Let’s face it, one of the key factors that dictate the type of orthodontic treatment we have is the braces cost. In years gone by it used to be that patients had one type of treatment available to them in the form of metal braces. As a result, the price was the price.
Nowadays, however, dental patients have access to a wide number of orthodontic braces and clear aligner treatments all designed to move teeth. With this in mind, we’re going to take a look at the average costs involved in getting braces with regards to the various types of treatment.
Firstly, metal braces
Conventional metal braces are among the cheapest braces you can opt for starting at around $4,000 per treatment. The good news is that they’re lighter than their equivalent counterparts of old and are more comfortable to wear. They are, however, the most visible of all braces types.
That said, many teens go that extra mile and opt for personalised and funky-coloured brackets and wiring, to make them stand out from the crowd.
So how much do the average braces cost?
For around $4000-$6000 a patient should be able to receive a high-quality metal brace that will happily last them for the duration of their treatment.
Ceramic braces
In terms of pricing at least, somewhere in the middle are ceramic braces. They consist of tooth-coloured brackets and wiring so they’re more discreet than their metallised counterparts. Patients usually opt for this type if they have a moderate orthodontic problem that needs addressing but prefer the less visible nature that ceramic braces offer.
But what about the average cost of ceramic braces here in Australia?
Ceramic braces cost from around $5000 rising to approximately $8500 for an extensive 18- month treatment plan.
So they are a touch more expensive than metal-style braces but you are paying for a more discreet brace that appears natural in the mouth.
Clear aligners
Next on the list are clear aligners. When it comes to braces cost, it used to be that clear aligners were among the most expensive types of orthodontic braces treatment. This was to be expected because, for many years, there was really only one company that produced them – Invisalign.
In fact, if you opt for Invisalign aligners today, they don’t come cheap. Of course, you’ll be buying into a brand with decades of clinical testing behind them and a proven product that works but be prepared to part with somewhere between $6000 and $9000 for a full treatment.
Over the last few years, however, many of Invisalign’s rock-solid patents which once protected them have lapsed. This has paved the way for a glut of competition. As such the price of clear aligners has dropped significantly and now, if you were to opt for a clear aligner alternative like Clear Correct, you could expect to pay somewhere between $2000 and $5500 for a similar treatment – a significant cost difference!
Lingual braces
Finally, if you want truly invisible braces, then you might want to consider lingual braces. Just like metal and ceramic-style braces, lingual braces still utilise brackets and wiring. However, they are designed to be worn on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside. This makes them completely invisible, allowing the wearer to smile naturally.
Because they are worn on the inside of the teeth, they are likely to need some familiarisation. They can also affect speech for a while until the tongue gets used to them, but on the whole, lingual braces are designed to treat many of the conditions that other braces can treat.
In terms of braces cost, this type of orthodontic braces treatment works out the most expensive at approximately $12500 for a full treatment, This is because not every dentist is trained to fit them and they are a custom solution, designed to precisely fit your teeth.
So there you have it – a breakdown of braces types and what you can expect to pay!
The next time you ponder the question ‘how much do braces cost on average?’ you’ll know that there simply isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer. Instead, pricing hinges on a variety of criteria including:
- The type of braces you want
- The amount of treatment needed
- What your priorities are – e.g. do you prefer aligner style appliances or are you happy to wear conventional bracket and wire style braces?
When it comes to your teeth, it’s important to put your smile in the hands of an experienced professional. Here at No Gaps Dental our highly skilled teams will listen to your needs and requirements and give you treatment options based on these.
Not only that, because we are a dental group, we’re able to offer some unbeatable deals across a wide range of treatments including orthodontic braces. As such, we offer some of the most competitive prices in the Sydney Metro area. Contact us today to find a No Gaps Dental clinic near you to see how we can help.