How Much Do Adult Braces Cost?

Do you shy away from the camera or smile with your lips pressed firmly together?

You’re not the only one! In fact, 25% of adults polled said they avoid smiling because of their teeth’s appearance.

A straighter smile can improve your self-confidence. As a result, you’ll no longer feel the need to shy away from the camera. Instead, you can wear your smile with pride!

How much do adult braces cost? While it can depend on a case by case basis, having an estimate can prepare you for the treatment ahead. You can even find alternative ways to save money before visiting your orthodontist.

Keep reading to learn about the cost of braces!

How Much Are Braces?

The exact cost of your braces can depend on the treatment option you choose. Here are some examples of what the cost may be in different situations.

Traditional Braces

For example, regular braces place gentle pressure against your teeth over time to move them in place. Your orthodontist will first glue brackets to the front of your teeth. Then, they connect the brackets with a wire.

Every month or so, your orthodontist will tighten the wire, slowly moving your teeth, jaw, or both into place.

The average cost for this treatment option is between $4,800 and $7,135 for adults. Though it depends on the severity of your condition, treatment can last between 18 months to 3 years.

You can speak to this orthodontist to determine the exact cost of braces for your unique case.

Ceramic Braces

However, there are other options you might want to consider, too. Some people don’t want metal braces because they’re too obvious. A more subtle option is ceramic braces.

The brackets for ceramic braces are the same color as your teeth. That can make them harder to see. However, this option usually costs more than metal braces.

Ceramic braces usually cost between $2,00 and $5,000.

You can also ask your dentist about getting braces on the back of your teeth instead to hide the brackets.

Clear Aligners

If you want to avoid wires and brackets altogether, ask your dentist about see-through, plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Known as aligners, this treatment option is usually better for adults than children.

You can take these aligners out when you want to eat, brush, and floss. Since the aligners are removable, you won’t have to worry about food restrictions. However, these aligners are also easier to use.

You’ll need to wear your aligners for almost 24 hours a day in order to see results. If you have a big gap between your teeth, however, metal braces are the better option.

Each tray usually costs between $100 and $300. Your trays will likely change throughout the course of your treatment. Treatment plans, on the other hand, will vary between $1,000 and $5,000.

Realignment as an Adult

If you didn’t receive braces as a kid, the gaps between your teeth might indicate you need them as an adult. Leaving your teeth as is won’t only impact your smile. It can also cause food particles and bacteria to hide between these gaps, which can lead to gum disease.

The duration of your treatment will determine how much your adult braces cost. However, the process is usually longer for adults than children.

As an adult, your teeth have stopped growing. That means some of the changes you need will require surgery. Though treatment time varies on a case by case basis, most adult orthodontic treatments can last around two years.

Since the treatment is often longer and more complex, the cost of braces for adults is usually higher than it is for kids.

Your Insurance

In most cases, major medical insurance doesn’t include coverage for orthodontic services. With that in mind, you’ll likely need to look into dental insurance.

Dental insurance can cover a range of services, including:

• Preventative care/routine exams
• Basic procedures (fillings, extractions)
• Major treatments (crowns, root canals)

Each level of dental care is covered at a different rate. Usually:

• Preventative care is covered 100%
• Basic procedures are covered 80%
• Major procedures are covered 50%

You’re responsible for paying your dental insurance deductible. Then, your insurance company will begin paying a portion of the covered services.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of braces?

Sometimes. You’ll want to check your dental policy beforehand. When dental insurance does cover the cost of braces, it’s usually around 50% coverage.

Coverage usually has a separate lifetime maximum with it comes to orthodontic services. This maximum applies to the entire course of treatment. However, it’s not part of your annual maximum for other dental services.

Other Options to Curb Costs

Even if you have insurance coverage, orthodontic services usually require significant out-of-pocket costs. Your dental insurance plan might not cover braces completely or at all. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can cover your out-of-pocket costs.

First, talk to your orthodontist about their financing options. They might have a system available. For example, your orthodontist might offer a discount if you pay the full cost upfront.

They might allow you to pay in installments, too.

Next, check out your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) if your employer offers one. These funds can help you pay for a portion of your total costs.

Medicaid will cover the cost of braces for children under the age 19 if they’re considered medically necessary. Some states also provide emergency dental services for adults. However, other states only provide limited care.

Determine if the state you live in provides comprehensive dental care.

You might also want to consider visiting an orthodontic student. Some orthodontic schools take in patients. This provides students with a chance to learn under the supervision of a teacher.

Choosing to have a student perform a supervised treatment can help reduce your costs.

How Much Do Adult Braces Cost?: Your Guide to Affording a Straighter

To recap, how much do adult braces cost? It usually depends on how long you need treatment, as well as the type of treatment you choose. Make sure to speak to your orthodontist about the options they have available.

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