There’s no getting around the fact that a beautiful smile requires an investment. Even though everybody loves a good bargain, that old adage that “you get what you pay for” is accurate when it comes to your oral health! If you’ve been considering braces for you or your child, finances are probably at the forefront of your mind. You’re not alone! Here at Orthodontics of South Miami, the question we hear more than any other is, “how much will braces cost?”
Unfortunately, there’s no concrete answer to this. There are several factors that must be considered when calculating treatment fees, including:
- the type of orthodontic appliance
- if the braces are for a child or an adult
- the complexity of the case
- the estimated treatment length
- if the patient’s insurance covers orthodontics
- the orthodontist providing treatment
- the area in which the patient resides and receives treatment
Each of these contributes to the total cost of treatment. The type of appliance a patient chooses is a perfect example! Traditional metal braces are generally the most affordable treatment option, while other types of braces or aligners may cost a little bit more.
The age of a patient matters, too. The way a child’s mouth develops means that treatment for kids and teens will often be slightly less expensive than a full course of treatment for adults. You can also compare a simple case to one that is particularly complex. The latter may require longer treatment times, creating more work for the orthodontist, and more follow-up appointments in the office. When all is said and done, this may translate to higher treatment fees.
Another important factor to consider is the pricing structure your orthodontist has in place, which will be based in part on the area in which they practice. The total cost of a patient’s treatment will also depend on whether or not they have dental insurance to cover some or all of their orthodontic treatment.
If that seems like a lot, it’s because there really are so many things to take into consideration when putting it all together! If you’ve been thinking of trying braces to achieve a straighter smile, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s look at what braces treatment includes, what the average cost tends to be, and what kind of payment options we have available to our patients. Keep reading below for more information!
What does the total cost of braces include?
We value your time and never want you to feel like we’re taking advantage of you. For that reason, we are transparent about all of our treatment fees. Those fees reflect our skill, experience, and the high-quality technology we use to give you exceptional results.
We know that nobody likes unwelcome surprises! Our team will ensure you understand everything that’s included in your customized treatment plan before you even begin the active phase of the orthodontic process. This treatment plan will usually include:
- all appointments, including emergency visits
- braces or aligners
- post-treatment retainers
- post-treatment follow-up visits
- an oral hygiene starter pack
In other words, everything you need to achieve and maintain a beautifully aligned smile over the years!
So, how much do braces cost?
Like we talked about above, there are quite a few factors that go into determining the exact cost of treatment, as it’s based on each individual patient. That’s why you won’t find any “one size fits all” answer about how much braces cost. There are still averages we can look at, though. In general, braces treatment for a child can cost anywhere from $3-7K, while adult braces will usually run about $5-8K in total.
Does dental insurance typically cover braces treatment?
There are many dental insurance plans that will cover orthodontic treatment in part or full. However, the rules and policies for coverage can be confusing. Luckily, our team has been working with insurance companies for years and can help ensure you receive the maximum coverage from your particular plan!
Here at Orthodontics of South Miami, our doctors will never recommend a treatment plan for you based solely on whether or not it is covered by insurance. Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg create individualized plans based on each patient’s unique smile and specific needs. Once you’ve had a consultation with us and been presented with a proposed treatment plan, you should check with your provider to see what they are willing to cover.
For your convenience, we’ll be happy to help with insurance claims and paperwork. Co-payments or out of pocket expenses are estimated before the treatment process begins. Once treatment is complete and all insurance payments are received, we will reconcile the account. Patients will be responsible for any underpayment at this point.
If insurance won’t cover braces, can the cost be deducted?
If braces are deemed to be medically necessary, the dental health care costs associated with them can sometimes be tax-deductible. However, that cost generally has to exceed a certain amount before any deductions would kick in. You should keep track of all expenses associated with your braces treatment if you want to deduct the costs. This includes any co-pays and check-up visits.
Your smile is worth it! Explore braces treatment with Orthodontics of South Miami
Braces can give you a beautiful smile, but the benefits go beyond that! Oral health plays an important role in our total body health, too. Crooked teeth are harder to clean effectively, and can increase your chances for cavities and tooth decay. Misalignment can also lead to pain and soreness in the head, jaw, and neck. Orthodontic treatment with braces can reduce or eliminate these symptoms, leaving you with a happy, healthy smile!
Here at Orthodontics of South Miami, we believe patients of all ages should have access to high-quality orthodontic care. It’s our goal to provide you with affordable treatment options that fit every budget, including metal braces, clear braces, Harmony braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners.
If you’re in the South Miami area and want to learn more about how braces can help you achieve the smile you deserve, get in touch with us today to schedule your FREE virtual or in-office consultation!