How Much Do Braces Cost Per Month Without Insurance? (2024)

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

One of the biggest reasons why many individuals may put off getting proper orthodontic care is they worry about howmuch braces cost. But, you should not worry too much about how much are braces. There are lots of options available to you, which we will look at in a bit.

How much do Braces Cost?

Cost-effectiveness in health care is defined as, ‘intervention indicated relative to the resources consumed or the costs’ (Deans J et al.,2009). Many people want to ensure that their treatment is cost-effective. And that means different things to different people. Cost-effectiveness is of great importance to patients, health practitioners, and insurance companies alike (Deans J et al.,2009).

How Much Does it Cost to Get Braces?

Most people know that orthodontic work can sometimes be expensive and wonder about the average cost of braces. They consider how much do braces cost, or how much do braces cost without insurance if you get a monthly plan? Does insurance cover braces? how much are braces without insurance versus with insurance? How much do braces cost for adults versus children? Plus they have a whole host of other monetary-related questions. However, all of them can be fairly simply summed up as – can I afford this kind of care?

While that may be a frightening question for some individuals to ask, the good news is that in the overwhelmingly vast majority of cases the answer is a resounding yes, you can afford it.

What’s The Average Cost of Braces?

Before we can begin to discuss what your regular monthly payments will be, it’s important to know that this will partly be dependent on several factors such as the type of braces you get, how long your treatment time is, your own personal orthodontic needs, and the method you choose to pay. Let’s take these one at a time and start off with the first one, what type of orthodontic treatment you’re getting.

Your orthodontist will advise you on the best treatment for you based on many factors, including its cost-effectiveness. The appropriate treatment may result in lower patient costs (Deans J et al.,2019).

How Much Do Braces Cost Per Month Without Insurance? (1)

How much do braces price per month without insurance?Photo by Elina Sazonova from Pexels

How Much do Braces Cost?

Different types of braces cost different amounts of money. And while they have different pros and cons, no two types of braces cost exactly the same. Let’s start off with cheapest to most expensive. The cheapest style of braces is of course traditional metal braces. They are the most common and are very traditional as their name suggests. These braces will usually run on average about $3,000.

After that, we have ceramic braces. These come with an improvement in aesthetics and come with a slightly increased price as well, usually coming in about $1,000 more expensive than traditional metal braces.

The most aesthetically pleasing of all braces are lingual braces which are nearly totally invisible since they attach to the back of the teeth. However, this high level of aesthetic benefits comes with a higher price tag and can usually start around $8,000, or twice as expensive as ceramic braces. Obviously, the more expensive your treatment is, the more expensive your monthly payments are likely to be.

How Much Are Braces without insurance?

So if you do not have insurance what kind of monthly payments could you expect?

This will probably depend on a couple of factors. One is how you are going to be paying for it. For instance, if you are paying using credit cards, then your monthly payments will be whatever your monthly payments are to make sure that you pay at least the minimum on your credit card. This will be dependent on your credit score, your credit card company, and a whole host of other personal financial factors.

However, if you are utilizing payment plans with an orthodontic office themselves, you may find that it is actually more affordable to do that than it is to use your credit card. This is because many orthodontic offices work hard to ensure that their clients have access to high-quality orthodontic care at a price they can afford. With this in mind, some monthly payments for orthodontics can be as low as $75 depending on your office and your particular needs.

However, it is not uncommon for payments to be in the low $100s and in some rare instances where treatment is expensive and the cost high, your monthly payments may be as much as $300 or more.

How Much Do Braces Cost a Month?

This oftentimes comes as welcome news to individuals who for one reason or another felt that they would never be able to afford orthodontic care. Realizing that they could potentially get life-changing orthodontic work done for as little as $75 a month can be a huge benefit to individuals who feared that cost would keep them out of the orthodontic office and from receiving the care that they desperately need.

The fear of cost is often a significantly more powerful driving force than the actual cost itself. While orthodontics can be expensive, high quality orthodontic offices like Ivanov Orthodontics and others always strive to make sure that their clients have access to the care they need. To do so, they work hard to take a variety of payment methods and provide options to help ensure that high quality orthodontic care is never unaffordable.

Does insurance cover braces?

If you happen to have orthodontic insurance that of course is even better and there are many ways that you can get it. The simplest way of course is to purchase it directly. Talk with your current insurance provider if you have one. Many people are surprised to learn that the same companies and organizations that insure their cars or property also often offer dental and orthodontic insurance as well. These two are different plans so make sure that if you’re needing orthodontic work done that you have orthodontic insurance not merely dental insurance. However, the good news is for organizations and groups that offer many different types of insurance, you can oftentimes get cheaper insurance by simply bundling them together.

Average Cost of Braces Per Month

If you choose to get your orthodontic and dental insurance from the same place that you get your car and renters insurance from, you may find that the more types of insurance you utilize the cheaper it becomes. So while orthodontic insurance may cost $80 per month from one location, if you bundle it with your other insurances it might only cost $50 per month. These types of savings can help put high quality orthodontic insurance in the reach of many individuals. And it never hurts to take a look and see if your work has health insurance you can buy or even an insurance matching plan to help meet any of your orthodontic care needs.

How much do braces cost for adults?

With so many reasons to get orthodontic care and with price no longer a prevailing factor to keep you away, setting an appointment with an orthodontic office to find out about your needs is a great way to ensure your health now and into the future.

Summary:

Orthodontic treatment with braces can vary depending on many circumstances. Examples of these factors include the age of the person getting the treatment, the condition being treated, the type of braces being used, the type of treatment necessary, and many more.

To find out the exact cost of your orthodontic treatment, you will need to visit your orthodontist, and based on the assessment, you orthodontist will be able to provide you a quote of the treatment costs.

Additionally, the cost may vary if there are complications, or if you don’t follow the specific guidelines provided by the orthodontist. It should be noted that the cost of orthodontic treatment will be different depending on where you get your treatment done. If you get your treatment done in a larger city, you may likely have to cover more costs than if you got the treatment done in a town or a more rural location. In fact, even within the same city you will likely to find that different orthodontic offices may have slight variations in their orthodontic treatment prices.

The best thing for you to do is to do some research about the various price differences that you will likely find in your area for orthodontic treatment. You will likely find that some places will offer you payment options and discounts for various things which will also lower your costs.

Reference:

Deans, J., Playle, R., Durning, P., & Richmond, S. (2009). An exploratory study of the cost-effectiveness of orthodontic care in seven European countries. European journal of orthodontics, 31(1), 90–94. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjn040

How Much Do Braces Cost Per Month Without Insurance? (2024)

FAQs

What is the lowest monthly payment for braces? ›

Your braces treatment may cost between $1,200 and $13,000 total, and anywhere from as little as $80 per month to $650 per month, depending on where you live, how long the treatment is, and which type of braces you get. There are many different types, some more affordable than others.

How much are braces in the US without insurance? ›

The average cost for braces treatment without insurance is between $3,000 and $7,000. The monthly payment amount will depend on the type of braces, the duration of treatment, and the duration of the payment plan.

Can poor people afford braces? ›

There are several non-profit organizations that help children from low-income families get braces treatment. Depending on your family's income level, the specifics of your child's orthodontic case, and where you live, braces can either be completely covered or cost $250-$500 out-of-pocket.

What's the cheapest braces can cost? ›

Traditional metal braces are typically the cheapest option available, averaging $3,000 to $7,000. The type of braces you get, complexity of your treatment, and insurance coverage are some of the factors that will affect the total cost you pay for braces.

Can braces be paid off monthly? ›

Dental insurance is ideal for virtually anyone, as it can save you as much as 50 percent depending on your plan's coverage. If you don't fall within either of these two categories, there is a third option as well – payment plans. Payment plans will allow you to make monthly payments for braces.

How do you pay for braces monthly? ›

The payment plan is structured with an initial fee payment (due on the day the braces get placed on your teeth) and then the balance is paid off in monthly installments. The number of monthly installments will vary depending on the approximate length of your treatment.

Are braces worth the money? ›

Braces are absolutely worth the cost because they are going to give you a fantastic smile and make flossing and general oral care easier and more effective. Crowded teeth and more can often require further treatment in order to make sure that the teeth are aligned or are placed more closely to where they need to be.

Why do braces cost so much? ›

The intricate details of the brackets and the expertise of the orthodontist allow the teeth to move at the proper pace. Higher quality orthodontic materials also increase the price, and the quality of appliances used does significantly impact the results of your treatment.

Are braces free for under 18? ›

Are braces available on the NHS? Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for young people under the age of 18 at no cost, if a dentist feels they need it. NHS orthodontic treatment isn't usually available for adults, but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health reasons.

How can I make my braces less expensive? ›

Here are some ways to make orthodontics affordable.
  1. Set Up a Flex Spending Account. ...
  2. Check on Your Orthodontic Insurance Coverage. ...
  3. Choose a Skilled Orthodontist. ...
  4. Find an Orthodontist Who Offers 0% Financing. ...
  5. Wear Your Retainers.
Nov 20, 2018

How long do braces take? ›

On average, how long do braces take to work? The average orthodontic treatment falls somewhere between 16-18 months, but can sometimes take as long as 24 months, or even more. Be wary of promises from anyone who says you can have a straight smile in only six months.

How much is a full set of braces? ›

The cost range for braces can vary greatly for each type:

Metal braces (traditional braces): $3,000 - 7,000. Ceramic braces: $4,000 - 8,000. Lingual braces: $8,000 - 10,000. Invisalign: $4,000 - 7,400.

Do braces cost the same for everyone? ›

If you think that braces cost the same for everyone in every place, think again. The braces cost can vary significantly depending on certain elements. To find the most affordable orthodontics treatment, discover what makes a difference in the final cost of braces.

Do braces hurt? ›

Mild pain or discomfort is a normal side effect of wearing braces. But you should only feel the discomfort immediately after your orthodontist places or adjusts your braces or wires. The discomfort typically disappears within four days, and braces pain rarely lasts longer than a week.

Does braces help you lose weight? ›

Weight loss is nothing but a coincidental side effect of getting adult orthodontics. The movement of teeth causes tenderness on the teeth and gums. This sensation may prevent you from eating too much, as it might be painful on your first bite. Your dentist may tell you to avoid specific foods when eating.

Do they run your credit for braces? ›

Do they check credit for braces? It is possible to finance orthodontic braces with no credit check. Patients with derogatory history can seek out lenders that consider income only and do not pull a copy of your consumer report from one of the big-three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

Can my ex make me pay for braces? ›

The Reasonableness of Braces

If braces are determined to be merely cosmetic, however, a non-custodial parent will likely not be required to pay the expense. If a child's case involves any type of discomfort or pain, braces will likely be viewed as a necessary medical expense.

Do you pay all at once for braces? ›

Most people don't pay for their braces in one lump payment. Instead, they'll put money down for a downpayment. The cost of this downpayment can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. After the downpayment is in place they'll spread the remainder out over a few weeks or months.

What is the best age for teeth, braces? ›

However, a general rule of thumb is your kids should look at getting braces between the ages of 9 and 14. Usually, this is before they've gone through puberty. If they've already gone through it, this means it'll be harder to adjust their jaw and/or teeth, as they've already settled into their post-puberty positions.

Do braces change your face? ›

Some people wonder if the shape of their face will change with teeth braces, and the short answer is yes — this is true. Your body will react to how braces are shifting your teeth into their corrected positions, therefore, your face shape is also likely to change.

What are the cons of braces? ›

Complications With Braces
  • Tooth decay or gum disease. ...
  • Allergic reactions. ...
  • Soft tissue injuries and canker sores. ...
  • Root Resorption. ...
  • Decalcification and Cavities. ...
  • Ankylosis. ...
  • Relapse. ...
  • They're still worth it!
Jan 27, 2017

How much do braces move teeth each month? ›

Teeth move about one millimeter per month, so depending on what needs to be fixed, most patients need braces for somewhere between 6 months and 3 years. Average is about two years.

How much is a retainer? ›

Typically, retainers can cost anywhere from $250 to $600 per set without insurance. The final cost will largely depend on whether you choose a permanent or removable retainer, the specific circumstances of your treatment, and which orthodontic practice provides your treatment.

Are braces cheaper the second time? ›

However, in general, the cost of getting braces again will be lower than it was the first time around. This is because you will likely only need to wear them for a shorter period of time, and your teeth will have already been straightened to some extent.

Can you eat pizza when you have braces? ›

Can you eat pizza with braces? Yes! You certainly can, as long as you avoid crusts and toppings that are too tough and hard, sticky, or stringy, and eat in small, careful bites. Of course, it's also essential to clean your teeth and the metal wires after eating for optimum dental health.

Why do braces take forever? ›

Why the Process Takes so Long. Because braces are moving teeth that are attached to bone, the process cannot be rushed. Bone is solid and teeth must be gently guided into new positions with consistent pressure. If the process were rushed, serious and perhaps permanent damage may occur to your bone, teeth, or gums.

What country is the cheapest to get braces in? ›

While the actual cost varies depending on your requirements, braces and aligners are much more affordable in parts of Europe, South America, and Asia. You can get aligners for as little as $2,000 in parts of Asia like Thailand and India. In Australia and Mexico, typical prices range between $2,500 and $6,000.

How much does it cost for braces in USA? ›

While the average cost for braces is $5,000 to $6,000, some individuals pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $10,000. Orthodontic treatment is highly personalized based on both the orthodontist and the patient. Your expenses will depend on your age, insurance plan and the type of braces you wear.

Are braces cheap in USA? ›

Let's take a look at how much braces cost without insurance: Metal braces price: approximately $3000 - $7000. Clear braces price: approximately $4000 - $8500. Self-ligating braces price: $4000 - $7500.

How do you get braces if you don't have money? ›

Medicaid and CHIP Grants for Free Braces

If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, then your state government may pay for you or your children to get braces. Qualifications vary from state to state, so you will need to get information about the requirements where you live.

How much are braces for 13 year olds? ›

The average cost of traditional metal braces is between Ps. 50,000 and Ps. 70,000. Ceramic braces cost between Ps.

What is the best age for braces? ›

However, a general rule of thumb is your kids should look at getting braces between the ages of 9 and 14. Usually, this is before they've gone through puberty. If they've already gone through it, this means it'll be harder to adjust their jaw and/or teeth, as they've already settled into their post-puberty positions.

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