How Much Do Braces Cost?

Long Beach, CA – The thought of orthodontic treatment no doubt brings up a bit of apprehension for some, as they wonder about how much a set of braces costs. While braces are certainly not a cheap investment, they are well worth the cost – orthodontic treatment can save patients years of future dental work because straighter teeth mean healthier teeth.

The cost of braces has actually remained relatively stable over the years. If you look back decades ago to the 1960s, the average cost of braces was $2,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $16,000 today. The good news for you is that nearly 60 years later, the cost of braces hasn’t increased as significantly as one might assume.

But, there are some things to consider when looking for braces, and some reasons why the cost of treatment may be different from office to office.

First, the cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on where in the country you live. Typically speaking, if you live in an area where the cost of living is higher, you can expect your braces may also be more. For instance, if you live in Lincoln, Nebraska your orthodontic treatment will be less expensive than for someone who lives in Manhattan. Also, if you have a higher concentration of certified orthodontists versus general dentists, you may expect higher prices because of their exceptional skill and knowledge.

It’s important to remember that when it comes to your smile, you shouldn’t comparison shop based on price alone. We all want a good deal, especially on large purchases, but it is also important to look closely at the skill and experience of the orthodontist, as well as the rest of the staff and the office. Remember that you’ll be spending the next year or so visiting that office every 6-8 weeks, so make sure it’s a place where you feel comfortable and well taken care of.

Next, prices vary depending on the severity of the patient’s malocclusion and the type of orthodontic treatment needed. The most cost effective treatment is standard metal braces, but not every patient wants that treatment. Other options, such as lingual braces, Invisalign, and self-ligating bracket systems will tend to cost more.

Another factor that plays in to cost is your age at the time of treatment. Because adolescents have the benefit of jaws that are still growing, malocclusions tend to be easier to treat, making orthodontic treatment less involved, and therefore less expensive. While you can still achieve excellent results with adult orthodontic treatment, treatment is usually more complex so the price may be a bit higher.

The good news is, no orthodontist ever wants to see a patient go without needed treatment to improve the function of their bite and quality of their smile. Most offices offer several options for payment. A financial coordinator will be on staff to help you get the most of your dental benefits, if you have dental insurance. Insurance can often take care of a significant portion of your orthodontic bill. There are also usually discounts for making payments in full at the beginning of treatment, and may offices even offer in-office, interest free payment options.

If you’re interested in learning how orthodontic treatment can improve your smile, call HD Orthodontics’ Long Beach office at 562.283.6590.