Whether you’re a parent investigating the average cost for braces for your child or an adult checking on the prices for braces for yourself, the numbers you find can be a little shocking at first. Here’s a brief comparison of a few of your different pricing options.
- Traditional Metal Braces
The image of metal wires and brackets is generally the first thing to spring to mind whenever someone mentions the word “braces”. While improvements in the equipment and technology are being made every day, average prices for braces of this type can still run between $3,500 and $6,000, depending on the extent of the correction required. - Invisalign Braces
Surprisingly, Invisalign orthodontics cost roughly the same as traditional metal braces – about $3,500 to $6,000. Invisalign braces are fast becoming the go-to choice for many adult patients who need correction but don’t want visible braces. - Ceramic Braces
Prices for braces with brackets made from a more tooth-colored ceramic are slightly more expensive than metal or Invisalign, with a range of $4,000 to $6,500. This type of braces were used by Tom Cruise to straighten his trademark smile. - Lingual Braces
In lingual braces, the brackets and wires are attached to the lingual side of the teeth (or the “tongue” side). This makes them virtually undetectable to the casual observer. However, the specialized nature of the procedure makes these braces the most expensive in of our examples – between $8,000 and $10,000.
A final note: if you’re worried about the prices for braces, take a moment to consider the cost of not getting braces. Without adequate correction (whether for spaces, crowding, or over- or underbite treatment), future dental intervention is almost guaranteed, as bite patterns become obstructive, enamel begins to wear away at different rates, and exposed gums increase the chances of oral infection. Weigh the cost of preventative correction against future dental emergencies, and the choice becomes clear. Read more about this topic at this link.