Your child has crooked teeth. You’re looking to have them straightened. But you’re wondering: how much do children’s braces cost?
In truth, costs can vary based on a number of factors. So, to give you a clear picture of the average cost of braces, we’re going to get into more detail below. Let’s go!
How Much Do Children’s Braces Cost?
Generally speaking, children’s braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000. In most cases, you should expect to pay around $4,500.
Curious as to the factors that affect these costs? Let’s review them now.
Type of Braces
The type of braces you choose will have a large effect on their cost. For instance, whereas metal braces cost between $3,000 and $6,000, ceramic braces cost between $4,000 and $8,000, and lingual braces cost between $8,000 and $10,000. Invisalign braces, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000.
Each type of braces has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Speak with your orthodontist to determine which are best for your child.
The Orthodontist
Simply put, different orthodontists charge different amounts of money for their services. Whereas one might market him or herself as a budget orthodontist, another might charge more than the average. Most, however, will be somewhere in the middle of the cost spectrum.
For this reason, before choosing an orthodontist, you want to call around and get estimates. Any reputable orthodontist will provide you with an estimate before work begins.
The Patient’s Age
The patient’s age can have an effect on the cost of braces as well. Generally speaking, younger patients are cheaper to treat than are older patients. This is because the teeth are more malleable in younger individuals, and will generally shift in a shorter amount of time.
The best age for a person to get braces is somewhere between 11 and 14. The teeth are still growing at this point and will be much more receptive to the treatment.
The Severity of the Problem
Not all sets of teeth are created equal. That’s why some need to go to the orthodontist, after all. But even between those going to the orthodontist, some cases are more severe than others.
Generally speaking, the more severe your case of crooked teeth, the more expensive your orthodontic treatment will be. This is because there is more work required in order to get the teeth to shift from point A to point B.
Does Insurance Cover Children’s Braces?
Maybe you have orthodontic insurance and are wondering how it would benefit you as far as cost? Though results can vary, most orthodontic insurances tend to cover around 50% of treatment.
The key here is to take a close look at your plan and see what’s available to you. Some orthodontic insurances come with relatively small lifetime maximums. So, you might even have to pay more than 50%.
You’ll also want to make sure that your orthodontic insurance covers your orthodontist. Though most orthodontic insurances are compatible with all orthodontists, some require you to choose an in-network orthodontist.
Does Your Child Really Need Braces?
Now that you know something about the cost of dental braces, you might be wondering: does my child really need braces? Is his or her problem severe enough to justify the treatment?
If he or she is experiencing one of the following problems, treating him or her with braces would be a wise decision.
Crowded Teeth
One sign that your child needs braces is that his or her teeth are crowded together. This occurs when the jaw is too small and doesn’t leave enough room for all of the teeth to sit comfortably. As a result, they become crooked.
This problem can be treated in its entirety and undergoing treatment will provide your child with a beautiful new smile.
Gapped Teeth
Maybe your child has a gap between his or her teeth? If so, and if you’re interested in having it closed, braces would be a great option.
Note, though, that some individuals actually like their teeth gaps. So, make sure you’re child is comfortable with the treatment before going through with it.
Underbite/Overbite
Some individuals are born with misaligned jaws. Either their top jaw severely overlaps their bottom jaw or their bottom jaw overlaps their top jaw. This is a problem not only because it disturbs the aesthetics of the teeth, but because it can lead to pain and discomfort as well.
Fortunately, braces can be used to treat underbites and overbites. So, if you’re worried about your child’s underbite or overbite, see an orthodontist as soon as possible.
How Would Your Child Benefit from Braces?
You know that braces straighten and realign teeth. But what does that mean? What are the benefits? We’ll discuss the specifics below.
Your Child Would Have a Nicer Smile
Though aesthetic preferences are, by and large, subjective, most would agree that straight teeth are preferable to crooked teeth. So, by treating your child with braces, you would be improving his or her smile.
Your Child Will Avoid Bite Problems
Your teeth and jaws have a deep connection to the rest of your body, particularly your head and your neck. Should your teeth and jaws cause you to have an uneven bite, you could eventually start to suffer headaches, earaches, and other such pain.
Braces will correct your teeth and jaws, thereby correcting your bite, and reducing the risk of related pain and discomfort.
Your Child’s Speech Issues Could Be Treated
Does your child have any trouble with speech? If so, his or her crooked teeth or jaws could be the culprit. By treating any existing issues with braces, your child’s speech impediment could disappear entirely.
Need an Orthodontist in Fort Pierce?
Now that you have an answer to “how much do children’s braces cost?”, you might be looking for an orthodontist in Fort Pierce. If so, Jacobus Orthodontics has you covered.
We’re well-versed in the straightening of children’s teeth, having treated countless children throughout the Fort Pierce area. We offer not only metal braces but Invisalign braces as well.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!