There’s no getting around the fact that orthodontic treatment of any kind requires an investment of your time and finances. However, the benefits can last a lifetime, and we believe that’s certainly a worthwhile investment! Yet one of the most common questions we hear here at Ollins Orthodontics is “how much do braces cost?” Since we have multiple treatment options to choose from in our Nutley office and customized treatment plans for every patient we see, the answer to that question will depend on several different variables.
When we begin to calculate the investment needed for any new smile, our team will consider things like:
- the type of braces chosen
- whether the braces are for an adult or a child
- the orthodontic issues being corrected
- how long braces are estimated to be needed
- if the patient has dental insurance that covers orthodontics
- and more!
Each of these factors will play a part in the overall cost of treatment. For example, traditional metal braces tend to be one of the least expensive treatment options, while clear braces or Invisalign aligners may cost slightly more. Similarly, orthodontic treatment for children will often be a bit less expensive than adult treatment, although this will vary from case to case. If a patient has complex orthodontic issues, they may require longer treatment times than those with mild issues, meaning more work for the orthodontist and more follow-up visits. This would then be reflected in the total cost of treatment.
Every orthodontist will also have their own pricing structure, which is based in part on the region in which they are located. Dental insurance can play a role as well, as some policies will provide coverage for orthodontic treatment. How much coverage you receive will usually depend on the individual patient and the recommended treatment plan.
What does the total cost of braces treatment include?
Although there are multiple variables to consider, you’ll never have to worry about hidden costs with Ollins Orthodontics. During your FREE consultation, our team will outline everything that will be included in your personalized treatment plan, and ensure you understand it before you begin your orthodontic journey. These treatment plans contain everything you need for beautiful, long-lasting results, including:
- all appointments
- any emergency visits
- braces or aligners
- retainers
- post-treatment follow-up visits
- an oral hygiene starter pack
Our treatment fees reflect the skill and experience of our expert team, the world-class service we provide, and the innovative technology we use to achieve superior results. We know that braces are a significant investment for most families, and we work hard to give our patients a healthy and confident smile.
What is the average cost for braces?
There are so many different factors involved in individualized orthodontic care that we’re unable to offer an exact answer for how much treatment will cost. However, the average treatment cost for a child can be anywhere from $3-7K, while adult braces or aligners can run from around $5-8K. Just keep in mind that the total cost will depend on each patient’s specific needs, along with the factors we’ve mentioned above.
Will dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
While some dental insurance plans do cover orthodontic treatment, the coverage rules can often be vague, confusing, or downright frustrating to try and understand. Our team will be happy to help you find out if your insurance covers orthodontic treatment and how you can maximize your benefits.
Dr. Bruce and Dr. Gabriel Ollins customize each treatment plan based upon their professional experience and each patient’s unique health needs. We won’t recommend treatment based on whether or not certain treatment options are covered by insurance, but will present patients with the plan that will best meet their needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Because insurance policies are unique, we’ll review your insurance to help you decide on the best course of action for your treatment plan. Once treatment begins, we’ll even file your insurance claims for you and accept any payment assignment from your insurance company.
If dental insurance doesn’t cover treatment, can any of the costs be deducted?
If braces are considered to be medically necessary, the dental health care costs associated with them can sometimes be tax-deductible. However, the cost must exceed a certain amount before any deductions would be applied. If deducting the cost of treatment is something you’re interested in, you should keep track of all expenses, including co-pays and check-up visits.
Will Medicaid cover the cost of braces?
If braces are considered to be medically necessary for a patient, the treatment costs may be covered by Medicaid. To learn more about this possibility, visit http://www.medicaid.gov/. It’s always important to ask about the percentage of coverage and the lifetime maximum before proceeding with treatment.
Your smile is worth the investment with Ollins Orthodontics
Braces are about so much more than improving your cosmetic appearance. Your oral health plays an important role in your total body health, too! Misaligned teeth can increase the risk for everything from tooth decay and cavities to pain in the head, neck, and shoulders. Correcting these issues can help you look and feel better than ever!
Your smile is too important to comparison shop for treatment based on price alone. It’s always exciting to find a good deal, but it’s important to choose an orthodontist based on their skill, experience, and how comfortable you feel in their care. Here at Ollins Orthodontics, our goal is to provide patients with a positive, rewarding orthodontic experience from the first appointment to the last.
To learn more about how you can achieve a beautiful smile with braces that fit your budget, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Ollins Orthodontics!
