How Much Do Braces Cost?

Braces are a popular way to straighten how your child’s teeth look. They can also fix how their upper and lower jaws work together. This can reduce how much space is needed for wisdom teeth, prevent damage to how the jawbone develops, and improve how your child speaks, chews, and eats. Your dentist may have told you that your child needs braces.

But how much do braces cost? The answer depends. Many factors influence the cost, including the severity of your child’s needs as well as other factors like your dental insurance or whether you have supplemental orthodontic insurance.

When should your child be seen for orthodontic treatment?

We recommend that your child sees an orthodontist once their permanent teeth have erupted. This is typically around seven years old for most children, but we are happy to see them any time after their teeth have erupted to determine if they need orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists offer several different types of treatments for how teeth and jaws line up after they’re fully grown. The cost depends on how many teeth require straightening or how much jaw problem needs correcting.

Why do people need braces?

Braces treatment can correct several dental issues, from minimal misalignment to more severe alignment issues such as crossed or protruding teeth. We understand that most people do not want to wear braces, but these orthodontic appliances are the best solution to straighten teeth.

Braces can correct the following:

• Overbite (or underbite)
• Crossbite (where the back teeth do not touch correctly)
• Open bite (where there is a space between the upper and lower teeth while biting)
• Crowding of the teeth
• Spacing of the teeth
• Unwanted tooth rotation
• A combination of these issues

Having misaligned teeth and bites can affect a child’s dental health in many ways if left untreated. It can also be detrimental to their self-esteem. Untreated alignment issues can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and speech problems. Early diagnoses and treatment are essential and can help lessen the treatment time for your child.

At Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, we offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment for your child. Even if they do not have all of their permanent teeth yet, we can begin interceptive orthodontic treatments. We also offer different options for traditional braces for those children who require Phase Two Orthodontics.

How much does it cost to get braces?

The cost of braces depends on several variables, including:

• The type of braces
• How many teeth need treatment
• Your child’s age
• The number of visits they will have with their orthodontist
• How long your child will be wearing braces

Braces are an investment in your child’s dental care. During an initial consultation with our orthodontist, we will examine your child’s medical and dental history as well as their current dental status. We will help determine which option will fit not only your child best but also your budget. There are several ways you can financially prepare to cover braces costs.

Dental or orthodontic insurance can help cover some of the dental fees associated with braces. If you have a dental insurance plan provided by an employer, you may also have a health savings account or flexible spending account. You can utilize your spending accounts to help cover the costs of braces as well. All insurance companies are different, so you will want to double-check with your insurance provider that we are in-network and discuss all of the coverage options available to you.

If your child is eligible for Medicaid and braces are deemed medically necessary, this may be an option as well. Although Medicaid coverage varies by state, your orthodontic provider can help determine if Medicaid can help you save money or lower the total cost.

So, how much do braces cost? We offer several different braces options at Children’s Dentistry of Manatee to ensure your child has a beautiful smile for a lifetime, and the cost varies with each option. Read on to find out more about the options available to you.

Types of Braces and Their Costs

The cost of braces ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, making the average cost of braces to be about $5,000. Here we will break down the different options available and how much you can expect to spend.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are not only very effective in treating any alignment issues your children’s teeth may have, but they are also the most affordable option.

Traditional braces are made of metal wires connected to metal brackets that are cemented onto your child’s teeth. The braces use light, constant pressure to move the teeth to the desired position. The full orthodontic treatment time for metal braces is around one to two years. They also need to be changed every six to eight weeks as they move teeth into proper alignment. You can expect to pay around $4,000 for the final cost of conventional braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back of your child’s teeth. Wires go under the gums, and the brackets are fixed to the back of the teeth. Lingual braces are not visible, so they can be beneficial for an older child or teen who does not want the look of conventional braces, but they are more coslty. The technique of placing and adjusting lingual braces drives the price up to around $8,000 or higher.

Ceramic Braces 

Ceramic braces are clear and often called clear braces. They are covered in ceramic to give them a more subtle appearance. They also require the same amount of time and treatment as traditional braces. Their metal wires are typically colored to match the ceramic. Ceramic braces cost around $4,000-$8,000.

Does my child have to wear a retainer after getting their teeth straightened with braces?

Most likely, your child will require a retainer after their braces come off. Retainers help ensure your child’s teeth remain straight after treatment and keep them from shifting back. The cost of a retainer can vary, but you will want to include this cost into the total orthodontic treatment cost.

Visit Children’s Dentistry of Manatee Today!

Braces for your child can provide better oral health and improve their self-esteem for a brighter, straighter smile they will love for a lifetime. Your child’s oral health is important to us, and we want to provide the best foundation for their adult teeth. Orthodontic care should be included in your child’s dental routine.

If you’d like to know how much braces cost, contact us today! A consultation is the best way for you to get an estimate of how much braces will cost.

We ensure our orthodontic patients are comfortable and enjoy their experience with us at Children’s Dentistry of Manatee. For more information about payment plans, insurance coverage, and your treatment options, call us today!