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Braces Cost

How Much Do Braces Cost?
 
average cost Range: $3,500-$7,600
 



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Typical costs:
  • Fees average $5,413 but can go up to $7,625 for straightening your teeth with traditional braces (orthodontics), according to BracesInfo.com. Add about $500 for "tooth colored" ceramic brackets; and behind-the-teeth (called lingual or concealed) braces are an additional $2,000-$5,000.
  • As an alternative, the Invisalign company says its clear plastic trays start at $3,500 and average around $5,000 nationwide, but can cost more. Most dental plans cover orthodontics for children up to age 18, but not for adults.
What should be included:
  • Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than past "railroad tracks." A metal or ceramic bracket is attached to each tooth with glue or a metal band; an arch wire runs from bracket to bracket, putting pressure on the teeth to move in the desired direction; and small colored elastics hold the bracket on the arch wire, although some brackets don't need elastics. According to ArchWired.com, metal braces tend to require the least amount of time to move your teeth, but are the most visible; ceramic braces are less visible, but treatment can take a few months longer and they aren't strong enough to correct severe bite problems.
  • Invisible outside your mouth, iBraces use metal brackets installed only on the tongue side of your teeth. They require specialized training to install, treatment can take a few months longer and they might not work for severe situations.
  • Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses computer-fabricated clear plastic "aligner" trays; you switch to a new (numbered) aligner every two weeks. Invisalign isn't good for severe bite problems and some patients may still need traditional braces for a few months. A 40-something woman gives a good overview of her personal Invisalign experience on ArchWired.com.
Additional costs:
  • You can have your brackets gold-plated for a jewelry-type look; in bright colors such as purple, pink, green or black; or shaped like hearts, flowers, footballs or other images from Wild Smiles Brackets. View some of the possibilities at Thinkquest.org. And Bracket Jacketz offers inexpensive plastic covers in a wide range of shapes, including letters and symbols. These options can add $5-$300 or more to the total cost.
Discounts:
  • For dental college clinics offering reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty, visit DentalSite.com.
  • Dental societies may pay part of the costs for low-income patients; visit the American Dental Association for your state organization.
Shopping for braces:
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
Article updated November 2006
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Recent Posts
Amount: $7,000.00 not covered by insurance Teeth braces
Posted by: linda cisneros in Fruitland, ID.Purchased: August, 2008
Type of Braces: railroad
we dont have that much money to pay that i would like to know if insurance coverd the braces.
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Amount: $6,000.00 not covered by insurance Teeth Gap
Posted by: Mark in Philadelphia, PA.Purchased: March, 2008
Type of Braces: Invisalign
I don't why but my insurance doesn't cover it. I mean what's the point of having it? Well they told me I can pay like $200 each month plus interest. I personally think this is too much just for something so little.
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Amount: $6,000.00 not covered by insurance Cost of Braces - Colorado
Posted by: D Joosten in Westminster, CO.Purchased: March, 2008
Type of Braces: Ceramic top, Steel bottom
Includes all x-rays, SonicCare toothbrush, Post braces teeth whitening, and 24 months of correction, or longer if needed. This is for adult orthodontics, no insurance. Using FSA over 3 calander years to pay.
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Amount: $3,500.00 not covered by insurance I just got braces
Posted by: a user in Marietta, GA.Purchased: May, 2008
Type of Braces: railroad
I think $3500.00 it worth it to have a beautiful smile. No more hiding behind my hand when I laugh or being afraid to smile. I am over 19 so insurance pays for nothing. I say go for it if you can afford.
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Amount: $1,900.00 not covered by insurance expensive braces
Posted by: luck person in novi, MI.Purchased: June, 2008
Type of Braces: demon
total cost of braces is $5900, $3500 is covered by insurace. Just got braces yesterday, can't wait to see a beatiful smile in 1 and half year.
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