Your smile can say a lot about you. It does not matter whether you live in Orlando, Florida or Hollywood California, people are searching for the perfect smile. From childhood to adult, they want a smile that says they are confident and successful. For some, this will mean wearing braces, the cost of which may or may not be covered by their own or their parents’ plans.
Braces, Cost and Types
While children remain the major recipient of such orthodontic treatment as braces, the number of adults using them has increased significantly over the past few decades. Braces are one of the more common means. They help position your teeth, aligning them so they will line up in a straight manner. Braces cost and types are co-related. Another factor influencing how much you or a parent will pay is also dependent upon whether insurance will cover it.
The major types of braces are:
- Traditional (Metal) Braces: The name indicates the type of structure and its components. This more conventional kind of braces is made of metal and are a bracket, wire and ligature combination. It is usually highly visible. While it may no longer resemble a medieval torture device, it is still as durable as one. These braces cost less than other types, sometimes as little as $3,000 if covered. This explains why they continue to be popular.
- Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are favored for their natural look, but are more fragile. They can break. They are more expensive than traditional braces. Braces can cost upwards of $5,000 without insurance in Orlando.
- Lingual Braces: These kind of braces are placed behind your teeth. This conceals them from view to a large extent. They are not as readily available as other types of braces and can prove to be costly. On average, these braces cost between $8,000 and $10,000.
- Invisalign Braces: This type of braces cost more than most types of braces in Orlando, excluding lingual braces. It can run as high as $8,000. Usually applied solely for adults, this medical device is considered worth every penny. It is invisible to the general public. It is also very easy to enjoy all aspects of life without worrying about “catching” or damaging the braces.
Braces: Cost – the True Cost, Is Everything
The truth is braces are expensive. There is no getting around it. When not covered or only partially covered by insurance, the cost of braces in places such as Orlando can seem prohibitive. Yet the financial cost of braces is only on factor to be considered. No matter what age you are, your teeth are important. They form a smile and a smile is one way people communicate.
If the condition of your teeth interferes with that process, it can affect how you interact. Research shows that people who have a healthy smile feel better about themselves. They feel more confident and attractive. This is what we all want. So for braces, the cost, the true cost is actually priceless.