Everybody loves a good deal, but in most cases, we do get what we pay for. That’s certainly true when it comes to investing in your smile! Here at Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, one of the questions we hear most often is “how much will orthodontic treatment cost?” If you’ve been thinking about braces for you or your child, you’ve probably had the financial impact at the front of your mind, but there’s no “one size fits all” answer to the total cost of treatment. That’s because several factors come into play when determining the fees. These include things like:
- the type of orthodontic appliance being used
- if the braces are for a child, teen, or adult
- how complicated the case is
- the estimated treatment length
- any insurance coverage
- the orthodontist providing treatment
- where the orthodontist is located
As you can see, treatment costs can vary quite significantly from case to case! That’s why the first step towards a straighter smile should always be a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. When you schedule a free visit with our practice, our team will walk you through everything included in your personalized treatment plan, including the investment needed for your new smile. In the meantime, let’s take a look at what braces treatment includes, how much they tend to cost on average, and what kind of payment options are available to you. Keep reading for more information!
What does treatment with braces include?
We value our patients and never want you to feel like we’re being anything less than transparent about our treatment fees. No one likes unexpected surprises when it comes finances, so we’ll ensure you understand everything included in your treatment plan before we begin. The total cost of treatment will typically cover everything you need to achieve and maintain a beautiful smile, such as:
- all of your appointments, including emergency visits
- braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliance
- post-treatment retainers
- follow-up visits once your treatment is complete
- an oral hygiene starter pack
Our treatment fees also reflect the skill and experience of our doctors, the innovative technology we use, and the world-class orthodontic care you’ll receive from our entire team.
What is the average cost of braces?
As we already mentioned, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration when calculating the exact cost of any treatment plan. Each patient has their own specific needs and responds to treatment in their own way. These variables mean that treatment costs will be different from case to case. That said, there are still averages we can look at it to give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay. In general, braces treatment for a child can cost anywhere from $3-7K, while adult braces will usually run about $5-8K in total.
Will dental insurance cover braces?
These days, many dental insurance plans will cover a portion (or all) of a patient’s orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, the rules and policies associated with coverage can be a bit ambiguous. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is distinct from regular dental insurance. Since every plan is different, we’ll review your insurance to determine the best approach for you! Once you begin treatment, we’ll even file your claims for you and help ensure you receive the maximum coverage from your particular plan.
Dr. Hamer and Dr. Glassick create their customized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique smile needs, and won’t recommend something for you based solely on it being covered by insurance. Once you’ve had a consultation with us and been presented with a proposed treatment plan, you should check with your provider to see what they are willing to cover. All co-payments and out of pocket expenses are estimated before the treatment process begins. Once treatment is complete with all insurance payments received, we’ll reconcile the account. Patients are responsible for any underpayment at this point.
If insurance won’t cover braces, can the cost be deducted?
If braces are deemed to be medically necessary, the dental health care costs associated with them can sometimes be tax-deductible. However, that cost generally has to exceed a certain amount before any deductions would kick in. You should keep track of all expenses associated with your braces treatment if you want to deduct the costs. This includes any co-pays and check-up visits.
Give your smile the expert care it deserves with Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics
Braces can give you a beautifully aligned smile, but their benefits go beyond an improved cosmetic appearance. Your oral health plays an important role in your total body health, too, and crooked teeth can make it difficult to maintain healthy teeth and gums. That’s because they’re harder to clean effectively, which puts you at an increased risk for cavities and tooth decay. Not only that, but misalignment can also lead to headaches, pain, and soreness in the jaw and neck. Orthodontic treatment can help reduce or eliminate these symptoms, leaving you with a smile that looks good and feels great!
At Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics, we believe everyone should have access to the orthodontic care they need. We’re committed to providing patients of all ages with affordable treatment options to fit every budget, including metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. If you’re in Charlottesville, Crozet, or the surrounding communities and want to learn more about how braces can give you a confident smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation!