The average cost of braces ranges from $2,750 to $10,000–definitely not a small chunk of change. Furthermore, you’re looking at some price fluctuations for different types of braces, such as:
- Ceramic braces – $4,480 to $11,312
- Lingual braces – $7,321 to $17,411
So when it comes to paying for braces, we want you to know your options.
Average Cost of Braces with Insurance
With insurance, braces cost between $1,638 and $4,933. Keep in mind that this is what you might pay out-of-pocket after the insurance coverage.
However, those are simply ballpark figures since various dental insurance policies differ somewhat in their amount of coverage. Some companies cover 50% of your bill with a maximum of $1,000 to $3,000 over a lifetime. In this situation, you’re still stuck with a sizable out-of-pocket amount.
On the other hand, if you have orthodontic insurance, that policy might also cover just 50% of the cost of braces, but it may cover 80% to 100% of your preventative care. So, we’re talking about the diagnostics, such as X-rays, which help determine whether you need braces or not. Therefore, this type of coverage might be worth researching with an insurance representative.
Average Cost of Braces without Insurance (And Possible Solutions)
As noted, you’re looking at a possible maximum price of $10,000 without any insurance coverage. And even if your particular treatment was on the lower end of the average cost of braces, you still might pay close to $3,000. The good news is you have payment options that can work out well with your budget.
If you don’t have dental or orthodontic insurance that covers braces, contact your orthodontist’s office about payment plans and/or financing options. Some places offer their own financing at a low interest rate or are partnered with a credit company or bank that does the financing for them. At Ziehmer Orthodontics, you can explore our financial options to make your treatment more affordable.
Other orthodontists might offer a payment plan where you give a deposit or a down payment, and your balance is then divided into monthly payments for the course of a year or a few years. Again, your best choice in this situation is to contact your orthodontist’s office to find out what they offer.
Finally, you can try branching out on your own by inquiring at your local bank about a dental loan or a personal loan. The two are quite similar since their interest rates vary (ie, 3.99% to 35.99%) depending on your credit score, but there are differences. With a dental loan, the lump sum goes directly to your orthodontist, whereas with a personal loan, you would receive the money and would be responsible for paying your provider directly.
Another alternative is to apply for a health or dental care credit card (aka: healthcare spending card), such as Care Credit, or a general-purpose credit card, like Discover, Visa, Chase Freedom, and so on. With some healthcare spending cards, you might get the option of 0% interest if you pay the entire balance within a certain timeframe, which saves money in the long term. Thus, exploring these pathways towards paying for your orthodontic care may be worth the time if you work with a reputable financing expert.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Braces
When finding out how much braces cost, you’ll need to consider the many factors that affect the pricing. Here are some examples:
- Types of braces (clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces.
- Severity of your bite and alignment issues
- State and local taxes
- Your location (or that of your orthodontist if you have to travel)
- Duration of your treatment
- Any additional procedures
- Your insurance coverage (at least in relation to your out-of-pocket cost)
Furthermore, your cooperation during and after your treatment comes into play. If you follow your orthodontist’s instructions and recommendations for oral hygiene, maintenance, and diet while wearing your braces, there’s a much smaller chance of running into expensive mishaps where a bracket needs replacing, or worse, if you lose your current set of clear aligners and have to order a new tray to replace them.
Just the same, if you wear your retainer after your braces are removed as recommended by your orthodontist, you won’t have the added worry and expense of having to “start over” again if your teeth shift back to their previous positions.
FAQS:
Does health or dental insurance cover braces?
Some dental coverages pay up to 50% for orthodontic treatment, but not all dental insurances cover orthodontics. Such is the case with some health insurance policies. Some cover braces for medical reasons (as opposed to just cosmetic). However, if they do cover the cost of braces, they probably don’t cover the entire treatment, and there are limits. To find out the definite answer to this question if you have both types of coverage, you’ll need to closely review both policies or talk to an insurance rep.
If my insurance doesn’t cover it, can I deduct the cost?
You can always try filing the claim with your insurance company yourself to get reimbursed for some of the cost. However, if you can’t get coverage at all, make sure to save all receipts from your provider’s office and include them with your information about healthcare expenses on your income tax forms. Chances are, you might get a deduction from your federal (if not state) income tax bill. Consult with an accountant or tax expert for more information about your state’s tax laws.
What are my other payment options for covering the cost of braces?
Your orthodontist’s office might offer financing at a low rate or a monthly payment plan with a deposit due prior to treatment. Some offices also offer discounts. You can also apply for a loan through your bank or for a healthcare spending card or a general use credit card.
Remember that you can always contact our office for answers to your financing questions. We’ll help you navigate through the best solutions for paying for the cost of braces.
Conclusion:
Braces are a big investment, but with the right planning, they can be made affordable through insurance, financing, or flexible payment plans. The key is understanding your options and choosing what works best for your budget. For personalized guidance and affordable orthodontic care, trust Ziehmer Orthodontics.
