The orthodontic process is different for everyone, which means the amount you end up paying for your treatment won’t necessarily be the same as that of another patient. Your orthodontist can give you an estimate after examining your mouth, but before then, it’s a good idea to learn more about the factors that can influence the final price. Below is a list of 4 variables that will play a role in determining the cost of your orthodontic treatment.
1. The Type of Treatment
For many people, orthodontic treatment means wearing sturdy, reliable traditional metal braces. Other patients, however, might prefer aesthetically pleasing, removable clear aligners. Both forms of treatment have their own costs to consider; for example, with clear aligners, the exact number of aligners used plays a big role in determining how much you end up paying.
2. The Complexity of Your Case
Some orthodontic issues are relatively minor and only take a matter of months to correct. On the other hand, treatment for more advanced cases can sometimes last for years. Needless to say, the longer the treatment is, the higher you can generally expect the overall cost to be. This is in part due to the fact that you will need to make multiple trips to the orthodontist’s office over the course of your care.
3. The Orthodontist You Choose
The cost of orthodontic care can vary depending on which practice you go to. During your initial consultation, your orthodontist can explain the costs associated with their services in more detail and give you an estimate of what you can expect to pay for your treatment. They’ll also let you know what payment methods are available; for example, some practices provide in-office, interest-free financing.
4. Your Insurance Coverage
You can often use dental insurance to help pay for orthodontic work, but it’s important to remember that the specifics of your coverage can vary from plan to plan. Some insurance companies will gladly cover part of the cost of your chosen orthodontic procedure. On the other hand, there are plans that won’t provide orthodontic coverage, and some might only be willing to pay for specific kinds of treatments.
You should never make any assumptions about your dental insurance. Before you schedule a consultation with your orthodontist, you should reach out to your insurance provider and double-check the specifics of your plan so that you know what is and isn’t covered.
These are just some of the factors that need to be accounted for when you plan on having orthodontic work performed. Be sure to let your orthodontist know if you have any questions regarding the cost of your care.
About the Author
Dr. David W. Cordes graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, and he currently holds membership with the Northeastern Society of Orthodontics. He’s proud to offer his patients a variety of life-changing orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces, clear aligners, and more. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cordes at Cordes Orthodontics in Enfield, visit his website or call (860) 749-1909.