Why Do Orthodontists Charge Different Prices?

Long Beach, CA – If you or your child need braces, chances are good you may have done a bit of comparison shopping during the process. In doing so, you may have noticed that different practices charge different prices. Why is that?

Many things go into the cost of orthodontic treatment. In addition to the orthodontic materials, you’re also paying for the skill of the orthodontist and the orthodontic team as well as the technology used. Another factor that comes into play is the office overhead, or the cost to maintain the practice. 

Let’s take a further look at these factors.

First, let’s take a look at what you need as a patient – the braces. Standard metal braces require brackets, wires, and rubber bands. They also require all the tools necessary to put the braces on, adjust them throughout treatment, and remove them when treatment is finished. The types of brackets, dental materials and equipment used can vary from practice to practice. Many practices use more high-tech and better quality brackets, which will have a higher cost. 

Likewise, if your orthodontist uses treatments like clear aligners and lingual braces, you’ll see more advanced technology such as intra-oral scanners and 3D printers. These tools provide more accurate diagnoses and dental records which subsequently enables better treatment planning. However, they can also be more costly to the orthodontic practice to maintain. 

Offices that focus on better technology and have more amenities tend to have higher fees than other offices. While an orthodontist working out of a basic office can do an excellent job straightening your teeth, you and your family may prefer an office that offers more amenities, better technology and makes you feel more relaxed and comfortable. 

One of the biggest things you pay for when it comes to orthodontics is the expertise of your specialist. An orthodontist with more training and knowledge, and who is well-versed in a variety of treatment modalities, will typically have higher fees than a less-qualified orthodontist. For example, a board-certified orthodontist has committed to the highest ideals of orthodontic treatment. Board certification signifies that the orthodontist is dedicated to the continued pursuit of excellence in orthodontics. Unbeknownst to most of the general public, only 40% of orthodontists have achieved board certification. 

Orthodontic treatment can have a wonderfully positive impact on your future health and self-esteem. When looking for the right orthodontist, it is important to look at much more than just the bottom-line. It’s important to look at the experience of the orthodontist, the technology used in the office, the comfort of the office, and the skill of the orthodontic team. 

Orthodontic treatment is healthcare, and while it should always be affordable for those who need it, you should never look simply at who can offer the cheapest price. As with anything else in life, you often get what you pay for. If you want your smile to show you were in the hands of an expert, it’s important to take all of these things into consideration when choosing an orthodontist.