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Having a great smile is an essential part of leading a healthy lifestyle. In this modern world, everyone wants to have a perfect smile.
Having perfectly aligned teeth would be a gift from GOD, but having crooked teeth can be a real nightmare.
Luckily, there is a solution: dental braces. They’re the perfect way to fix misaligned teeth, but some people might wonder why braces are so expensive.
Dental braces are like a corrective device for your teeth, used to straighten them out.
Both kids and adults can use them, but they’re mostly used by kids who still have some growing to do.
The metal wire is bonded to the teeth and connected with elastic bands, which move when you chew.
This pulls your jaw into the right position and lines up your teeth (and any gaps between them).
Why Are Braces So Expensive?
There are a ton of reasons that make braces so pricey. It’s impossible to pinpoint a single explanation for the high cost.
To really understand the cost of braces, you have to look at all the factors that go into the process.
Brackets and wires are usually made of expensive metals like gold or platinum, which makes them pricey.
Orthodontists also need much training to do the job, so their tuition fees add to the cost.
Lastly, the length of treatment also affects how much it costs; if you require a lot of work, it’ll take longer, so your bill will be higher.
In this tech-driven world, everyone wants the latest gadgets like phones and MacBooks to look cool and impress others.
To get them, you have to shell out at least $200 to $300 a month.
On the other hand, if you need quality dental braces, the initial cost is already more than $200, and then you have to pay that amount each month for the following 24 months – it definitely feels like braces are really expensive!
In this article, I will try to explain the reasons why dental braces are so expensive. Here are some factors that might be causing the high cost:
Orthodontist:
We all know that the king is always better than everyone else. It’s the same for orthodontists – they’re the king of the dental society when it comes to braces.
They’ve got loads of experience in the braces field, so they’re much more aware of how serious the cases can be compared to regular dentists.
When it comes to the cost of your braces, the orthodontist’s expertise is an important factor in determining the final price.
The orthodontist’s skills and background can affect the cost of braces. The more experienced and reputable they are, the better service they can offer, but at a higher price.
Equipment and Dental supply:
In developing countries, research is done every day to improve technology. A great orthodontist has the most up-to-date equipment and technology, which makes it easier for both the dentist and the patient.
At the first visit, they’ll take X-rays to assess the severity and make impressions to create a dental cast for diagnosis and treatment planning.
On each visit, the dentist will change the wires of the braces and replace or reset brackets if they’ve been taken out, all using high-quality materials – which adds to the cost of the treatment.
Lengthy Appointment:
Getting braces can be expensive, and sometimes it’s because the appointments are lengthy.
Depending on the condition and severity of the patient, more regular visits may be necessary, driving up the cost. So, the cost of braces really depends on the situation.
Typically, orthodontic treatment takes two to three years.
You’ll need to go to the dentist once a month, but if you need to get brackets removed or wires adjusted, you may have to go more frequently.
It makes sense that extra visits to the dentist will cost you more money.
Dental Staff:
For every dental office, you need a few people to help the dentist and keep the office running:
- A dental hygienist
- Dental assistant
- Receptionist
- Ward boy
- Lab technician
- Office Manager
- Billing and insurance specialist
- Sterilization technician
- Marketing Coordinator (in larger offices)
- IT support personnel (in larger offices)
- Inventory and supply coordinator
- Patient coordinator or scheduler.
The dental hygienist has the biggest role of all, checking up on your hygiene during each visit. If there’s an issue, they’ll guide you and even do a scaling if you need one.
They’ll also give you advice on how to keep your teeth and mouth clean. The other staff members are important too, but they’ll add to your costs.
Material Costs:
When you’re getting braces, it’s important to do your homework on the different types of braces and what materials are used for each.
Traditional metal braces, clear braces, and lingual braces all use different materials, and the cost of your braces will depend largely on the materials chosen.
Materials aren’t the only thing that will affect the cost of braces, but they do make up a big part of it.
Location of the Dental Office:
The location of a dental office plays an important role in the cost of braces because it affects the overhead costs, competition, and material costs.
If the dental office is in an area with high rent and salaries, you’re likely going to end up paying more. Fewer orthodontists in an area can lead to higher fees due to less competition.
Remote areas may have higher material costs, leading to higher fees. You should consider the location of a dental office while choosing an orthodontist.
Lack of insurance plan:
Medical procedures can be really pricey if you don’t have insurance. Some companies offer dental insurance, but it doesn’t cover all dental procedures.
If you get insurance, you still have to pay something to the insurance company, plus whatever you need to pay for braces.
Insurance can help you plan out the cost of procedures, but if you don’t have it, you can expect to pay a lot.
Drawbacks of cheap braces?
It is no secret that cheaper things often come with a higher risk of damage – the same is true for cheap braces.
We all know that life is precious, so do not risk getting poor-quality braces just to save a few dollars.
Not all orthodontic treatments are overly expensive – you simply need to do your research and find a dentist who is not too expensive, but also not too cheap.
It is ultimately your decision. I will provide you with a heads-up regarding the risks of opting for a cheaper option. Here are some of the potential risks:
- Chance of bracket distortion
- Chairside time increased due to multiple appointments after bracket removal
- Chance of rusting of brackets if quality compromised
- Doubtful mindset always
Benefits of quality braces:
When we think about high-quality items, it brings a sense of positivity and satisfaction. We feel like we are getting the best possible thing for us.
This is not just a psychological reaction – the quality really does make a difference in real life. When you invest in quality braces, you won’t have to worry about them for a long time.
If you take good care of them, they can last a lifetime. Despite their long-term advantages, braces have many other benefits as well. Here are some of the benefits of getting quality braces:
- Consonant smile
- Smile arc attained
- Confidence improves while talking
- Chairside time decrease
- Comfortable for patients as well as dentist
- Good oral hygiene
Is there anything cheaper than braces?
Sure, there are plenty of alternatives to braces. It’s up to you which one you choose. Prices vary, and some are even more expensive than braces. Here’s a list of those alternatives.
- Clear Aligners
- Retainers
- Dental Bonding
Not all of the alternatives are as effective as braces, but you can still give them a try.
Generally, alternatives work best for specific conditions – they can help with small gaps in teeth, chipped teeth, etc., but they won’t provide the same result as braces.
Without braces, you won’t be able to get the perfect results.
Are braces worth the money?
It is worth investing money in braces; it all depends on what type of material is used and how well they are cared for.
Some people find them to be very worth it, but it is not guaranteed. If good care is taken off the braces and good hygiene habits are maintained, they can last a lifetime.
It is important to consider the type of material being used; metal braces are much stronger than other materials. Overall, braces can be a very worthwhile investment.
