Cost of Dental Braces

The answer, in short, to how much do braces cost? is about $5,000 (cost of braces for two full years in 2004). The cost of orthodontics increases with special orthodontics appliances. Ceramic brackets, for example, are approximately $500 extra. This cost of dental braces does not account for supplemental needs; the total cost of orthodontia increases with any x-rays, extractions or special appliances needed.

Generally, the cost of braces ranges with region of the country and specific orthodontist. The adjustment required throughout orthodontic treatment and type of braces chosen affect the braces price as well. Given this range of factors, the cost of orthodontics runs between $4,000 and $9,000.

The most economic type of braces are traditional stainless metal brackets fastened to the teeth and tightened with wire. Although metal braces are usually less costly, other less noticeable forms of braces such as ceramic braces, clear braces and Invisalign braces are becoming increasingly popular.

If clear brackets are used on the front teeth, the cost of braces is about $200 more. If your teeth require only slight correction for mild to moderate tooth crowding (Class I Malocclusion), the Invisalign braces cost is comparable to traditional metal braces. For complex cases correcting Class II Malocclusion or Class III Malocclusion, the cost of Invisalign may be 20 to 50% more than metal brackets.