As you begin to look into the orthodontics process, you’ll find yourself asking a lot of questions: What is the best age for my child to visit an orthodontist office? How long will I/my child need braces? What foods will I have to cut out of my diet when I get braces on?
The list goes on and on, but here at Reed Orthodontics, we get you those answers easily and quickly. We know that you and your family are busy. That’s why we have a FAQs section on our website to help you with general questions.
Today we wanted to dive a little bit deeper into a certain question:
How much do braces or Invisalign cost?
To be honest, the average cost of orthodontics depends on multiple variables. Most treatment fees fall into a range of $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the nature of the underlying problem. For example, correcting mild spacing and straightening issues often does not involve complicated treatment, whereas a severe overbite or underbite might lead to a more complex process with a slightly higher fee.
Age is also a factor in cost of treatment. Younger patients that receive treatment early, reduce their time spent in braces or expanders. This interceptive approach usually lasts less than a year, and is a fraction of the cost of a full set of braces. If a set of braces or Invisalign is needed years later, the cost may be reduced (or prorated) from the orthodontist’s usual fee.
The cost of orthodontics is also dependent upon what type of braces are used, with metal braces being less expensive than clear/porcelain braces, and Invisalign being slightly more expensive overall.
Insurance will sometimes cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. Dental benefits that offer orthodontic coverage will usually provide a one-time only payment for braces, expanders or Invisalign that ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the type of insurance.
With or without orthodontic insurance, there are a number of ways to pay for orthodontic treatment, including Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA), setting up monthly payment arrangements with your orthodontist’s office (often with no interest or finance fees) or using a third party to handle the payments (often spreading payment out over one or more years).
All in all, no matter what your insurance situation is and no matter what treatment you need, there is a way to finance it. Contact us at Reed Orthodontics today to schedule your new-patient exam!