Whenever you need to see your Charlotte orthodontist, you are probably wondering how much your visit is going to cost. Most likely, the only thing scarier than actually going to the dentist is seeing the bill afterward. That’s why Clearsmile Charlotte wants to alleviate your concerns by explaining the average orthodontist cost and how we can help to take pressure off your wallet.
Services Provided By Orthodontists
Orthodontists specialize in treating the misalignment of the teeth and jaw. This specialization means that orthodontic services cost more than the average dental service such as normal teeth cleaning.
To fix dental problems such as overcrowding, crookedness, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and gaps between teeth, orthodontists utilize braces or Invisalign®. Treatment begins with a consultation. Orthodontists use special techniques and technology to map out your teeth and create braces or aligners specifically for your teeth to address your needs.
Average Orthodontist Cost
There is no sense in dancing around the pricetag for orthodontic services. After all, you need this information to make your decision. A consultation with your orthodontist is usually free to assess what kind of treatment is right for you. You may or may not be a good candidate for Invisalign® or braces, so establishing the best treatment option is the first step.
However, there is not a single set price for any treatment because everyone has different needs. The extent of your dental problems will determine the final cost, which could be lower or higher than average. The more work your teeth require, the more the cost will increase. The average orthodontist cost nationwide is between $3,000 and $10,000 but can be more or less. Again, the severity of your dental problems determines the final cost.
The average orthodontist cost in Charlotte is between $4,000 and $8,000.
Cost of Invisalign® vs. Braces
Whether you choose to get braces or Invisalign®, it will still cost thousands of dollars. There are differences in cost, however, depending on what kind of braces or aligners you choose.
Invisalign® can run anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000. These clear aligners are removable and offer convenience with little change to your lifestyle. Simply wear your aligners for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks until treatment ends.
Traditional metal braces feature brackets that are bonded to each tooth. Wires and bands anchor the brackets. This option lasts around the same amount of time as Invisalign® and costs around $3,000 to $6,000. You cannot remove the braces, which are visible to others, and will have certain dietary restrictions.
Ceramic braces are basically the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets are clear or tooth-colored to be less noticeable. Unlike the traditional metal braces, however, ceramic braces will cost you a little more at between $4,000 and $8,000.
Lingual braces are a unique option in which the brackets are bonded to the back of your teeth, making them more unnoticeable. That does, however, make them more difficult to install, which is why they cost more than the other options. Lingual braces cost $8,000 on the low end and up to $10,000 on the high end.
Why are braces so expensive?
Braces are expensive because of the intricate details of the brackets. The expense also depends on the quality materials used as well as the expertise of the orthodontist. The higher the quality of the materials the braces are made of, the more you pay. For example, the best braces are made using titanium alloys, which are on the higher end. An orthodontist who is more experienced and uses the most up-to-date methods and technology is also often pricier.
Will insurance cover my average orthodontist cost?
Dental insurance coverage can pay for all or at least part of your orthodontist costs depending on your provider and plan. Our staff at Clearsmile will work with your provider to make sure you get the most coverage possible. It would be a good idea to call your dental insurance provider ahead of time to ask about coverage for any of the treatment options available to give you a good idea of what your out-of-pocket costs could be.
Does my orthodontist offer payment plans?
We understand that not everyone can afford to pay the full cost of their treatment upfront. That’s why we offer payment plans to our patients that work with their budgets. For instance, the cost of your monthly payment for Invisalign® treatment can be as low as $99 a month. The average monthly payment for braces is between $75 to $100. Our flexible payment plans come with $0 down and a zero percent financing cost. In addition, patients can pay for their treatment using Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Please be aware that these accounts could limit the amount available for any treatment but it would at least cut down the overall cost, which makes your payments lower overall.
Clearsmile in Charlotte also offers promotional discounts that can lower your costs. For example, our current promotional offer is a $1,500 discount on Invisalign® treatment fees with payments as low as $78 a month. You can also receive free teeth whitening at the end of your treatment.
Will the average orthodontist cost be higher for my child?
No, the cost of orthodontist treatment is generally the same or a little less costly for children. It really just depends on what kind of treatment you need that determines the overall cost. In fact, earlier treatment of your child’s dental problems can save them money later when they become adults. Medicaid also covers orthodontist costs for those who qualify. If you have Medicaid, ask your orthodontist if they accept Medicaid payments.
Call our office today!
Getting orthodontic treatment is a big decision. There are many treatment options to choose from and some are more costly than others. You could be a good candidate for one type of treatment and a bad candidate for other treatments. The only way to find out is by scheduling a complimentary consultation with our team. Just call us today at 980-299-3451 to reach our South End Invisalign office or 980-999-6388 to reach our Blakeney/Ballantyne Invisalign office in Charlotte. You can also contact us through our website.
Don’t balk at getting dental treatment for yourself or your child because of the price. Allowing dental problems to fester only makes them worse and will cost more money to fix down the road. Clearsmile is ready to help you fix your smile at a cost that is affordable and won’t break the bank. Everyone deserves to be able to smile with confidence. Allow us to give you that confidence without having to worry about the cost.