Traditional braces are a tested, effective, safe orthodontic treatment designed to correct everything from minor crowding to severe bite issues. The metal brackets and wires exert just enough pressure to gradually guide your teeth into their ideal position, leaving cosmetic concerns and bite problems in the past. Throughout your treatment, you will attend periodic checkups that will adjust your braces as needed and confirm your teeth are moving as intended. Once your treatment is complete, you will be given a retainer, which will lock your hard-earned results in place.
With so many orthodontic treatments to choose from, why do traditional braces continue to be one of the most popular solutions available? In addition to being one of the most tried-and-true smile-enhancing options on the market, they come with a number of benefits, including:
As with any orthodontic solution, there are a few best practices that are essential for smooth, effective treatment.
It’s only natural to be curious about the cost. Since traditional braces aren’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, however, it can be difficult to find an accurate price estimate. Fortunately, our team is here to help! While we won’t be able to provide you with the cost until your consultation, we can share the factors that impact the cost of traditional braces, if dental insurance covers it, and more.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces
As mentioned above, traditional braces aren’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. On the contrary, they are completely customized to each patient’s unique dental needs and smile goals. That’s one of the reasons the initial consultation is so important! During the oral exam, our West Brookfield orthodontist will determine:
- The severity of your misalignment
- If one or both arches of your teeth need to be straightened
- The length of your orthodontic treatment
- If elastic bands, space maintainers, and other accessories are needed
From there, they can create a custom treatment plan and share a price estimate.
Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?
“DIY” braces companies do their best to draw in patients with more convenience and a lower price. However, this approach to teeth-straightening is often more problematic. In addition to skipping the initial examination (which can have disastrous consequences on the look and function of your smile), many of these treatments aren’t supervised by a dental professional. As a result, professional organizations like the American Dental Association have warned the public about the dangers of DIY orthodontics and encouraged the use of professional treatments, like traditional braces.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?
There are some dental plans that include orthodontic benefits. So, don’t hesitate to talk to your provider about your coverage before your appointment! Of course, our team is also here to help. We proudly accept all major insurances and PPOs, so we can help answer questions and provide insight into your coverage.
Options for Making Braces Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, then talk to our team about the other financial solutions available! For example, LendingPoint allows you to pay for your treatment in budget-friendly chunks. That way, you don’t have to worry about paying for the entire cost all at once.
