In most cases, simple questions often deserve a simple answer, but when it comes to the relatively straightforward question of “how much do braces cost?” it’s a bit like asking “how long is a piece of string?” In reality, it’s impossible to give a quantitative answer unless you have all the relevant details. In other words, there are several variables that can and do influence the cost of orthodontic braces.
According to Smile.com.au, the cost of orthodontic treatment in Australia ranges from $2000 for certain clear aligner treatments right up to $12,500 for full-mouth lingual braces. Clearly, that’s a huge variation but it has to be this way because every case is different.
So how does a dentist calculate the price of braces? How Much Do Braces Cost ?
There are key elements that they will use to work out the overall cost. These include factors like:
The cost of your initial consultation – This depends on where your dentist is based and what their hourly fees are. Some dentists, however, will include a free consultation in the overall price, so it might be worth asking the question.
The cost of x-rays – X-ray costs can also vary depending upon the equipment used, but just like the cost of a consultation, x-ray fees can in some instances be included in the price.
Any further dental work – In some cases, particularly when a patient suffers from teeth overcrowding or impacted wisdom teeth, it may be necessary to extract a tooth or teeth before continuing with orthodontic braces treatment
The type of braces being used – This may depend upon preference, your specific dental condition (certain types of braces are better for treating certain orthodontic problems) and/or appliance cost (some braces are costlier than others)
Follow-up and tweaks – throughout your treatment your dentist will need to see you several or more times for regular adjustments plus any follow-up visits.
All of these factors are usually combined to make one price covering the entire treatment. For these reasons alone. the cost of braces will vary greatly from person to person.
What about the cost of orthodontic braces vs aligners – how do they compare?
Traditional braces have been around in one form or another since the early 1800s and the metal varieties in particular, often evoke childhood memories of either wearing them or knowing someone else who wore them. Nowadays, however, contemporary metal braces are lightweight and more streamlined than their older counterparts; but they still rely on brackets being fixed to the teeth and wiring being threaded through them. They are suitable for a wide variety of mild to complex orthodontic problems, and you can expect to pay upwards of $4500 for them.
What about clear aligners?
Not everyone wants others to know that they are wearing braces and as a result, patients may instead opt for clear aligners – depending upon their orthodontic condition. Unlike conventional style braces, clear aligners do away with brackets and wiring in favour of BPA Free plastic mouthguards which fit snugly over the teeth. In the past, this made top brands like Invisalign very popular. Moreover, because they had the technology and the monopoly on the clear braces market, the cost of braces such as Invisalign didn’t come cheap. In fact even today you can expect to pay somewhere between $3500 and $9000 for an 18-month treatment plan.
Over the last few years, however, many of the patents that Invisalign initially took out have lapsed, meaning they now have plenty of competition. As a result, there is a whole slew of similar aligners with costs starting from as little as $2000.
What about lingual braces?
Many people wrongly assume that ‘invisible braces’ are clear aligners, when in fact, they are lingual braces. Lingual braces fit on the inside of your teeth using smaller brackets so they can’t be seen at all when you smile. They do, however, require specialised training to fit and as a result are the most expensive braces of all, costing upwards of $9000 depending on the shape and structure of the mouth.
What about my insurance – will it cover the cost of braces?
There is good news and there is bad news…
For those covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), orthodontic care cost is usually excluded. Unfortunately, it’s a similar story if you are covered by Medicare. However, for patients with medical insurance plans, orthodontic treatment may be covered depending upon the finer details of your particular plan.
Hopefully, you now 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 act as a deterrent from having the straight teeth you deserve.
If you would like to find out more about cost-effective orthodontic treatment, come and talk to No Gaps Dental. With multiple locations spread throughout the Sydney Metro area, we provide an affordable and convenient way of getting the treatment you need.