Orthodontic Treatment Cost - How Much Does a Beautiful Smile Cost?

Braces are the main treatment for a crooked bite. Today, the orthodontist is also visited by adults who would like to improve the appearance of their teeth. However, when deciding on orthodontic treatment, we must take into account the costs. The price of an orthodontic appliance depends on its type and material. Remember that the cost of follow-up visits should be added to the price of the braces treatment.

Orthodontic treatment

Braces are for many people the only chance for straight teeth and a beautiful smile. If we want to undergo an assessment or plan a treatment, we should go to a specialist dealing with malocclusion, i.e. an orthodontist. An orthodontic appliance is the basic method of treating malocclusion as well as correcting only minor aesthetic imperfections. Today we have a huge selection of orthodontic appliances at different prices. A well-chosen orthodontic appliance will be effective not only for children and adolescents, but also for adults, and the elderly.

When deciding on orthodontic treatment, we must be aware that it is a long-term procedure. You have to invest time and patience in it, but also take into account the price. The costs are spread between the examinations, the braces themselves, and follow-up visits.

The price of an orthodontic appliance

A dentist may recommend the patient a visit to the orthodontist if he decides that there are indications for malocclusions. Malocclusions are not only an aesthetic defect, but in some situations they may contribute to the formation of caries, periodontal diseases, abrasion of the teeth or lead to other unfavorable osteoarticular changes. Incorrect alignment of the dental arches is also one of the causes of speech impediments, as well as some changes in the shape of the face. Orthodontic visits referred by a dentist are prophylactic in nature, but more and more often we report to the orthodontist ourselves when something disturbs our smile.

The indications for the implementation of orthodontic treatment in children include:

• visible bite abnormalities at deciduous or mixed teeth;
• distorted face proportions;
• speech impediments;
• mouth breathing;
• bad habits, including biting your nails or sucking your finger.

In adults, it is necessary to use fixed orthodontic appliances because the setting of permanent teeth requires more force. This type of orthodontic appliance is also much more practical because it doesn't require taking out and inserting every day. Nowadays, adults opt for orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons. Straight teeth for many people is an important element of the appearance which adds self-confidence. While this approach to dealing with malocclusion is common, the decision to wear a brace may be based on purely medical guidelines. Orthodontic appliances in adults are used before the start of prosthetic treatment - sometimes missing teeth are difficult to replace due to the positioning of the remaining teeth and may require orthodontic intervention;

• bruxism (teeth grinding);
• problems with caries and tartar due to difficult cleaning due to crowded teeth;
• abrasion of the teeth;
• exposed tooth necks - some malocclusions contribute to the appearance of this problem.

Preparation for the orthodontist visit

Dr.Daniel Bronsky is a leading London orthodontist. He says, "You do not need to prepare yourself to visit an orthodontist. However, it is worth having a referral and a previous treatment card with you. The results of the tests are also crucial, especially the X-ray or computed tomography . Most often, a pantomogram is performed, i.e. a panoramic X-ray of the mandible and maxilla."

During the first visit, the orthodontist will prepare a treatment plan based on the review and imaging tests. We will learn the scope of operation, stages and, of course, the price of an orthodontic appliance. It will be necessary to choose the type of appliance according to the malocclusion and the patient's expectations. In modern dental practices, you can even see a computer simulation of the effects of orthodontic treatment.

Types of braces

Orthodontic appliances are divided into two basic groups:

Fixed braces - this type of orthodontic appliance is permanently attached to the teeth and cannot be removed during the entire treatment period. They mainly differ in the material from which they are made, the place of attachment and its visibility. Fixed orthodontic appliances are attached to the front of the teeth or on the lingual side (lingual appliances not visible from the outside). These are metal or ceramic appliances. The price of metal braces is much lower. On the other hand, ceramic appliances are more expensive. The price of these orthodontic appliances is mainly influenced by their manufacture of composite or porcelain materials. You can match their color to the color of your teeth;

Removable braces (removable) - these are appliances attached to the teeth that can be taken out and put on by yourself. Not so long ago, they were used mainly as a form of treatment and prophylaxis in children up to 12 years of age. Today, you can use orthodontic appliances in the form of overlays that can be used by both adults and adolescents.

Braces cost

The price of orthodontic appliances is influenced by the types of materials used in their production and the type of appliances chosen. Removable braces for children have the lowest prices. The price of overlay orthodontic appliances for children varies between USD 1500 and USD 3,500 for one dental arch.

In the case of the price of fixed appliances, they start from USD 3,500 to USD 7,000 for a traditional orthodontic appliance. If we choose ceramic or lingual braces, its price may increase up to 8-9 thousand dollars.

IMPORTANT

If you want to start orthodontic treatment, you should take into account that its overall cost will be quite high, regardless of the type of braces. The price of an orthodontic appliance should include the price of additional tests and follow-up visits.

It should also be remembered that after removing the fixed braces, treatment does not end. The next step is to wear a retainer , the task of which is to stabilize the position of the teeth. Thanks to it, we minimize the risk of further displacement of the teeth or the return of the teeth to their former position.

Price of the braces with Follow-up visits

The price of an orthodontic appliance should also include the costs associated with follow-up visits. When treating privately, one should take into account the cost of about USD 50–100 per visit. Orthodontic treatment is reimbursed only up to the age of 12 and to a limited extent by insurance provider.

Follow-up visits depend on the type of orthodontic appliance and the stage of treatment. They are necessary because the braces alignment and pressure must be adjusted according to changes over time. Usual visits take place every 4-6 or 8 weeks. The number of visits depends on the duration of treatment. If the plan is 24 months, you can calculate the approximate number of visits.

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