Orthodontic treatment is an excellent investment in your oral health, but it is an investment. When it comes to straightening smiles, one of the most common questions we hear is “how much do braces cost?” Here at Kottemann Orthodontics, we offer multiple treatment options to choose from and create customized treatment plans for every patient, so the answer to that question will depend on several different variables! When calculating the investment needed for any new smile, we’ll take into account things like:
- the type of braces chosen
- whether the braces are for an adult or a child
- the orthodontic issues being corrected
- how long braces are estimated to be needed
- if the patient has dental insurance that covers orthodontics
- and more!
All of these factors play a part in the total cost of treatment. Consider traditional metal braces, for instance. On average, these tend to be one of the least expensive treatment options. Then you have clear braces or Invisalign clear aligner therapy, which may cost slightly more. Similarly, orthodontic treatment for children will often be a bit less expensive than adult treatment, though this does vary from case to case. Patients who have more complex problems may require longer treatment times than those with mild issues, which means more work for the orthodontist and more follow-up appointments, which can be reflected in the total cost of treatment.
Additionally, each orthodontist will have their own pricing structure which is based in part on the region where they are located. Then there’s the question of dental insurance–some policies will provide coverage for orthodontic treatment, but how much will usually depend on the individual patient and the recommended treatment plan.
What does the total cost of treatment include?
Even with so many factors to consider, you never have to worry about hidden costs at Kottemann Orthodontics! During your free initial consultation, we’ll outline everything included in your personalized treatment plan before we ever begin the active phase of your orthodontic journey. These treatment plans contain everything needed for beautiful, long-lasting results, including:
- all appointments
- any emergency visits
- braces or aligners
- retainers
- post-treatment follow-up visits
- an oral hygiene starter pack
Our treatment fees reflect the skill of our expert team, the innovative technology we use, and the world-class service we provide to patients of all ages throughout Chaska, Maple Grove, Orono, Plymouth, and Watertown. Our doctors have years of combined experience in creating healthier smiles using orthodontic treatment! We know that braces are a significant investment, and we work hard to help each patient achieve a beautiful, confident smile they want to share with the world.
What is the average cost for braces?
Because there are so many different factors to consider with individualized orthodontic care, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to how much treatment will cost. However, the average treatment cost for a child can be anywhere from $3-7K, while adult braces or aligners can run from around $5-8K. Again, the total cost will depend on each individual patient’s specific needs, along with the variables we mentioned above.
Will dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Some dental insurance plans do cover orthodontic treatment, but the coverage rules can often be vague and confusing. We’re happy to help you find out if your insurance covers orthodontic treatment!
Our doctors customize each treatment plan based on their professional experience and the patient’s unique health needs. We’ll never recommend treatment based on whether or not certain treatment options are covered by insurance, but will present patients with the plan that will best address their needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Because insurance policies are unique, we’ll review your coverage to help you decide on the best course of action for your treatment plan. Once treatment begins, we’ll file your insurance claims for you and accept any payment assignment from your insurance company. Co-payments or out of pocket expenses will be estimated in advance of treatment. Once treatment is complete and all insurance payments are received, we will reconcile the account. Patients will be responsible for any underpayment at that point.
If insurance will not cover treatment, can any of the costs be deducted?
If braces are considered to be medically necessary, the dental health care costs associated with them may be tax-deductible. However, the cost has to exceed a certain amount before any deductions would kick in. If deducting the cost of treatment is something you’re considering, you should keep track of all expenses, including co-pays and check-up visits.
Will Medicaid cover the cost of braces?
If braces are considered to be medically necessary for a patient, the treatment costs may be covered by Medicaid. To learn more about this possibility, visit https://www.medicaid.gov/. It is important to ask about the percentage of coverage and the lifetime maximum before proceeding with treatment.
A healthy smile is worth the investment with Kottemann Orthodontics
Braces do more than improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile. Oral health plays an important role in our total body health and misaligned teeth can increase the risk for everything from tooth decay and cavities to pain in the head, neck, and shoulders. While it’s true that orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment, it’s one with positive benefits that can last a lifetime!
You only get one smile and it’s too important to comparison shop for orthodontic treatment based on price alone. Everybody is after a good deal, but it’s essential to choose an orthodontist based on their skill, experience, and how comfortable you feel in their care. Patients spend quite a bit of time in the orthodontist’s office throughout the treatment process, so you’ll want to pick a practice that feels warm, welcoming, and stress-free!
Here at Kottemann Orthodontics, our top priority is to provide patients with a rewarding orthodontic experience from start to finish. We believe everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable orthodontic care, and go out of our way to ensure this for every patient! To learn more about how you can achieve a beautiful smile that fits your budget, get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation.