When it comes to helping patients straighten their smiles, one of the most often questions is, “how much do braces cost?” Orthodontic treatment is an incredible investment in your oral health, but we understand that time and finances are a big worry for many people. Here at Petrunic Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer multiple treatment options that fit every budget!
Because we provide customized treatment plans for every patient, the total cost of braces will depend on many different variables. When calculating the investment needed for any new smile, we’ll look at:
- The type of braces chosen
- Whether the braces are for an adult or a child
- The specific orthodontic issues we’ll correct
- How long braces are estimated to be needed
- If the patient has dental insurance that covers orthodontics
The total cost of treatment will consider each of these factors and more, depending on your unique situation. For example, traditional metal braces tend to be one of the least expensive treatment options available. Alternatives like clear braces or Invisalign aligners may cost more. Orthodontic treatment for children will also often be less costly than adult treatment, although this does vary from case to case.
Generally speaking, the most significant indicator of cost is how complicated the needed treatment is. Complex problems will take longer to correct than mild issues. This often results in more work for the orthodontist and more follow-up appointments, which may be reflected in the total cost of treatment.
Additionally, every orthodontist will have their pricing structure based in part on the region where they are located. Dental insurance is another factor–some policies will provide coverage for orthodontic treatment, but how much usually depends on the individual patient and the recommended treatment plan.
What does the total cost of braces treatment include?
Even though we consider many factors to determine the cost of your braces, we’ll always explain what they are. There will never be any hidden costs at Petrunic Orthodontics. When you schedule a free consultation, we’ll outline everything included in your personalized treatment plan. Our team will ensure you understand each part of it before we ever begin the active phase of your orthodontic journey.
Our individualized treatment plans contain everything needed for superior results, including:
- All appointments
- Any emergency visits
- Braces or aligners
- Retainers
- Post-treatment follow-up visits
- An oral hygiene starter pack
Our treatment fees reflect our expert skills, the innovative technology we use, and the high-quality service we provide. We know that braces are a significant investment for our patients, and we work hard to help each one achieve a confident smile they’re proud to share with the world!
What is the average cost for braces?
Since there are so many different factors involved providing the perfect care for your smile needs, there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how much treatment will cost. With that said, you can expect the average treatment cost for a child to be anywhere from $3-7K, while adult braces or aligners can run from around $5-8K. Again, the total cost will depend on each patient’s specific needs and the variables we’ve outlined above.
Does dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
If you have dental insurance, you likely have some kind of orthodontic benefit available. However, the rules around coverage can be vague and vary from plan to plan. Our team is happy to help you find out if your particular insurance plan covers orthodontic treatment!
Dr. Petrunic customizes each treatment plan based on her professional experience and your unique case. This allows her to recommend the treatment that will best meet your needs, lifestyle, and goals, and not whether or not certain treatment options are covered by insurance.
Because insurance policies differ significantly, we’ll review your insurance to help you determine a plan that works for you. Once treatment begins, we’ll file your insurance claims and accept any payment assignment from your insurance company. We’ll estimate co-payments or out of pocket expenses will before starting your treatment. Once treatment is complete, and all insurance payments are received, we will reconcile the account. Patients will be responsible for any underpayment at that point.
If insurance will not cover treatment, can any of the costs be deducted?
The cost of your braces may be tax-deductible if your treatment is considered medically necessary. However, the cost has to exceed a certain amount before any deductions would kick in. If deducting the cost of treatment is something you’re interested in, you should keep track of all expenses, including co-pays and check-up visits.
Your smile is worth the investment with Petrunic Orthodontics
Braces aren’t just about improving your appearance. Your oral health plays an essential role in your total body health. Misaligned teeth can also increase your risk for everything from tooth decay and cavities to pain in the head, neck, and shoulders. Although orthodontic treatment can indeed be a significant investment, it comes with positive benefits that can last you a lifetime!
Don’t comparison shop based on cost alone when it comes to your smile. Everyone likes to find a “good deal,” but in this case, you should choose an orthodontist based on their skill, experience, and how comfortable you feel in their care. You’ll be spending quite a bit of time in the orthodontist’s office throughout the treatment process, so you’ll want to pick a warm and welcoming practice.
Here at Petrunic Orthodontics, we aim to provide patients with a stress-free orthodontic experience from start to finish. We believe everyone should have access to high-quality orthodontic care that’s also affordable! If you’re in Prattville or the surrounding communities and want to learn more about how you can achieve a beautiful smile that fits your budget, get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Petrunic!