It is not unusual for adults to be prescribed braces. If you thought only children and teenagers wear braces, that is not true at all. There are several types of braces that are suitable for adults and they are no different from the ones prescribed to younger people. The following is an understanding of how much a pair of adult braces will set you back.
How Much do Adult Braces Cost?
Without further ado, let’s take a look at how much adult braces cost on average. It depends on a few factors, as expected, so let’s dive in and explore the options.
Types and Cost of Adult Braces
There are several different types of braces adults can opt for. All these braces differ in terms of treatment method, duration of the treatment and the time taken to fix the alignment. The following section divides these braces into categories and discusses the average cost of the braces:
Metal Braces
When you think of braces, you typically think of metal wires. This is the most conventional variety of braces, but some versions have a modern twist:
Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces have metal brackets that are cemented onto individual teeth. They are then connected with the help of wire and tightened with elastic ligatures. This is the most common type of braces you will see on children and adults alike. They cost the least and have the most conventional method of working by increasing pressure and ligating the braces. Typically, these braces may cost you anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
The final estimate depends on how much work is required and on the duration of the treatment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are also metal braces and are very similar to traditional braces, the only difference is that they are placed on the inside of your teeth instead of outside. These braces are practically invisible and are the preferred choice for those who do not want to feel embarrassed by wearing braces in their adulthood. These braces, however, are slightly more complicated than regular braces. Since the inside of your teeth is harder to reach, the metal brackets in these braces are put in place simultaneously with the help of a customized tray.
Since these braces require a little more expertise than conventional metal braces, they also tend to be more expensive. Lingual braces can cost you anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the type of braces that are less noticeable than conventional metal braces. The difference is that the brackets are either transparent or are the same color as your teeth, allowing them to blend in:
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a variety of braces where the brackets are made of clear ceramic. This makes the braces almost invisible. The brackets are still connected with metal wires so it is not completely invisible, but they do offer better aesthetics than traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces can also be self-ligating, depending on the type you go for. These braces tighten on their own as the alignment of your teeth changes. The braces that are not self-tightening, though use elastic ligatures that are also the same color as the brackets. These ligatures are porous so they tend to stain.
Ceramic braces are typically slightly more expensive than conventional braces because of the material used. You may have to shell out anywhere between $3,500 and $8,000 for these braces.
Clear Aligners
Aligners are plastic molds that are custom made for your teeth. You are expected to slip them on and wear them for a stipulated amount of time to help realign your teeth. These are a popular option for those who do not have a severe misalignment problem or are not dealing with overcrowding:
Invisalign/ClearCorrect
Invisalign and ClearCorrect are two of the most popular manufacturers of clear aligners. Your dentist will conduct multiple scans of your mouth and then draw out a digital plan that details the steps involved in the correction of your alignment. The aligners are made of a clear, flexible plastic that will hardly be noticeable on your teeth. You will be expected to wear the aligners for 22 hours in a day and you will also be expected to change the aligners out every one or two weeks for fresh ones. This treatment is done over a period of months, sometimes 12-24 months.
Clear aligners are not any more expensive than traditional braces. You may be expected to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000 for 15 months of treatment with aligners.
Methods of Payment
There are a few different methods of payment you can try. Dental treatment is not necessarily a small expense and the burden of the average cost of braces can certainly pinch your monthly budget. The following are some methods of payment you can consider:
Insurance
Dental insurance is one of the first things you should look into. Every dental insurance should cover at least conventional braces. You should check if you can get coverage for aligners and other types of braces too. You should also consult with your doctor to see if they accept your insurance.
FSA/HSA
Finance Savings Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) are both ways for you to cover certain expenses with tax-free dollars. The FSA is managed by your employer so you should check with them about opening an FSA, though not every employer is bound to provide an FSA to their employees. You can either pay directly through these accounts or pay out-of-pocket and be reimbursed by the money you have saved in the account.
Monthly Plan
Several doctors offer a monthly payment plan instead of asking for the fees upfront. You will be expected to make a down payment and then pay in monthly installments during the course of your treatment. This method relieves the burden of payment on your budget. Discuss this with your doctor and see if you can arrive at such an arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Getting braces can be a frustrating affair but can also be extremely necessary. When an alignment problem is left neglected, you could risk tooth decay, infections and an uncomfortable bite while eating. It is best to find a form of dental treatment that suits you and get it out of the way so you can enjoy a great set of teeth!