Top 5 Things that Determine the Cost of Dental Braces
For many people living in Orlando and elsewhere across the country, misaligned teeth may be a major dental complaint. Those with misaligned teeth often visit orthodontic care centers due to difficulties in cleaning their teeth, as well as with eating and speech. There are hundreds of orthodontists in Orlando and other cities around the country that have special tools and equipment to deal with misaligned teeth.
That said, this doesn’t mean that making dental adjustments doesn’t come with a cost. For example, dental braces — the primary treatment method for misaligned teeth — may seem to be out of financial reach for some. While those costs are well worth it for countless Americans, understanding the breakdown of dental expenses can allow for better budgeting and an improved relationship with one’s dentist or orthodontist.
If you have misaligned teeth and are looking for affordable braces in Orlando, you may think your search will come up empty. However, knowing more about the factors that determine the cost of braces can allow you to make financially smart decisions that can improve your smile while allowing you to stay on-budget. Before visiting an Orlando FL orthodontist, you must understand the factors that determine the cost of braces so that you can prepare in advance.
1. Patient Age
In many instances, the medical cost for children is significantly lower than that of adults. The same is reflected in the treatment of misaligned teeth. where the cost of braces for children is almost 30% less than that of adults. If you realize that your child has misaligned teeth, it is important to correct the problem at an earlier stage. Studies show that the best time to begin treatment for misaligned teeth is at age seven. Not only will this prevent dental problems down the line, but this route is typically more affordable.
2. Length of Treatment Plan
The cost of braces is also affected by the length of the treatment plan. People who take a long time to have their teeth aligned will pay a higher cost when compared to people whose teeth will align within a short period. If you are working with the best orthodontist, you should have your teeth aligned in 12 months. However, it is common to see individuals who wait for 24 months before they can have their teeth aligned. Talk to your dentist about the potential length of your treatment and how it might impact the overall cost of braces before beginning.
3. Treatment Procedure
The treatment procedure for braces is always the same. However, in circumstances where more than one tooth is misaligned, you will be required to pay more money as compared to a situation where a single tooth was misaligned. The cost of braces will be higher if a greater number of teeth will have to be covered by the braces. It is also obvious that the length of treatment will be longer when many teeth are misaligned.
4. Types of Braces
Traditional metal braces are made of stainless steel, which makes them a very popular choice for braces among both patients and dentists They are considerably inexpensive, so they’re fairly ubiquitous. However, they are steadily losing traction because they are visible and can negatively alter a patient’s appearance.
Lingual braces, on the other hand, are custom-made and fit like natural teeth. They are not visible, which makes them much more desirable and expensive when compared to traditional metal braces. Many orthodontists may not offer lingual braces due to their cost, as they may simply be too expensive for some patients.
Ceramic braces are a cost-effective type of braces currently used in the treatment of misaligned teeth. They perfectly blend with your natural teeth and are not visible, which makes them an attractive option. However, ceramic braces may break, which may be a concern.
Essentially, you’ll need to weigh your priorities when determining which type of braces will be best for you. While some more affordable options may be visible, this may be an important trade-off in order to keep this treatment a financially viable one.
5. Insurance Plans
Not many insurance plans cover cosmetic dental treatment procedures. Therefore, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider to get a clarification of whether your plan covers cosmetic dental services, including braces. Many health insurance plans will cover a portion of the costs associated with cosmetic treatments, but patients will need to pay the remainder out-of-pocket. In such circumstances, you may consider obtaining supplemental insurance plan to cover cosmetic dental treatments like dental braces.
In an industry where many medical procedures are unattainable due to cost, our dental care facilities in Orlando FL provide unparalleled and affordable dental treatment. With a short treatment period of just 12 months, your smile will soon become your best feature. To learn more, please contact us today.