If you need orthodontic treatment to achieve a beautiful straight smile then clear braces make a great choice. Not only do they offer a more subtle way of straightening your teeth than metal braces but they’re able to correct all manner of orthodontic problems too. With this in mind, you’re probably wondering are clear braces more expensive than their metal counterparts?
Metal braces remain one of the most common methods for straightening teeth, particularly for our younger patients, yet while clear braces do the same job, they do cost a little more.
Before taking a look at why they cost what they do and how the price is calculated, let’s explain in more detail exactly what clear braces are.
What Are Clear Braces?
Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, work in exactly the same way as metal braces and are in effect one and the same thing. The difference is that they use clear or tooth-coloured brackets and wires that are matched to the shade of your teeth. They still exert pressure to your teeth to move them into their correct positions, are suitable for complex orthodontic issues, and need to be regularly adjusted by your dentist.
Their biggest advantage is that they are considerably less visible than metal braces. This can have a significant impact on the life of an already self-conscious person who is worried about wearing braces. It’s important however to note that they’re not ‘invisible’ so while other people may not notice them from a distance, remember that they can still be seen close up.
So now you know what is meant by ‘clear braces’ let’s move on to the cost.
What is the cost of clear braces?
The reason that clear braces are more expensive than traditional metal braces is that they’re made from ceramic or porcelain and that costs more than stainless steel.
It’s hard to give an exact figure since the length of orthodontic treatment varies from one patient to another. The complexity of your dental situation will affect the duration of treatment which, in turn, will affect the overall cost. However, we’ve done some research to give you an average price for the cost of clear braces.
The average cost of clear ceramic braces ranges from around $5000 to $8500 for a treatment lasting 18 months. For the same period of time using metal braces, you can expect to pay somewhere between $4500 to $8000.So there is a slight price difference.
What About Other Types of Braces, How Do Clear Braces Compare?
The good news is that while clear braces are a little more expensive than metal braces they don’t cost as much as lingual braces (that sit behind the teeth) or clear aligners such as Invisalign. People can expect to pay from $7,500 to a whopping $12,500 for lingual braces while Invisalign will cost anything from $4,500 for minor orthodontic treatment to $9000 for full treatment.
Remember these figures only serve as a guideline and you need to visit an orthodontist or a dentist highly experienced in orthodontics for an oral assessment.
He or she can discuss the best type of orthodontic treatment for you or your child and provide you with a full and final cost figure.
How is the Cost of Clear Braces Calculated?
The price that your dental practitioner quotes will be all-inclusive and should include:
- Assessments, x-rays, scans and check-ins – no matter what type of orthodontics you choose, regular visits to the dental clinic will be necessary. Your braces will need adjusting as your teeth start to move and your dentist will need to examine your teeth to ensure there is no sign of decay.
- Cost of the orthodontic appliance – The cost of your clear braces will be included as will any extras such as wires or adhesive.
- Post-treatment reviews – Once your treatment has ended and your braces have been removed, your dentist will want to monitor your teeth to make sure that they don’t move back to their previous positions.
- The cost of a retainer – You will also be issued with a retainer to keep your new smile looking straight. it’s important to wear it as instructed. This should also be included in the final cost.
Once you’ve undergone an oral examination, your dentist will recommend the type of orthodontic device most suited to your needs. Clear braces are often recommended for self-conscious teens and adults. However, because ceramic stains easily, it’s important to be diligent with your oral hygiene.
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of orthodontic treatment, but you may find that a portion is covered by your insurance provider, so it’s always worth asking that question first.
Some insurance providers also apply waiting periods or time restrictions for orthodontic treatment so be aware of that fact, too. Furthermore, some providers will cover more of the cost for metal than clear braces.
So now you know the answer to your question “are clear braces more expensive” if you’re keen to get started on your treatment, why not schedule an orthodontic appointment with the experienced team at Dental 266.
We use the most advanced technology and products to produce the best orthodontic results for our patients. Investing in orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health since straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss. Call us at (02) 9051 0600 to book a consultation today.