The term dental braces refer to a device used to reposition teeth to improve their alignment and the patient’s bite. Braces can be used to treat a number of problems including overbites and crooked teeth. The majority of patients who get braces are children, but occasionally adults have been known to wear them.
Three men are credited with the ideas that have evolved into modern orthodontics, namely Norman W. Kingsley, Edward Angle and J. N. Farr. Today there are a number of options available to those who need braces. These include:
• Traditional stainless steel braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces fitted behind the teeth
• Transparent removable braces
The Average Cost of Braces
The cost of getting braces vary depending on a number of factors: These include:
• the severity of the patient’s problem
• the type of braces used
• the length of time for which they will have to be worn
• the orthodontist chosen
Some orthodontists may not charge for the initial examination. In the majority of cases however, the fee averages about USD$250 . The costs for orthodontic treatment vary from state to state but for young children the price may range from USD$4727 to USD$6481. Parents of adolescents requiring braces may have to shell out between USD$5032 to USD$6861. These costs can still vary below or above these prices.
Orthodontic costs for adults are generally more expensive than for children. The prices may range from a low of $5413 to a high of $7625. It should be remembered that a number of factors can lead to these costs being significantly higher. These include possible surgery after braces are removed, the level of success achieved, and the amount of care required after removal. Well-know, in-demand orthodontists will also cost more.
After the removal of braces, the patient usually has to wear a retainer for a period of time. This helps the gums adjust to the new positioning of the teeth, and ensure that the teeth don’t start to move back into their original position. Some patients have to wear them when going to bed, while others have to wear them for significantly longer periods. The cost of replacing a lost retainer ranges from $291 to $455.
The figures quoted above refer to the traditional braces. Ceramic braces on average can go for roughly $500 more, while lingual braces (behind the teeth) can incur an additional cost of ranging from $2000 to $5000. Transparent braces or trays do offer a cheaper option but they are not suited to every orthodontic patient. Dental plans usually cover the cost of orthodontic treatment for children 18 and under, while adults have to pay out of pocket. Figures above were obtained from bracesinfo.com.
Related Posts
We all want a beautiful smile with straight perfect teeth. Our smile after all is the first thing people see. This has been accomplished for many people over the years with the...
Many parents fear the cost of braces for their children. It is just part of life, taking your child to the dentist and being told they need an orthodontist consultation. Many...
Are traditional metal braces better than Invisalign? The Invisalign treatment system has obvious benefits but the pressing question is whether this new approach to teeth straightening...
With the arrival of Invisalign on the scene to help straighten the teeth as an alternative to traditional metal braces there have been questions about which is more effective. ...
White teeth are definitely in, and if you want to be in style, you might want to consider the laser whitening of teeth process. There are countless teeth whitening products on...
Leave a Reply
