When patients are told that they or their children need braces, one of the first concerns is how much the treatment will cost. While it’s impossible to give a definitive answer for every person because each patient has unique dental needs, there are some factors that will influence the average cost of braces.

These include:

* Dental or orthodontic insurance coverage: Many dental providers offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make braces more affordable. It is important to research these options and choose a plan that aligns with your budget and insurance coverage needs.

* Type of braces: Different types of braces have varying costs. Standard metal braces, which comprise metal brackets glued to the front of each tooth and a wire woven through them, have a low cost and are the most popular option. They have the added benefit of being easy to clean and are used to treat the most common misalignment problems. Self-ligating braces, which use a system of built-in brackets to avoid the need for regular wire adjustments, are more expensive but are more effective at correcting more complex misalignment issues. Ceramic or clear braces are less visible, but can be more costly than metal braces.

The length of time that you wear your braces will also affect the final cost. Children typically need to wear theirs for a shorter period of time than adults, as the jaw is fully formed and can move more easily. It’s important to discuss the full range of your treatment plan with your orthodontist before deciding on a timeline. Fortunately, orthodontic procedures like braces are tax-deductible, which can help offset some of the out-of-pocket costs.