Many parents want to know how much they can expect braces to cost for their child, but the answer to this question is complicated! You can't exactly call around for prices and then pick the cheapest option like you can with a haircut or lawn service. Because every patient is different and has their own unique needs, the only way to know how much braces will cost is to schedule a consultation. Here are some of the factors that determine the cost of braces.
The Type of Braces
This is the most significant factor in how much braces cost in Suffolk County. Because the materials required to produce them are more expensive, discreet orthodontic solutions tend to cost more than traditional metal braces. These are the three most common options:
Metal Braces
Average Price Range: $5,000 to $7,000
Traditional metal braces use both metal brackets and archwires to gently reposition the teeth, correcting the bite and misalignments. For our younger patients, they're the most popular orthodontic treatment option.
Ceramic Braces
Average Price Range: $5,500 to $7,500
Ceramic braces are more popular among teenagers and adults. Also known as clear braces, ceramic braces use brackets that blend in with the color of your child’s teeth to make them less obvious.
Lingual Braces
Average Price Range: $5,800 to $10,000
Because lingual braces are custom-made for each patient by a professional dental laboratory, they are the most expensive choice for braces. However, because the brackets are bonded onto the backs of the teeth rather than the fronts, this is the best option for discreet braces.
Length of Treatment Required
Another factor to consider is how long it will take to straighten your child’s teeth. This is determined by the severity of their orthodontic case. Naturally, the more complex your child’s needs, the longer they’ll need to have braces. There’s a significant price difference for a patient who needs braces for a year versus a patient who needs three or more years of treatment to correct their orthodontic issues.
Compliance and Care
Your child will have a lengthier treatment time if they don't follow the instructions we provide, which means you'll end up paying more for their braces. Some guidelines to follow include:
- Don’t remove the elastics that attach the wires to the brackets.
- Wear rubber bands as directed.
- Avoid hard, tough, sticky, and chewy foods that can cause brackets to break off.
- If a bracket does break off, call our office right away to see if an emergency appointment is needed.
- Brush and floss well.
If one of your child’s brackets falls off, it may not seem like a big deal, but if it's three weeks before their next checkup, their treatment time could end up being extended by three weeks or more. When this becomes a habit, your child could require braces for months longer than they would if they followed our instructions.
Dental Insurance
Finally, the out-of-pocket cost of braces in Suffolk County is determined by your dental insurance. To find out how much your insurance will pay for your child’s braces, the circumstances in which they will cover treatment, and the types of braces they will cover, contact your insurance company. Our staff is also available to assist you in understanding your benefits and out-of-pocket expenses.
Learn More About the Cost of Braces in Suffolk County, NY
If you’d like to schedule an appointment for a consultation to learn more about your child’s orthodontic treatment options, contact us today.
