How Much Are Braces for Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Budgeting for Braces

Did you know that over four million people under 18 have braces? It’s a common treatment method for crooked and misaligned teeth. Even those without serious orthodontic needs could benefit from having their teeth aligned.

The question is, how much are braces for kids? The answer is that it depends.

Certain types of braces cost more than others. Your insurance company may be willing to cover some of the cost as well.

These are only a few factors that will contribute to your final bill. Continue reading to learn more.

How Much Are Braces for Kids on Average?

The standard price for braces in the United States can range anywhere between $5,000 and $6,000. As stated above, how much you spend will depend on a few factors.

Certain types of braces are cheaper than others. The severity of the problem and the length of the treatment also have a large role to play.

Types of Braces

Metal braces are the standard choice. They straighten teeth using brackets and wires. Every few weeks, you’ll have to take your child to the orthodontist to have their braces tightened.

They’re not the most comfortable option, but they are effective. They’re also the least expensive way to get properly aligned teeth.

Lingual braces are unique in that they’re placed on the inside of the teeth. They are the most expensive option, but nobody will be able to tell that your child is wearing them.

Ceramic braces are a little more expensive than metal ones, but they aren’t quite as costly as lingual braces. Like metal braces, ceramic ones use brackets and wires. They are less noticeable than metal braces because they’re typically clear or tooth-colored.

Invisalign straightens teeth using clear plastic aligners. Your child will have the power to take their aligners out, but for the treatment to be effective, you’ll need to make sure they wear them for at least 22 hours a day.

Every two weeks, you’ll have to take your child to the orthodontist for new trays. They’re less noticeable than metal braces and only cost a little more. However, keep in mind that they aren’t right for every kid.

Insurance

As long as your child is under the age of 18, your insurance company should cover some, if not all, of their orthodontic treatment.

Before booking your child’s appointment, call your insurance company to learn more about what they’ll pay for.

Orthodontic Treatment

If your child only needs a few minor adjustments, their treatment won’t be too complex. While you’ll still have to pay quite a bit for braces, the price of their overall treatment won’t be too damaging.

However, if your child has serious alignment issues, their treatment is going to be more involved. That means it will cost a little more.

Treatment Length

If your child has serious alignment issues, there’s a good chance they’ll have to wear their braces for a year or more.

The longer the treatment, the more orthodontist appointments you’ll have to make for tightening or tray replacement. The price can quickly add up.

How to Save on the Cost of Your Child’s Braces

If you’re worried about the price of your child’s braces, you’ll be happy to know that there are ways you can save money.

The secret is to start early. Investing in dental insurance also helps. If you can pay upfront, you should consider doing so.

Some orthodontists will allow you to set up payment plans, which will prevent you from paying the entire cost outright.

To shorten the length of your child’s treatment, you’ll have to make sure they take care of their braces as well.

Start Early

As soon as your child’s dentist hints that they need braces, you should make an appointment with an orthodontist.

The sooner you tackle your child’s alignment issues, the easier it will be to fix them with braces. Smoother treatment means cheaper treatment.

Invest in Dental Insurance

Most dental insurance plans cover braces. This is especially true if your child is younger than 18.

While some policies will cover the entire cost of the braces, most will only pay for a portion of it.

If you’ve just opened your dental insurance policy, call to make sure that there isn’t a waiting period. Some companies require policyholders to maintain coverage for six months to a year before paying for major treatments.

Pay Upfront

If you have the money in your savings account to pay for your child’s braces in full, consider doing so. Once it’s over and done with, you’ll have some peace of mind.

There’s also a good chance that your child’s orthodontist will give you a discount for paying outright.

Ask Your Orthodontist About Payment Plans

If you can’t pay for your child’s braces upfront and your insurance company isn’t going to cover as much of the cost as you would like, you can always ask the orthodontist about payment plans.

You’ll still have to pay for the braces out of your own pocket, but doing it in smaller installments is a lot easier than paying the entire cost in one lump sum.

Make Sure Your Child Cares for Their Braces Properly

To lessen the amount of time your child has to wear braces, they’ll need to take care of them. It starts with encouraging your child to brush their teeth after each meal. This will reduce the growth of plaque and keep tooth decay away.

Sticky candy is delicious, but it can cause complications while wearing braces. That’s not the only food that your child will need to avoid, depending on the type of braces they’re wearing.

If your child plays sports, make sure that they wear a mouthguard to prevent their braces from being damaged.

Get Your Child the Best Orthodontic Treatment

If your child needs braces, they’re not alone. Millions of children in the US have to wear them at some point during their lives.

How much are braces for kids? As you can see, it depends on several factors.

At Ross Orthodontics, we strive to make great smiles affordable with our flexible financing. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!