, you will find that each orthodontist will set his or her own fees for care as well.
What Are The Price Ranges You Can Expect?
For instance, In Orange County California, invisalign braces for an adolescent will cost anywhere from $7,615.00-$9,444.00 and an adult: $8,193-$9,866.00. In Waterloo, Iowa the same exact care will cost $6846.00-$8090.00 for an adolescent and $7,365-$8,869 for adults, and in Trenton, NJ adolescent: $7,984-$9436.00 and $8,950-10,344.00 for the adult. This is from the day you walk into the orthodontist’s office for an initial exam, to the last follow up care visit. Of course if you lose your retainer, it can cost between $397.00 and $592.59 to replace it.
As you can see, there is a considerable difference in price depending on where you live. I have read stories where parents have driven their child as far as four hours each way to save money.
Time frame and conditions are other issues you need to consider when accounting for the total price of the orthodontic experience. Treatments usually have a duration of anywhere from six months to five or more years. The Orthodontist will consider the age of the patient, their specific condition, whether they will need teeth extracted and whether one or both arches are being worked on, as well as other intricate details exclusive to that particular patient.
Additional Costs
You may be quoted a price for traditional braces for as little as $3,500.00, this is usually for the braces only. Be aware that additional costs can accumulate quickly. Orthodontists will charge different fees for straightening teeth than they will for more complex cases such as severe malocclusions, as the more complex cases will require more appointments and an extended treatment period. Also, with some conditions it may be necessary to upgrade to a more expensive set of braces. Prices can add up, especially with children and teens, when self-esteem and fashion are important issues. There are some trendy styles of braces out there and parents need to be aware of their child’s need to feel comfortable amongst their peers. Some of the more popular options which are the current rage:
- Gold Plated Braces
- Glow In The Dark Braces
- Green Braces
- Purple Braces
- Black Braces
- Shaped Braces: Flowers, Football
- Heart Shaped Braces
- Braces With Letters And Symbols Attached
- Tooth Colored Or Ceramic Braces
Any one of these choices can set you back another $500.00 -$1,000, depending on your budget.
Paying For Your Braces: Will Insurance Help?
We have already established that braces are very expensive. Now, we need to decide how we are going to pay for them. Dental Insurance plans are about as varied as the types of braces out there. Depending on your plan, they will usually contribute between 25% and 50% of the cost of braces, so read the fine print. Some plans have a deductible in which they will pay a portion and other companies will pay “up to” a certain amount such as $2,000.00 for example. Sitting down with your human resource director before you begin the process will give you an enormous advantage as to where you stand.
Many companies today have flexible spending accounts, which is a pre-determined amount of money that is extracted from your pay check each period before taxes are taken out, and placed in a fund. These FSA dollars are then used for many different purposes, such as medical care, dental care, child care, or a multitude of other needs that may present themselves within the calendar year and be an important factor in determining your budget for braces. Be aware that some flexible spending accounts may require pre-existing conditions. Your HR representative will be able to answer these questions for you
More Payment Options
More than likely you will still have a balance after insurance and flexible spending accounts. There are still many options available to you, and one such option is a major credit card provided you can find one with a decent interest rate. Some offices offer discounts with fees paid upfront which is a wonderful option if you can afford it.
Meeting with your Orthodontist before you begin treatment and discussing a payment plan is a very popular alternative with many patients. Try to negotiate the price a bit; after all he is a businessman. There are many things to consider when making such a payment arrangement, and this may give you the opportunity to upgrade to a more desired brand of braces if you can get your payments to a comfortable amount.
One of the big decisions you will have to consider are interest rates; make sure they are well within reason. There is no excuse for inflated interest rates as this will only add on to an already very expensive undertaking.
Down payments: Try to make as large of a down payment as you can, as this will keep your payments lower and keep the balance you are paying interest on to a minimum.
Terms: This is the amount of time you will be extending your payment plan. Most Orthodontists are willing to broaden the time from 6-36 months, so it’s very important for you to find that balance between payments you can afford with the amount of interest you will pay ultimately.
Are There Organizations That Will Help Pay For Braces?
There are places you can go to receive help if you can not afford to pay for braces and meet certain financial criteria. One such organization is: Smiles Change Lives. This wonderful program is helping children nationwide to correct orthodontic problems that would otherwise never have the opportunity.
Their Mission Statement: “Smiles Change Lives promotes and provides access to life-changing, essential orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families. Based in Kansas City, the program has treated more than 1,500 children since 1997. With its origin as the Virginia Brown Community Orthodontic Partnership, Smiles Change Lives has emerged as the nation’s leader in providing access to orthodontic care for qualified youth.” To apply to the program, check out http://www.smileschangelives.org.
To qualify a child must:
- Be Between 10-18 years old
- Have Good Oral Hygiene
- Not Already Wearing Braces
- Have A Household Taxable Income At or Below 200% Of The Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Be Willing To Pay A $500 Fee
This fee may be reduced or eliminated if the family meets certain financial criteria, see application page for additional information.
Colleges or Universities; A Wise Alternative
If you check with the American Association of Orthodontists, you just may be able to find a University or college that will do your Orthodontic and dental work for little or no cost. If you are willing to let a student do the work, you can make it happen. In most cases, you will have a resident who is well supervised by an Orthodontist doing your treatment. These are well educated men and women who have completed their programs and are ready to take their boards. One gentleman was able to have a piece of gold placed in a large cavity at no cost whatsoever to him. The student did an excellent job, passed his test, and the man still has the piece of gold in his left canine after forty years. If you are interested in this option, check with the list of accredited schools in your area or the American Association of Orthodontists.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q. Why Does The Orthodontist Count One, Two, And Three While Poking Your Gums?
A. He is checking the firmness of your gums; the lower the number the better!
Q. Does it Hurt To Get Braces?
A. It hurts the first week and when the braces get tightened. Some people say it hurts when your braces are removed. Remember, your Orthodontist cares about you and will help you with medications and other treatments when dealing with pain.
Q. How Do I Brush My Teeth?
A. Depending on what type of braces you have, you either leave them on or take them off. It is important to brush after each meal to remove the food particles which may become stuck in the wires. A pick is used to help loosen the food, as well as tips. Proper care will insure a healthy mouth and strong teeth. It will also insure fewer trips to the Orthodontist’s office.
Getting braces can be one of the most memorable and dramatic times of our lives. Properly preparing for this occasion physically, emotionally, and financially, can make all the difference in the way we tolerate the time we wear our braces. It also prepares us for the outcome, when you walk away with beautiful and healthy strong teeth, a beautiful smile, and feeling wonderful about yourself both inside and out.
References:
1. http://costhelper.com/cost/health/braces.html
2. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=90272
3. http://medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey
4. http://www.braces.org/mythsandfacts/index.cfm