As you search online for information about the cost of orthodontic treatment, it can be easy to become frustrated! You might not see too many specific numbers, and when you do find numbers, they may be in the format of a broad range. That is because you really cannot know how much your care will cost until you attend a consultation with an orthodontist. They will account for all the factors that will influence the price of your care before they provide a personalized cost estimate. Just what are some factors that will come into play? This blog post explains.
The Severity of Your Dental Misalignment
The biggest factor that will influence the cost of your orthodontic treatment is the severity of your dental misalignment. If you have minor spacing or a slight crowding issue, you may require less complex and shorter treatment, which typically translates to a lower cost.
On the other hand, if you have significant bite problems such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, or if your teeth are severely crowded, your treatment may become more intricate and time-consuming. More complex cases often require more appointments, advanced techniques, and specialized appliances, all of which can result in a higher overall price.
The Type of Treatment You Choose
Your choice of orthodontic treatment will play a role in determining cost. Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners all come with their own price points and features. For example, metal braces are usually the most affordable option, while ceramic and lingual braces can be more expensive due to their aesthetic advantages and the skill required to place them. Clear aligners like Invisalign offer discretion and comfort, but their price may be higher, especially for complicated cases that require multiple sets of aligners.
The Need for Additional Care or Accessories
Some orthodontic cases demand supplementary care or accessories. You might require tooth extractions, dental spacers, or other appliances such as palatal expanders or retainers. These additional procedures and products can increase the overall cost of your treatment.
Unexpected Occurrences
Your orthodontic team will do their best to provide an accurate price estimate upfront, but there are some unexpected issues that might arise during your treatment that lead to added fees. Appliances can break, teeth may shift differently than anticipated, or new dental conditions can arise during your treatment. These unexpected challenges may require emergency visits, repairs, or modifications that were not part of the original plan.
Your Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance can significantly affect the out-of-pocket cost for orthodontic treatment. While some plans do not provide coverage for braces and similar treatments, there are a handful that do offer partial coverage. Before beginning treatment, you should review your insurance policy so you understand how your benefits might apply.
The cost of orthodontic care can vary quite a bit from patient to patient! Fortunately, an initial consultation is an affordable service that can give you realistic expectations for the road ahead.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Amin Mason and our Columbus orthodontic team offer a range of services for our community, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and more. We charge reasonable fees and accept a variety of payment options, including CareCredit financing. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our office at 614-781-6990.
