The cost of orthodontics in the USA: what is the average price of treatment in 2024?

Orthodontics is one of the most sought-after dental treatments - and for good reason. Having teeth that are properly aligned with a correct bite, and without gaps or overcrowding is not just for aesthetic purposes, but also affects our overall oral health. So it’s not surprising that more and more people are interested in aligning their teeth and are considering starting orthodontic treatment.

When people start to think about orthodontic treatment, they may have doubts and questions, or are hesitant to move forward until they’ve considered all options. One of the most frequent questions or concerns is the cost of orthodontic treatment and the different options available for aligning the teeth. If you’re also asking yourself, “How much does orthodontic treatment cost?”, this article will tell you everything you need to know. We’ll talk about the factors that can influence the cost of orthodontic treatment, as well as insurance coverage and financing.

What factors influence the cost of orthodontic treatment in the USA?

If you are wondering about the price of the various types of orthodontics, the first thing you should know is that the cost can depend on several factors. Below we will explain each of these factors in detail and discuss the reason for the range in price for each orthodontic treatment.

Types of orthodontics and the materials used

One of the factors that influences the cost of orthodontic treatment in the USA is the type of treatment chosen - whether that be traditional metal braces, lingual braces, clear braces or clear aligners. This is because the materials needed for some techniques can be more or less expensive than others.

Additionally, the orthodontist’s technique for placing each device can also influence the cost. For example, it is a lot easier to fit traditional metal brackets than it is to fit lingual brackets. Placing the latter is more challenging, so lingual braces are therefore more costly than traditional braces.

Clinic equipment and diagnosis

Another factor that might influence the final price of orthodontic treatment is the equipment used. Most would assume that dental clinics that use digital technology for diagnosis and designing treatment plans, as well as monitoring treatment, might be slightly more expensive than those that don’t use the same type of equipment. However, this could not be further from the truth. Nowadays, many dental clinics utilize modern technology to help with diagnoses. The dental sector has also advanced in terms of waiting times, procedures and environmental impact, all without significantly impacting the final price of orthodontic treatment.

Some clinics, like Impress, offer 3D scans and CBCT X-rays of the entire oral cavity to obtain a more in-depth analysis of the patient’s specific case and therefore, a more precise diagnosis. Furthermore, some clinics offer a video simulation so patients can see how their treatment will progress and what their results will look like before they invest in orthodontic treatment.

Location of clinics and doctor expertise

The location of an orthodontic clinic and the expertise of your doctor may also be influencing factors when it comes to calculating the price of orthodontics. Some cities are more expensive than others, which can mean that the cost of orthodontic treatment may vary according to the clinic’s location in the USA. Additionally, doctors may have different prices for orthodontic treatments according to their experience and expertise.

Complexity of the case and treatment duration

Not all orthodontic patients have the same needs and the complexity of cases varies greatly from patient to patient. With cases that are more complex than others, the treatment will likely take longer and will require additional follow-ups with a doctor, and additional materials, all of which can increase the cost of orthodontics.

Furthermore, some cases may require additional dental treatments or pre-orthodontic treatments such as extractions, surgery, implants or fillings; all of which can increase the final price.

The patient’s age

The patient’s age is also a typical influence on the cost of orthodontic treatment. Patients are often divided into three groups when it comes to age, each of which we’ll discuss below:

Children

Interceptive orthodontic treatments are performed exclusively on children or pre-teens. This type of orthodontics is used to correct or guide poor growth in the jawbones and teeth. Before the bone is fully formed, preventative action is taken to avoid any further complications with the teeth and jaw in the future.

Adolescents

As teenagers are still growing and developing, orthodontic treatments for adolescents (starting from 12-14 years old) tend to be a little more complex, and therefore expensive, as they require a more in-depth assessment. Their treatment also requires close monitoring to ensure that it’s progressing as it should be.

The cost of orthodontics for adults

Finally, we’ll discuss the cost of orthodontics for adults. As adult teeth are already fully formed, it’s unlikely that adults will require the same intensive monitoring and clinic check-ups as teenagers would, which can lower the overall price of the orthodontic treatment.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost in the USA?

Many people in the USA ask themselves, “how much does orthodontic treatment cost on average?”. As we’ve just mentioned, the average cost of orthodontic treatment can vary according to numerous factors. Taking these factors into account allows us to determine an estimated average cost of orthodontic treatment in the USA.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost without insurance?

The average costs for different orthodontic treatments without insurance are as follows:

• Traditional metal braces: between $3,000 and $7,000.
• Lingual braces: between $8,000 and $13,000.
  
• Clear braces: between $4,000 and $8,500.
  
• Clear aligners: between $3,500 and $6,000.
  

How you can lower the cost of orthodontics with insurance coverage, HSA or FSA

If you have a dental insurance provider that has orthodontic coverage and/or you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be eligible to cover at least some of the costs of your orthodontic treatment.

Not all dental insurance providers provide orthodontic coverage, so you should ensure that your plan includes this. Additionally, they may have a limit to the amount you can spend on orthodontic treatments, so you should check with your insurance provider about what orthodontic costs are eligible for coverage.

If you have a HSA/FSA, you can cover the remaining cost of your orthodontics not covered by your insurance, or all or part of the cost, depending on your available funds. To find out how to apply your HSA/FSA funds, you should consult with your specific orthodontic provider, as each provider may have different steps.

Financing orthodontic treatment: available payment plans

While orthodontic treatment is important for our oral health, for many patients, financing their treatment can be a great concern. That’s why many orthodontic clinics offer different payment plans to make their treatments more accessible.

There are several different options on the market for financing orthodontic treatment. With most treatments, you can usually pay upfront or in monthly installments. At Impress, we have financing plans so that you can pay in a way that suits you best.

What is included in the cost of orthodontic services quoted during a consultation?

During an orthodontic consultation and before you start treatment, you’ll receive either a quote or an estimate that outlines what is included in the orthodontic treatment with regards to specific services and costs involved.

An estimate is like an open quote. You’ll be given an outline of the services that will likely be included in your treatment as well as an estimate of the costs involved. However, an estimate means that there could be additional services added and costs incurred throughout the treatment.

However, if you are provided with a closed quote during your orthodontic consultation, this means that the cost outlined is final. Therefore, in order to avoid any surprises with the cost of your orthodontic treatment, it’s a good idea to opt for a closed orthodontic quote, like the ones offered at Impress.

Orthodontic treatments at Impress

At Impress, we offer orthodontic treatment using clear aligners for adults, children and teenagers, designed to correct even the most complex cases. During your complimentary consultation with us, your doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan, personalized to you. The price of this orthodontic treatment is fixed, meaning no hidden fees or surprises. If you’re curious about how to finance your orthodontic treatment with our payment plans, or if you have any questions about insurance or HSA coverage, you can reach out to our care team who can advise you.

You can book your complimentary consultation with our expert doctors at your nearest Impress clinic by scheduling your appointment online or by calling us at 888.490.1421.