If you’re unhappy with the state of your smile due to crooked teeth, you might be weighing your options for addressing the issue. But if you’re on the fence trying to choose between traditional metal braces or Invisalign, you might be wondering how each respective treatment will fit into your personal budget. Here’s a little more about a few of the notable factors that often contribute to the cost of receiving orthodontic care so that you can go into the treatment with full confidence that you’ve made an informed decision!
Initial Consultation
Before you can undergo any type of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will need to inspect your mouth during an initial consultation. These visits are often free, and during them, your provider will review key information with you that includes not just what aspects of your smile need to be corrected, but also the associated costs—generally as a rough estimate, since every case varies.
The Type of Braces You Select
When it comes to getting braces, there are actually a couple of different types: traditional metal braces, which you’re probably familiar with, and clear aligner options like Invisalign, which have become increasingly popular these days. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you’ll be better suited for either one of these options; however, both have varying price points, with Invisalign usually being slightly more expensive on average. That said, wearing traditional braces for a long time might still result in a costly final bill.
The Complexity of Care
Simply put, patients with severe orthodontic needs will inevitably end up paying more for treatment; needing to wear braces for a longer amount of time means that you must pay more, attend more checkups, etc. Conversely, patients with minor orthodontic issues that need little correction can expect a shorter timeline, and in turn, lower treatment costs.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance also plays an integral role in the cost of orthodontic care; certain policies might not cover the entire cost of a particular orthodontic procedure, whereas other policies may not even include orthodontic treatment options like Invisalign in their coverage. Some options also become more affordable depending on how you pay, such as putting money down beforehand to receive a discounted fee. Knowing the specifics of your insurance plan is crucial going into any type of treatment, especially orthodontic care!
The bottom line is that the only way to determine the exact cost of orthodontic treatment is by visiting your orthodontist! Only the details have been finalized, the cost be accurately calculated; in any case, knowing the factors that play a role can prove useful.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Milford is ready to serve the needs of patients and families in the Milford, MA area! Under the skilled leadership of Dr. Alan Carlotto and Dr. Sam Alkhoury, we’re thrilled to offer a wide range of orthodontic services including both metal braces and clear aligner solutions like Invisalign. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a consultation, you can contact us online or over the phone for additional assonance. Telephone: (508) 473-2002.