The pressure is on. Ninety seven percent of Americans believe that a healthy smile is important to managing social interactions. This means that not only you, but others are noticing your smile. However, if you or your child have gapped, crooked, or otherwise unruly teeth, then there is good news. New dental technologies have made it more possible for more people to get dental braces. In fact over 4.8 million children under the age of 18 were wearing braces in 2008.
With options like invisalign braces, which are clear and can be taken out while eating, getting braces is more feasible than ever. But, how much are braces?
Without a doubt the cost of braces is a large concern for many patients and parents. Although the cost of braces can range from $3,000 to $6,000, if a child has insurance or is covered by medicaid, then their costs will be heavily subsidize. This coverage can make braces an achievable goal for most any family. As a tip, insurers are even more likely to provide for braces if teeth cause problems with talking, eating, or swallowing.
In order to find out which procedures will be paid for, and up to how much they will be paid for, look for orthodontic coverage on your insurance plan. Often the different costs are associated with differing braces appliances. Certain orthodontic coverage may subsidize the cost of braces based on which appliances and procedures will be used. Another variable in the cost of braces is patient age. Most people get braces between the ages of nine and 14 for a reason. As age goes up, coverage will often go down. This means that fewer policies will cover the orthodontic treatment of adults. While coverage for adults is less common than it is for children, many policies do offer adult coverage. You can find out what your insurer covers by simply going over your policy. You should always go to orthodontic consultations knowing which applications are best for your dental health, and your wallet.
Many orthodontic practices allow patients to take out a payment plan, and pay for the braces in installments. Just as you would when taking out a loan, you can ask about how interest will be determined if there is any. Another thing to think about is how long they will allow patients to take in repaying the cost of braces versus how long a payment plan may provide lowered interest rates.
Yet another way to mitigate braces prices is to ask for alternative options. If your first choice for braces is out of your price range, do not get discouraged. Ask your orthodontists what cheaper options may be available to you. These questions can save you thousands while providing your smile the correction it needs. Do not worry, these questions about affordable orthodontics and braces for adults are common.
Because the cost of braces is high, as a patient, do all that you can to ensure their full effectiveness. As you may have heard, this includes avoiding certain foods. This also means keeping all appliances fastened correctly. Finally, loosening teeth is normal. If after getting braces your teeth feel like they are loosening, then the braces are working. Teeth must first be loosened in order to be moved to their correct positions. Once they are set again, you will be well down your path to a better smile. Find more on this here.