How Do Braces Work?

Traditional orthodontic braces can straighten the teeth and correct a misaligned bite, by applying gentle pressure to the teeth, moving them into a straight position. Of course, as you go on with treatment, your teeth will shift into different positions and your braces will need to be adjusted according to the new positions that your teeth are in.

How Are Invisalign Aligners Different?

Invisalign aligners are mouth pieces that fit over your teeth but rather than adjusting them whenever your teeth shift into place, you are given a new set of aligners that will shift your teeth into their next positions. You will change your aligners for a new set every two weeks throughout the course of your treatment.

Clear braces like Invisalign are customised for your mouth and teeth. They are very popular because they are not very visible on the teeth, and they can be removed, unlike traditional braces which need to be worn all the time. Clear braces must be removed before eating and drinking because they can stain easily. They are also removed when you need to clean your teeth.

So, How Much Do Clear Braces Cost?

Traditional metal braces are the most cost effective, and for this reason they are given most often to children and teenagers. Because of the higher cost and higher level of care and maintenance required by clear braces, they are typically recommended more for adults.

Each patient’s treatment plan is customised, and thus each cost is completely different. At Good Choice Dental however we understand that patients need to budget so we have compiled some averages published by smile.com.au that are based on the outcomes of their National Dental Fee Survey from 2017.

These figures reveal that traditional metal braces cost in the region of $4500 to $8000 for an 18-month treatment plan. A full Invisalign treatment plan averaged $6000 to $9000 by comparison. Other clear braces cost in the region of $2000 to $5500 for the treatment.

As you can see, there is quite a big variance in treatments, and this is because each patient requires a different degree of correction. The best way to get an accurate estimate of what your orthodontic treatment would cost, would be to have an assessment by your dental practitioner.

Based on your consultation, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan outlining the costs for the duration of your treatment. You will be presented with a complete cost that includes all your dental fees as well as the costs of your orthodontic appliances.

Does Health Insurance Cover The Cost Of Braces?

Some health insurance policies may offer some degree of cover for orthodontic treatment but they will not cover the whole cost. You would need to check if your provider offers cover and if there are any waiting periods or exclusions.

Are Clear Braces Worth The Cost?

Having orthodontic treatment is not a cosmetic improvement. Braces straighten your smile but straight teeth are much easier to clean than crooked teeth. Crooked teeth are more susceptible to decay and can present with more problems later on in life if they are not straightened. Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws are also more prone to wear on the teeth, and can also cause stress and damage to the jaw joints.

Should You Have Clear Braces?

Clear braces are more expensive but they are ideal for adults who would otherwise avoid orthodontic treatment. They give the wearer the freedom to eat and drink without restrictions and to feel confident in your smile.

A dental treatment that improves your self esteem and improves the quality of your dental hygiene is certainly worth the investment. To ensure you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment remember to follow all your dentist’s instructions, not to skip any check ups and to practice exemplary dental hygiene.

For more details on how much are clear braces and what sort of costs you can expect please contact our Burwood dentists for an appointment: (02) 8203 8760