Human beings are wired to want and work towards “perfect ” or maybe something close to perfect.
Our bodies are part of the “perfect” we want to achieve. We can enhance different parts of our bodies, in order to feel better about ourselves.
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and thought that if your teeth were perfectly aligned, you’d look prettier or more handsome? You wouldn’t have been bullied by Jack, the boy from 5th grade, back in school.
The decision to wear braces has perhaps not been very clear to you in the past, but now more than ever, you feel ready to do so. Ready to correct those misaligned teeth! Ready to smile!
Several questions are running through your mind. What is the average cost of braces? What will you need to consider before you walk up to your nearest Orthodontist?
You need to make an informed decision about the braces, just as you did when you bought your first camera.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide of the cost of braces, factors that determine the cost of braces, the types of braces, and things you need to know before getting braces.
The Average Cost of Braces
The average cost of braces ranges between $5,000 to $6,000. This, however, is not a fixed price, some people pay as little as $3,000 while some dig a little deeper in their pockets for over $10,000.
With the figures in mind, you might be wondering, what factors contribute to the difference in numbers. Does it mean that if you don’t spend a lot of money, the results will not be pleasing, or you’ll have to stay a little longer with the braces?
Let’s see!
Factors That Determine The Cost of Braces
Your journey with your orthodontist might be a lengthy one or not so long, depending on the level of correction your teeth need. The bottom line is, it will require access to your bank account.
Perhaps you will be required to spend quite an amount that you may end up wondering why you had to pay all that. Was it an overcharge or an undercharge?
Below are some of the factors that determine the cost of braces.
1. Age
Braces tend to be less expensive for children because they do not need to wear them for so long.
On the other hand, adults will dig a little deeper into their pockets reason being, their jaws are fully formed, their teeth don’t move easily meaning it will take the braces more time to make the necessary corrections.
2. Types of Braces
Different types of braces vary in price and features. Take a look at how they compare:
a) Standard Metal Braces
These kinds of braces use wire and metal brackets to realign your teeth. They are the least expensive ranging between $3,000 to $7,500 and are also the most noticeable.
If you’re looking for braces that are less noticeable, then the standard metal brace will not be your option.
b) Lingual Braces
These braces are attached to the backside of your teeth rather than the front, making them nearly invisible.
They tend to be the most expensive, ranging between $5,000 to $13,000.
c) Ceramic Braces
They resemble the standard metal braces. Their brackets are clear, making them less noticeable.
The price ranges from $2,000 to $8,500.
d) Invisalign braces
They are made from a blend of plastics that fit over your teeth. You can easily remove them while you eat or brush your teeth.
The price usually falls between $3,000 to $7,000.
3. Time
Orthodontic treatment normally takes between 6 months to a couple of years. The more complex your condition is, the longer it’ll take to treat and vice versa.
Remember, the duration determines the overall cost of treatment.
4. How Well you Take Care of Your Braces
Braces require equal attention, just like your teeth. When you brush regularly (twice a day for two minutes each time) and follow all other rules given to you by your orthodontist, your braces will serve you longer.
However, if you constantly need to have them changed, you’ll end up spending more.
5. Follow-up Appointments
Depending on the severity of your case, progress, and the attention you need, you might be required to visit your orthodontist every 2-8 weeks. The bottom line is, once you have braces, you should make follow-up appointments according to your doctor’s advice.
Things You Should Know Before Getting Braces
Over 4 million Americans have braces, and you have made the bold decision to be part of them, maybe because your teeth are a little crooked, or you need some help with that underbite or overbite.
Before you decide to swim in the orthodontist waters, here is what you should know.
1. A little Discomfort
The application of braces tags along with some hurt and discomfort. Don’t be alarmed, the discomfort associated with braces is not anything you cannot handle. It’s more like a mild headache however, the pain worsens after you have the wires tightened.
To keep it under control, you can hold ice or frozen veggies against the outside of your jaw and take a dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever.
2. Don’t Eat That!
You might have to sacrifice some of your favorite delicacies, for instance, foods you must bite into like apples after you have the braces on. This is due to the discomfort, which will make it a bit difficult to bite and chew.
It is advised to eat soft foods like jelly sandwiches, yogurt, pasta, or others according to the advice you’re given by your doctor.
Once the discomfort subsides, you can get back to eating your favorite delicacies like that yummy grilled chicken breast.
3. Moisten Those Lips
When your orthodontist is applying the braces, the process may take a couple of hours. At this time, your lips are prone to drying and that’s where a lip balm comes in to save you.
4. Minor Lisp
When the metal brackets are attached to your teeth, chances are, they will affect how you speak. Don’t panic when your speech comes out a little weird, once you’re used to having “foreigners” in your mouth, everything will be okay.
5. Uncomfortable Fuller Lips
Your lips will appear more pronounced when you begin to wear braces. You can protect them from rubbing or abrasions, especially during the early months, by applying wax on them. This will be helpful on occasions where the brackets cut your lips.
6. Foods Will Stick on the Braces
Foods will definitely get stuck in and around your braces. What should you do when it happens? Normalize traveling with a braces care kit or a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and floss threaders. Remember, hygiene with braces is extremely important.
7. Befriend Those Smoothies
Smoothies relate so well with brace-wearers, especially during the first months. Once you have the braces on, be sure to look up those nutrient-rich smoothie recipes and do it yourself often.
By the time you’re having the braces removed, you will have that perfect smile you’ve been craving for and the smoothie skill at hand.
CONCLUSION
By the time your braces are removed, best believe your teeth alignment will have changed, of course for the better. All the pain you will have endured during those few months or years will be totally worth it.
