You probably understand that orthodontic treatment is a very important investment in your oral health. You also know it’s a significant investment of both your time and money. When it comes to creating smiles, one of the questions we hear most often is “how much do braces cost?” Here at Brady Orthodontics, we have quite a few treatment options to choose from and customized treatment plans for every patient, so answering that question depends on a variety of factors! When calculating what you’ll need to invest in a new smile, we’ll take into account things like:
- The type of braces you choose
- Whether the braces are for an adult or a child
- The orthodontic issues being corrected
- How long braces are estimated to be needed
- If the patient has dental insurance that covers orthodontics
- and more!
All of these factors play a part in the total cost of treatment. Take traditional metal braces, for instance. These tend to be, on average, one of the least expensive treatment options. Next, come clear braces or the Invisalign clear aligner system which generally comes with a higher price tag. Along the same lines, treatment for children will often be a bit less expensive than adult treatment, though this will always depend on the specific case. Your treatment will take longer is you have a more complex issue. This means more work for your orthodontist as well as more appointments, so it comes with a bigger price tag.
Additionally, each orthodontist will have will set their prices in a way that reflects their location. And of course, dental insurance policies vary, and this will affect what you end up having to pay out of pocket for your recommended treatment plan.
What does the total cost of treatment include?
With so many factors to consider, you still never have to worry about hidden costs or surprised with our practice! During your free initial consultation, we’ll outline everything included in your personalized treatment plan before we ever begin the active phase of your orthodontic journey. These treatment plans contain everything needed for beautiful, long-lasting results, including:
- All appointments
- Any emergency visits
- Braces or aligners
- Retainers
- Post-treatment follow-up visits
- An oral hygiene starter pack
Our treatment fees reflect the skill of our expert team, the innovative technology we use, and the world-class service we provide to patients of all ages throughout Winnetka. Dr. Brady has extensive orthodontics experience! We understand that braces are a significant investment, and we work hard to ensure that it’s worth it for you and your family. We help each patient achieve a beautiful, confident smile they want to share with everyone around them.
What is the average cost for braces?
Because of all of the different factors that we’ve already mentioned, there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how much treatment will cost. In general, however, the average treatment cost for a child can be anywhere from $3-7K, while adult braces or aligners can run from around $5-8K. Again, the total cost will depend on each individual patient’s specific needs, along with the variables we mentioned above.
Will dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Some dental insurance plans do cover orthodontic treatment, but the coverage rules can often be vague and confusing. We’re happy to help you find out if your insurance covers orthodontic treatment!
Our doctor customizes each treatment plan based on their professional experience and the patient’s unique health needs. We won’t recommend treatment based on whether or not certain treatment options are covered by insurance, but will offer you the plan that will best address their needs, lifestyle, and goals.
We’ll review your insurance to help you decide on the best course of action for your treatment because we understand that policies and unique. Once treatment begins, we’ll file your insurance claims for you and accept any payment assignment from your insurance company. We’ll estimate co-payments or out of pocket expenses before starting your treatment. Once treatment is complete and all insurance payments are received, we will reconcile the account. You’ll still be responsible for any underpayment at that point.
What is insurance doesn’t cover all of my treatment?
If braces are considered medically necessary, the dental health care costs associated with them are often tax-deductible. However, the cost has to reach a certain amount before any deductions would kick in. If deducting the cost of treatment is something you’re interested in, you should keep track of all expenses, including co-pays and check-up visits.
Will Medicaid cover the cost of braces?
If braces are considered to be medically necessary for your or your child, the treatment costs may be covered by Medicaid. To learn more about this possibility, visit http://www.medicaid.gov/. It is important to ask about the percentage of coverage and the lifetime maximum before starting treatment.
A healthy smile is worth the investment with Brady Orthodontics
Braces do more than improve your cosmetic appearance. Oral health plays an important role in our total body health, and misaligned teeth can increase the risk for everything from tooth decay and cavities to pain in your head, neck, and shoulders. While it’s true that orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment, it’s one with positive benefits that can last for the rest of your life!
We only get one smile, and it’s too important to comparison shop for based on price alone. we’re all looking for a good deal, but it’s still important to choose an orthodontist based on their skill, experience, and how comfortable you feel trusting them with your care. You’re about to spend a lot of time in the orthodontist’s office during your treatment process, so you’ll want to pick a practice that feels warm, welcoming, and stress-free!
Our goal at Brady Orthodontics is to provide you with a rewarding experience from the start of your orthodontic journey until the happy conclusion. We believe everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable orthodontic care, and go out of our way to ensure this for every patient we treat! To learn more about how you can achieve a beautiful smile that fits your budget, get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation.
