What Factors Determine the Total Cost of Braces?

If your child's orthodontist is recommending that they get braces to straighten their teeth, one thing you might be wondering is how much it will cost you. Braces are not a single purchase that you can determine the total cost of quickly since there are several factors that will affect the total amount you will be paying over the course of the treatment.

Braces Type

One of the cheaper types of braces is made out of stainless steel, but they are very noticeable when worn. On the high end, invisalign is a very expensive type of braces because of the construction that makes them difficult to spot to others. If you are worried about the social stigma your child will have to deal with by wearing traditional stainless steel braces, you may decide to go with something less noticeable for a higher price.

Keep in mind that invisalign involves giving your child more responsibility regarding the treatment process. They will need to take out the invisalign tray for eating, and a teenager runs the risk of damaging or losing the tray when removing it.

Adjustments

Your child's braces will need adjustments during the treatment process since the placement of their teeth is constantly changing. You will need to pay for each adjustment, and it is difficult to determine exactly how many adjustments will be needed during the length of the treatment.

Treatment Duration

The length of the process depends on the amount of correction needed. More adjustments lead to a longer treatment process, which increases the total cost. The treatment duration is, on average, 18 to 24 months.

Orthodontist Experience

Prices vary for orthodontic work, with more experienced orthodontists charging more for their services. That is why it is so important to visit multiple orthodontists until you find one that works best for you. You want someone that has expertise in their field but who also offers competitive pricing to win over customers.

Travel Expenses

You must factor your travel expenses when visiting the orthodontist, since you will be making many trips for adjustments over the next year or two. If you are spending $10 on gas round trip and $4 in parking for each monthly adjustment visit, that can total to $336 over two years. That is why you should search for somebody local to avoid paying extra in travel expenses.

Fortunately, some of these factors you do have control over. If you make the right decisions, you could end up paying less for your child's braces than you otherwise would have. Speak to a representative from an establishment like Cazes Family Dentistry LLC to get started in your search.