How Much Do Braces Cost?

Are you unhappy with your smile? Have crooked teeth been holding you back from feeling totally confident when you flash those pearly whites? If so, braces may be the perfect way to help align and straighten your teeth – but how much do they cost? In this article, we’ll break down what goes into determining the cost of braces and explore some tips for saving money on them. Whether you’re looking into low-cost options or wondering if it’s worth splurging on top-of-the-line treatments, there’s something here for everyone!

Types of Braces and Prices

There are many types of braces that can help you move your teeth into the desired position, and all come with different costs.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are a classic orthodontic device for anyone needing help aligning their teeth. The brackets are attached to each individual tooth, then held together by a wire that is periodically tightened. This shifts the teeth into proper alignment over time and keeps them in place. Metal braces are often one of the most affordable orthodontic treatments and can be accessed quite easily: they’re commonly available at many dentists in Australia, making them highly accessible to anyone who needs them. While they do tend to be cheaper than other types of braces, with a starting cost of $4,000, treatment costs will still depend on the severity of the issue being corrected. This type of brace is becoming uncommon due to alternative invisible brace options, such as lingual braces and clear aligners.

Ceramic Braces

These types of braces are made from long-lasting ceramic material, designed to blend in with natural tooth colour and provide a subtle solution compared to metal braces. Depending on the severity of your case, ceramic braces can usually be put in place within several appointments; however, the overall expense may vary depending on where you get them fitted. Throughout Australia, the cost for these kinds of braces can range from around $4,000 up to $9,000 as a basic guide.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are an innovative and discreet way of straightening crooked teeth. They work much in the same way as traditional braces, using brackets and wire for gradual movement. The difference is that lingual braces are completely hidden on the inside of the patient’s mouth, so the wearer can go about their day without others noticing. However, lingual braces only treat limited conditions. Lingual braces may cost more than traditional braces because they require a special skill set to be placed properly.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment and product anyone can use to achieve straighter teeth, while also avoiding uncomfortable metal braces and wires. Clear aligners look similar to dental mouth trays but are made of a clear plastic material that is specifically designed to gradually shift the teeth over time. Since they’re much more discreet than traditional metal braces and wires, more people are considering them an attractive option. Clear aligners vary in price depending on the individual patient’s needs and the complexity of the patient’s case, sometimes costing over $10,000 for complex cases. SmartSmileCo prices start from $1999 and go up to $4950 for a complex case.

The Cost Breakdown

Aside from the type of braces used, other factors will affect how much you’ll end up paying for your new smile. The location of your dentist plays a role in determining how much you’ll pay for treatment; dentists in rural areas tend to charge less than those in urban areas due to lower overheads. Another point to note is that different dentists and orthodontists will charge for each type of brace differently, due to their specific expenses such as rent, staff and materials. This is also one of the main reasons online clear aligner brands such as SmartSmileCo can provide such low prices, due to sending your impression kit and treatment plan directly to your door. Last but not least, an individual’s age typically determines how long their treatment will take (the longer it takes, the higher the cost).

When it comes down to it, there is no definitive answer as to how much getting braces will cost you due to each person having differences in their teeth and jaw that will need to be realigned and shifted. However, by researching each type of brace available and considering factors like the degree of realignment, location, and age – anyone interested in getting braces can get a better idea of what they’ll be expected to pay for their new smile!

If you are looking for the most cost-effective teeth straightening solution, there is no doubt that clear aligners are the most affordable option, with also the added benefit of your aligners being virtually invisible. If you are interested in learning more about clear aligners and if they can work for you, visit this page.