At No Gaps Dental, we understand that the question of “How much do braces cost?” concerns many patients. Braces cost in Sydney varies depending on the type of braces chosen, the treatment length and the severity of your case.
According to Smile.com.au, the cost of orthodontic treatment in Australia ranges from $2000 for specific, clear aligner treatments to $12500 for full-mouth lingual braces. Clearly, that’s a considerable variation, but it has to be this way because every case is different.
On average, traditional metal braces cost between $4000 and $6000, $5000 or more for ceramic braces and $6000 to $9000 for a full Invisalign treatment. At No Gaps Dental, we offer a clear aligner alternative with a dramatic cost difference and payment plans so you can pay at your own pace.
While braces may seem like a significant investment, it is essential to remember that straight teeth can have numerous benefits, including improved oral health, enhanced confidence and a more attractive smile. The long-term benefits of straight teeth far outweigh the cost of braces.
In this article, we’ll discuss the expected cost of braces, the different types available and why they’re worth the price.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces are an investment in your dental health that pays dividends throughout your life. A straighter smile boosts your confidence, improves your bite and is easier to clean.
Orthodontic braces can correct several misalignment issues, including overcrowding, overbites, underbites and gapping. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, you may wonder about the process or ask yourself, “How much do braces cost?”
Straightened teeth reduce the chances of developing severe oral health problems. Issues such as accelerated tooth decay, gum disease and jawbone loss can result from overcrowded teeth that trap bacteria and plaque. Misaligned bites can result in joint dysfunction, migraines and trouble speaking and chewing.
Determining the Cost of Your Braces Treatment
There are multiple steps in orthodontic braces treatment. Complex misalignment issues may also increase your overall braces cost. For example, you may need teeth extracted before your braces are fitted.
Additionally, if you have a severe underbite, overbite or overcrowding of your teeth, you may need more extensive interventions. You may also not be eligible for clear aligners.
Different Types of Braces
These days, dental patients have access to many orthodontic braces and clear aligner treatments designed to move teeth. With this in mind, we’re going to look at the average costs of getting braces based on the various types of treatment:
- Metal braces
Traditional braces have been around since the early 1800s. Metal braces often evoke childhood memories of wearing or knowing someone else who wore them. Nowadays, contemporary metal braces are lightweight and more streamlined than their older counterparts — but they still rely on brackets fixed to the teeth and wiring threaded through them, making them the most visible of all braces types. That said, many teens go that extra mile and opt for personalised and fun-coloured brackets and wiring to make them stand out from the crowd.
Conventional metal braces are among the cheapest braces you can opt for, from $4000 to $6000 per treatment.
- Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are in the middle regarding pricing, averaging from $5000 to $8500 for an 18-month treatment plan. They consist of tooth-coloured brackets and wiring, so they’re more discreet than their metallised counterparts. Patients usually choose this type if they have a moderate orthodontic problem that needs addressing but prefers the less visible nature that ceramic braces offer.
While these braces cost more than their counterpart, they’re a more discreet alternative to blend in with your smile seamlessly.
- Clear aligners
Next up, we have clear aligners. Not everyone wants people to know they’re wearing braces so that patients may opt for clear aligners — depending upon their orthodontic condition. Unlike conventional braces, clear aligners do away with brackets and wiring in favour of BPA Free plastic mouthguards that fit snugly over the teeth.
When it comes to braces cost, clear aligners were once among the most expensive types of orthodontic braces treatment. This was expected because, for many years, only one company produced them — Invisalign.
If you opt for Invisalign aligners today, they don’t come cheap. Of course, you’ll buy 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. Now, if you opt for a clear aligner alternative like ClearCorrect, you could expect to pay somewhere between $2000 and $5500 for a similar treatment — a major cost difference!
- Lingual braces
For truly invisible braces, lingual braces are the way to go. Like metal and ceramic-style braces, lingual braces still utilise brackets and wiring. However, they are worn on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside. This makes them completely invisible and allows the wearer to smile naturally.
Because they are worn on the inside of the teeth, it may take time for you to grow familiar with them. They may affect speech for a while until your tongue gets used to them, but overall, lingual braces can treat many conditions other braces can treat.
In terms of braces cost, this type of orthodontic braces treatment is the most expensive at approximately $12500 for a full treatment. This is because only some dentists are trained to fit them, and they are custom solutions designed to fit your teeth precisely.
Now you know there isn’t a one size fits all response to the question, “How much do braces cost in Australia?” Pricing depends on the type of braces you choose, the amount of treatment required and your personal preferences.
How Does a Dentist Determine the Overall Cost of Braces?
Various factors determine the final cost of braces, including:
The initial examination
The dentist will assess your oral health during this stage to determine the best course of action. We take impressions of your teeth, X-rays, photographs or other 3D imaging. No Gaps Dental is renowned for using state-of-the-art equipment from internationally recognised brands.
Our X-ray equipment is all digital, providing almost 80% less radiation than a standard X-ray — your well-being comes first. Our X-rays allow us to diagnose and treat problems not yet visible to the naked eye, from signs of tooth decay to gum disease or abnormal growths.
If you suffer from tooth overcrowding or impacted wisdom teeth, tooth extraction may be required before proceeding with orthodontics braces treatment. As such, these additional costs, along with X-rays and the initial consultation, will contribute to the overall price.
Evaluation and your selected braces
Everyone’s treatment plan differs, so the cost may vary. This will depend on your chosen orthodontic system, dental condition, treatment duration and misalignment severity. Some patients may need braces for only a year, but on average, most patients wear braces for 18 to 24 months.
Some braces types are more costly than others, with traditional metal braces costing less than their ceramic counterparts. Some patients may be eligible for clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces, which come to between $2000 and $5500 for our ClearCorrect aligners. Our ClearCorrect aligners are removable, transparent braces to provide orthodontic treatment that does not impact your everyday appearance and oral hygiene routine. However, ClearCorrect is also more expensive than traditional metal braces.
Retainer
Once your braces are removed, you will receive a retainer to keep your newly aligned teeth in place. You can wear this retainer at night while you sleep. Most treatment plans provide one retainer, but if you lose or break your retainer, this may mean an additional cost.
Location
At No Gaps Dental, we offer affordable options for our patients and our area. Some dentists will have higher prices, especially if they are located in the heart of the city. Our prices incorporate our training, technology and overhead costs.
The Skill of the Dentist
The dentist’s skills contribute to how much orthodontic braces cost in Sydney. The more education and experience a dentist possesses, the more they can offer the dental client expertise and practised skill.
An experienced dentist can understand a broader range and complexity of possible dental issues. Dentists trained in various new techniques and technologies can also help patients achieve more efficient results.
Are My Braces Covered by Medicare?
Many people wonder, “How much do braces cost in Australia?” and if the cost can be offset by Medicare. Braces are an orthodontic treatment, which means Medicare does not typically cover them because they are usually done for cosmetic reasons.
However, in some instances getting braces may be necessary for the patient’s overall health. You can submit a claim for your braces cost to Medicare or contact your local Medicare office.
Children may be eligible for Medicare coverage if their well-being depends on adjustments to their teeth and jaw. However, you can only claim up to $1000 per child per two consecutive calendar years.
Will My Insurance Cover Braces?
Because of the typically cosmetic nature of braces, they often are not covered under most private healthcare insurance. For those covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), orthodontic care cost is usually excluded. Unfortunately, it’s a similar story if Medicare covers you.
However, some insurance plans have supplemental orthodontic coverage that will cover braces.
Check with your insurance provider to see what your plan covers. If you or your child needs extensive orthodontic work, be sure you have supplemental coverage that will not cost you more in premiums than what you claim.
Additionally, check the fine print of supplemental coverage to ensure there is no waiting period for getting orthodontic braces. Health Funds base their payment allowances on their internal fee schedules, which may differ from the braces cost quoted by your dentist.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer several different billing options. HICAPS electronic claiming makes it easy to obtain benefits without having to file with your private healthcare provider. With this option, you only need to bring your Health Fund card on the day of your appointment. This allows you to obtain dental service with less hassle.
Payment Options
Now you know the answer to the question, “How much do braces cost?” and why it isn’t always possible to give a definitive answer. Understandably, while the price of orthodontic braces and aligners will play a part in your final decision, cost alone shouldn’t deter you from having the straight teeth you deserve. That’s why, at No Gaps Dental, we pride ourselves on making a brighter smile possible for all our dental patients.
We offer payment plans through MacCredit, which grants dental loans up to $70000. Once you have shown proof of income, MacCredit will transfer the funds into your account. This means you can get the care you need when you need it. MacCredit’s flexible plans allow repayment plans with a weekly schedule as low as $30.
This can make even the most complex orthodontic treatment plan far more affordable and means you don’t need to delay improving your dental health.
Book Your Consultation With No Gaps Dental Today
When our patients ask us, “How much do braces cost in Australia?” our answer always depends on the patient, the amount of dental work needed, and their insurance coverage.
A healthy, straight smile can help boost your confidence, improve your ability to clean your teeth and help keep your mouth healthy for a lifetime. Braces are an investment in your long-term oral health.
When it comes to teeth, it’s essential to put your smile in the hands of an experienced professional. Our highly skilled team at No Gaps Dental will listen to your needs, give you treatment options and manage your treatment expectations.
We have unbeatable deals across various treatments, including orthodontic braces. As such, we offer some of the most competitive prices in the Sydney Metro area. If you have any questions about the No Gaps Dental orthodontic braces, contact us at (02) 8038 4710 to begin your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.