If you have recently received news your child needs braces, one of the first thoughts you may have is – how much do braces cost for teens? One of the first things to know is that you are not alone.
Over 4.5 million people in the U.S. get or have braces. After all, this is the best way to fix an array of teeth and alignment issues.
While this is true, the cost of this dental correction device can be intimidating. Here you can learn about the average cost of braces and what to expect if your child needs them.
The Average Cost of Braces
The prices of braces depend on where you live and the type of braces that are needed. Some average prices you can expect to pay include:
- Invisalign – $4000 to $7000
- Metal braces – $3000 to $7000
- Lingual braces – $8000 to $10000
- Ceramic braces – $4000 to $8000
Now that you know what you can expect to pay for everything from traditional metal braces to Invisalign, it is time to dive into how you can pay for these. You can also learn more about the options, including Invisalign 101, by talking to your dentist.
How to Cover the Cost of Braces
Now it is time to dive into the specifics of how to cover the costs of braces. You have several options, which are described here.
Insurance
If you have dental or health insurance, be sure to speak with your provider to see if braces are covered. While most health insurance plans will not cover orthodontic treatment for individuals over the age of 18, they may provide partial coverage for those under 18.
If you have insurance that does not include orthodontic coverage, consider purchasing supplemental insurance to cover this. Just make sure to get all the details to know exactly what is and what is not covered.
Deducting the Costs
If your insurance does not cover braces, you may wonder if you can deduct the treatment cost. To be tax-deductible, the braces must be considered “medically necessary.”
Also, the cost of the braces and treatment must surpass a certain threshold before you deduct it. You can learn more about this by speaking to an accountant. Make sure if you plan to deduct this cost, you keep track of all related costs, including checkups and co-pays.
Helpful Tips to Make Braces More Affordable
If your insurance does not cover the braces, you may be looking for ways to reduce costs or make the braces more affordable. One option is payment plans if your orthodontist offers this. A few other options include planning ahead for the expense of going to an orthodontic school.
Many dental professionals now offer flexible payment options says this expert dentist in Stockton. So, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist about it.
Now You Know: How Much Do Braces Cost for Teens?
As you can see from the information here, several factors can impact the answer to the question: how much do braces cost for teens? Knowing what these factors are will help you plan for the cost.
Also, you have options for payments, so be sure to keep these in mind. If you are looking for more helpful information and tips, be sure to check out some of our other blogs.
