How much do braces cost? Price of braces in the USA in 2024

Orthodontic treatment has become increasingly common in kids, teens, and adults. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve the teeth’s position, the bite, and the overall oral health. Although there are various types of orthodontics, braces are still one of the most popular. What you may not know is that not all braces are the same and depending on the type you choose, the cost of straightening your teeth with braces can change. In this article we’ll explain the different types of dental braces that exist, how much they are, with and without insurance, and the reasons the price can vary.

Braces types

As we mentioned, braces come in many shapes and sizes. This affects how much braces are, making the average cost of braces in the USA vary. Today, thanks to technological advances in medicine, we can choose the treatment that best suits our tastes, needs, and wallets.

Metal braces

Metal braces are usually the ones people think of and, until now, they’ve had the lowest price and been the most used. That’s only because they were the first braces invented. They’re still used very frequently today, especially in kids and teens.

Over time, metal braces have become smaller than they once were and now they take up less space on the tooth, making treatment more comfortable for the patient. But even though they’re smaller in size, they’re still pretty visible. Since they don’t require any high-cost materials or difficult technique, the cost of traditional braces is still the lowest.

Clear braces

Clear braces are usually made of sapphire or ceramic. These materials make the braces much more aesthetically pleasing, they can even go unnoticed. Sapphire braces are made from sapphire crystal and are very popular with patients looking for a more discreet option for straightening their teeth. They are a popular choice in braces for adults. Then we have ceramic brackets, these are slightly more opaque than the sapphire braces. Regardless, it’s important to note that this type of braces usually works with a metal wire, so the treatment isn’t completely invisible. And as far as the price of these dental braces go, ceramic and especially sapphire are more expensive materials, so the price of these teeth braces tends to be higher.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating brackets are usually made of metal. They differ from the other devices because of their revolutionary system that doesn’t require rubber bands to tie each piece to the metal arch. The wire passes directly through each bracket which allows for a faster and more pleasant treatment. They’re also smaller and take up less space on the tooth’s surface, which makes them more discreet than traditional metal brackets. These high-tech braces can also mean high cost.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces function exactly the same as others, except that they are placed on the back of the teeth. Since they are facing the inside of the mouth, they are completely invisible from the outside. But you should know that getting dental braces on the back of your teeth usually causes an increased price.

What does the cost of braces depend on?

Okay, so we’ve been over the types and we’ve mentioned that they vary in price, but what does the cost of braces depend on? The truth is, it depends on a couple of things.

The type of braces you choose

First of all, which of the different types of braces you choose affects what they cost. There can be a considerable difference between the cost of traditional braces vs clear, lingual, and self-ligating braces, the price of metal braces usually being the lowest.

The complexity of your case

One of the other factors that influences how much braces are, is the complexity of your case. If you only have mild crowding, gaps, or bite issues, the treatment should take less time, therefore costing less. But if your dental problems are severe, your treatment time will be extended and the cost of dental braces will go up.

In addition, more treatment time often means more face-to-face check ups for adjustments. With some orthodontists, the more you see them, the more they charge you. So having extra clinic visits can sometimes increase the cost of teeth braces.

The professional and their office

As we mentioned above, individual orthodontists can have a lot to do with the fluctuation in how much braces cost. There are countless orthodontic professionals in the USA and each of them has a different price for braces.

A lot of them adjust their teeth braces prices solely based on their location and popularity, so it’s important to compare clinics before starting treatment. You should look for one that has real professionals and offers good products with great value.

How much are braces without insurance?

The factor that can end up having the greatest effect on the cost of braces for your teeth is whether or not you’re insured. The price of braces in the USA changes drastically for those who have access to insurance. We know everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important we start by touching on the average cost of braces before any insurance is applied. Let’s take a look at how much braces cost without insurance:

• Metal braces price: approximately $3000 - $7000
• Clear braces price: approximately $4000 - $8500
  
• Self-ligating braces price: $4000 - $7500
  
• Lingual braces price: $8000 - $13000
  

How much are braces with insurance?

If you’re insured, you’re probably wondering how much braces cost with insurance. Well, most insurance providers at least partially cover the cost of dental braces and some insurance companies may even cover all of it. However, it’s important to note that not all insurance will cover any orthodontic device you choose. So, in order to estimate how much it would cost to get dental braces with your current insurance, you should first check your orthodontic coverage within your policy.

Impress aligners: the alternative to traditional braces

The ways we straighten our teeth have changed drastically over the last few decades. Twenty years ago, we wouldn’t have had the same conversation about the cost of all these different types of braces. But today, with the advances in medicine and technology, we have access to multiple alternatives to improve the appearance of our smile.

An increasingly popular and advantageous option is orthodontic treatment with invisible aligners. Invisible aligners are essentially just splints made with a special transparent plastic so you can complete your treatment in a way that’s nearly invisible to others. They are also removable, comfortable and extremely easy to clean, making them the perfect cost-effective option.

So if you’re looking for a clinic that specializes in invisible aligners, look no further. Impress has a team of professionals ready to help you get started with your orthodontic treatment at your nearest Impress office. You can get in touch with us by calling (888) 490 1421 or via WhatsApp, or book your initial consultation online.