What Are Braces And How Much Do Braces Cost?

A simple answer to this question is – getting braces in the US can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

However, the longer answer for the cost of braces depends on several factors, such as:

• Whether you have insurance or not
• Are the braces for a kid or an adult?
• Your location of residence
• How long do you need the braces?
• The expertise of your orthodontist

Traditionally, braces are used on children who have developing jaws. But these days, the number of adults that use braces as corrective dental fixtures is also growing.

Dental braces are usually expensive, but a lot depends on whether you have insurance coverage or not. This post on braces breaks down the benefits and what you can expect to pay for them based on whether you have insurance or not.

Let’s find out!

What are braces?

Corrective dental devices that are used on the teeth to correct malocclusion, aka crowded teeth and bad bites are called braces. According to the ADA or the American Dental Association, braces are used to correct abnormalities that may be due to genetics, loss of milk teeth too early to late, thumbsucking, or injury.

Orthodontic treatments, including braces, are usually used for growing children from the age of 8 to 14, as abnormalities such as bad bites become noticeable around this age. But orthodontists recommending braces for adults are also on the rise.

Early correction of teeth and jaw problems is essential since maintaining good oral hygiene becomes difficult. In addition, orthodontic problems such as bad bites and crowded teeth can lead to other problems, including tooth decay, gum diseases, tooth loss, and aggravated jaw problems.

Cost of braces in the US with Insurance

Most insurance policies in the US, including Medicaid, only cover the cost of braces for those who are 18 years and under. Some dental insurance plans come with add-on insurance, which can include the cost of braces but only partially.

Dental policies with braces coverage are usually only available if the braces are deemed medically necessary by a certified physician. In addition, the cost of braces with insurance also depends on the type.

That being said, the cost of braces in the US with insurance can look like the following:

• Metal braces– $1,500 to $3,750. Traditional metal braces are the most budget-friendly and are widely available. However, these are metal brackets are also the most noticeable.
• Invisalign– $1,500 to $3,500. These custom pairs are made from high-quality plastic and are the most aesthetically pleasing. Invisalign braces can also be removed easily for eating or cleaning, unlike traditional braces. However, Invisalign costs a lot higher than metal braces.
• Ceramic braces– $1,000 to $4,750. Ceramic braces look like natural teeth, so they are not noticeable but perform the same as metal ones. In terms of pricing, ceramic braces cost higher than metal ones.
• Lingual braces– $3,500 to $9,250. These braces are the most expensive, but they are almost invisible as they are worn behind the teeth.

Note: Most companies will only pay for metal braces, even with insurance coverage. You will most likely pay half of the overall cost with other expensive braces, such as Invisalign and lingual braces.

If you’re interested in other dental procedures, look at these two articles we have covered comprehensively: How Much is Dental Filling With and Without Insurance and How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost With and Without Insurance? 

Cost of braces in the US without Insurance

The cost of braces in the US without insurance is a bit different as it differs from one state to the other and the duration of requiring the braces. Usually, traditional metal braces are the most pocket-friendly, while other types of braces that blend in with your natural teeth carry a higher price.

Therefore, the cost of braces in the US without insurance based on the type is as follows:

• Metal braces – $3,000 to $7,500
• Ceramic braces – $2,000 to $8,500
• Invisalign – $3,000 to $7,000
• Lingual braces – $5,000 to $13,000

If you are an adult requiring braces and have no financial coverage from third-party insurers, you have other options, including short-term loans. Creekside Finance Is Now Facilitating Short-term Loans along with other financial companies, so be sure to shop for loans before you get your braces.

Benefits of getting braces

The use of braces has several benefits, including:

Better comfort 

Orthodontic problems such as misaligned teeth can lead to injuries within the mouth, such as biting the cheeks, tongue, and gums. Crooked and crowded teeth can also pull on the gums because they do not sit properly.

Braces correct the position of misaligned teeth and lead to overall better comfort.

Prevents diseases 

Misaligned teeth and other orthodontic problems can often breed various dental diseases. Tooth decay, gum diseases, cavities, tooth loss, and bone erosion are some ailments that can result from orthodontic issues.

Using braces realigns the teeth and the jaw to be in their proper places, reducing pain and discomfort and preventing diseases.

Helps with speech improvement 

Disproportionate and misaligned teeth can make it difficult to pronounce certain words and make certain sounds. But using braces to correct your teeth can significantly improve the way you speak, which is fantastic.

Improves digestive health  

Orthodontic problems can present more than aesthetic issues; they can also affect your digestive health. Underbite, overbite, and even crossbite can interfere with how you chew your food, so large chunks of food reach your digestive tract. This can result in inflammation, intestinal distress, and difficulty feeling satiated, leading to irritable bowel syndrome.

Correcting your bite with braces can help improve all these issues, so you have better digestive health.

Final thoughts 

The cost of braces in the US can vary greatly depending on several factors, as discussed above. Although insurance companies cover the cost of braces for children, it is not the case with adults.

If you get braces, talking to more than one orthodontist and buying dental insurance that covers braces is the best strategy for getting these orthodontic devices at a reduced cost.