If you’ve been researching different ways to straighten out your crooked teeth, you might be starting to wonder how the cost of an orthodontic treatment is calculated. The truth is that every smile is unique, meaning that every treatment and price uniquely matches a patient’s situation.
That doesn’t mean you can’t make some estimates. Knowing what factors might influence your bill can give you a better idea of what to expect. Keep reading for the details.
The Complexity of Your Orthodontic Situation
The factor that will most likely influence your expenses the most is the level of care you’ll need. Orthodontic treatments can take as little as six months and as long as a year or more. Common sense might be telling you that longer treatment times equals higher costs, and that would be correct.
In cases of overcrowding or other dental complications, some patients might need additional treatments before they can wear braces or aligners. More complex cases will also involve more time and money.
The Type of Orthodontic Appliance You Prefer
Speaking of braces and aligners, something else that will affect your bill is the type of orthodontic tool you choose.
Invisalign aligners are popular because they have a low-profile, are easy to maintain, and can be removed for eating and brushing. However, that convenience comes with a higher price tag than traditional braces. While traditional braces are the cheaper option, many people find them uncomfortable, difficult to clean, and less aesthetically pleasing.
Whether You Have Dental Insurance or Apply for Financing
There are more exciting ways to alter your orthodontic payment too.
If you have dental insurance, you might be able to have at least a portion of the cost covered. To help make your expenses more manageable, you could also apply for a flexible financing program such as CareCredit. These options take your overall bill, break it down into smaller chunks, and allow you to make payments on a monthly basis instead of all at once. Basically, it’s a convenient way to spread your costs out over multiple paychecks.
How Well You Care for Your Orthodontic Appliance
We typically don’t think of maintenance as being involved in our upfront costs. While this might technically be the case, following your orthodontist’s care instructions will help your appliance last longer. If you frequently return for repairs, that’s going to make a big difference to your treatment expenses!
Overall, you can expect more complex treatment and more advanced orthodontics to be relatively more expensive. But strategic financing and proper appliance care can save you money.
If all of this seems like a lot to calculate and process, don’t worry. Your orthodontic team can decipher your dental insurance benefits, help you apply for CareCredit, and give you a more precise treatment price. Don’t be afraid to ask them about money, because they want to help you get the orthodontic care you need!
About the Author
Dr. Frances Hamman loves helping patients achieve straighter smiles. She knows that orthodontic treatment has the power to boost people’s confidence, improve their oral health, and make everyday activities easier. To help patients afford this life-changing treatment, Dr. Hamman accepts several different dental insurance plans and proudly offers CareCredit financing. You can contact her office at 920-748-7130 or visit her website for more information.
