Before undergoing an orthodontic treatment, it’s perfectly normal to have a few questions. You’ll want to get the details of the treatment, know the risks that are or could be involved, and find out what to do before, during and after the appointment to ensure that the treatment will be a success. All of these questions are essential, but for most of us mortals, the most important one is of a completely different kind. You know where I’m going with this: patients want to know how much all of that’s going to cost them!
Many factors come into play when determining the price of an orthodontic treatment. First, there’s the nature of the treatment: if all of the patient’s teeth need to be corrected, it will be more expensive. Some cases present complications and prove to be much more complex than others, which will be reflected in the price. In general, children can be treated for less money than their parents because it’s often possible to avoid or reduce the duration of an orthodontic treatment on adult teeth.
“Imagine someone asking you how much a trip to Europe costs… It all depends on the type of trip they have in mind!”
Along the same lines, a treatment may only last a few months or go on for several years, in which case, it will obviously cost more. Finally, the type of appliance that’s used must also be taken into consideration. For example, the new-generation Invisalign treatment is more comfortable and nearly invisible, but it generally costs more than standard or transparent braces.
“Most patients can expect to spend between $6,000 and $13,000.”
What really complicates our basic question is that the number of variables is too high to arrive at a precise amount. Looking at it another way, imagine someone asking you how much a trip to Europe costs… It all depends on the type of trip they have in mind! In either situation, a very general price range can apply in most cases. In orthodontics, most patients can expect to spend between $6,000 and $13,000 for a full treatment.
“There’s only one person who can give you an exact price: your orthodontist.”
Your employer’s insurance may also come into play to lend you a helping hand. Those with health benefits should verify that orthodontics is on the list of covered services. Furthermore, insurance policies usually set a maximum amount that the patient can claim. In any case, before pulling out your check book, it’s a good idea to consult the insurer to get as exact an idea as possible of the amount you should expect to pay for a treatment. Your orthodontist can also help you with the forms to ask the insurance company what reimbursement amount you may be entitled to receive.
When all is said and done, there’s only one person who can give you an exact price: your orthodontist, during a consultation. Since every case is unique, you have to consult a specialist to evaluate your situation and determine what kind of treatment is right for you. Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula!
For more information, or to see which solution and price is right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bach!
