Bronx, NY – The most common question every orthodontist gets is “how much are braces going to cost?” The answer isn’t a straightforward one because there are many factors that go into the cost of braces. Dr. Catherine Woo, a board-certified orthodontist serving the Bronx area, discusses what can affect the cost of orthodontic treatment.
“I always want my patients to be fully informed when making treatment decisions and that includes understanding the costs associated with braces,” says Dr. Woo. In short the average costs of braces and orthodontic treatment in the Bronx is between $3000 to $8000. “But it is important to understand what factors influence the costs so you can look beyond the price tag and understand the value you are receiving.”
Factors that influence the cost of braces
Several things can contribute to the overall cost of orthodontic treatment.
These factors include:
- Type of treatment you choose. Traditional metal braces will be a different price point than other options, such as lingual braces or clear aligners.
- Complexity of the treatment. Some cases are very mild and can be corrected easily. More severe cases take longer to complete and may require the use of additional appliances such as palatal expanders, which can increase the cost.
- Duration of treatment. Similar to the above, the longer you spend in treatment, the higher your cost will be.
- Experience of your orthodontist. If you visit more than one orthodontist for consultations and receive vastly different price points, ask yourself why that may be. An experienced orthodontist, especially one who is board certified, will most likely be more expensive. However, you are paying for their knowledge and experience and years of creating healthy, beautiful smiles.
- Location. Where you are in the country can affect the cost, as well. Areas with higher living costs, such as New York, will see higher prices for orthodontic treatment.
- Insurance coverage. If you have dental insurance that includes orthodontic coverage, your out-of-pocket expenses can drastically reduce.
Average costs of orthodontic treatment in the Bronx
Let’s check out the average cost of orthodontic treatment based on the type of braces chosen:
| Traditional metal braces | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Ceramic braces | $4,000 – $8,500 |
| Lingual braces | $8,000 – $13,000 |
| Clear aligners | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Understanding the types of orthodontic treatment
There are more options than ever before to straighten your smile.
Traditional metal braces are still commonly used because they are efficient and effective. They consist of metal brackets bonded to each tooth and a metal wire that is threaded through the brackets. The wire is what places the pressure on the teeth to guide them to their new locations. While today’s brackets and wires are sleeker than ever, metal braces will still be the most noticeable treatment option.
Ceramic braces use brackets and wires just like traditional braces; however, they will be made to blend in better with the natural teeth. They are effective more brittle than metal braces and may stain, so patients do need to pay close attention to what they eat so they don’t damage or stain the braces.
Lingual braces are metal braces that are completely hidden from view because they are placed along the tongue side of the teeth. They are the most expensive options because they require a high degree of skill to place and are completely customized to the smile of each patient.
Clear aligners like Invisalign offer patients a clear, comfortable, and removable way to get straighter smiles. They consist of a series of plastic aligners, each calibrated to achieve a certain tooth movement. They are worn 20-22 hours a day for 7-14 days as instructed before moving to the next set.
Is the cost of braces worth it?
The short answer is yes! Braces not only straighten your smile, but they also improve your bite and oral health and can boost your confidence. Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, helping you fend off cavities and gum disease. And a straighter smile can help you confidently greet the world around you.
Schedule your consultation with Riverdale Family Orthodontics today!
Dr. Woo and her team at Riverdale Family Orthodontics work hard to offer exceptional care at affordable prices. They accept most PPO insurance plans and will process primary insurance payments for patients The team is dedicated to helping ensure patients maximize their benefits. They will discuss all financial obligations with you prior to beginning treatment and will help find a payment plan that can comfortably fit into your family’s budget.
Call Riverdale Family Orthodontics today to begin your smile journey, 718-884-7700.
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