Orthodontics and Budget: Affordable Options

Braces are designed to straighten teeth but may enhance the appearance of your smile and confidence. Like others who desire the orthodontic treatment, braces cost might be weighing on your mind. Cost is a primary factor for those who are on a budget or don’t have insurance coverage. Connecting with a dentist in the Woodlands who provides affordable orthodontics and payment plans will help you achieve the smile of your dreams while fitting into your lifestyle and budget.

What are Dental Braces?

Dental braces are a type of fixed or removable oral appliance. Orthodontists use them to correct various oral concerns in children and adults. The orthodontic appliance is commonly used to correct crowded, crooked, and spaced teeth. Braces can also fix misaligned jaws and irregular bite alignments such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.

Types of Orthodontic Options for Every Budget

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces consist of wires, metal brackets, arch wires, and elastic bands fixed to the teeth. The system works by placing pressure on the teeth and gradually shifting them into alignment. The average treatment timeline is 12 to 36 months. Your orthodontist will require you to come in every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustment.

Other forms of traditional braces are ceramic, tooth-colored, lingual, and self-ligating. More advanced options are available including individual clear dental aligners.

Clear Dental Aligners

Clear dental aligners are a system of removable clear plastic aligners customized to match your teeth. Invisalign® and SureSmile® are two widely used types of clear aligners and are practically invisible. Aligners are designed to be worn over your teeth consistently during your treatment period, except when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.

You will have to switch to a new set of aligners every 2-3 weeks to achieve the desired results. Aligners work by creating the right amount of pressure needed to shift your teeth into the desired position. Clear aligner treatment lasts approximately 10-18 months.

Aligners are commonly recommended for those with mild misalignment and good oral health. They are an excellent alternative for adults wishing to straighten their teeth discreetly or spend less time wearing braces.

The last stage of getting traditional braces or aligners is wearing retainers to maintain the results.

Braces vs. Dental Aligners Cost

In terms of braces cost, traditional braces are a more affordable option than clear dental aligners for those on a budget. According to Authority Dental, traditional metal braces carry an average cost of $5,350 in 2024. The average cost of clear aligners by Invisalign®, for example, ranges between $3,500-$9,500.

Even though cost is an important factor, the treatment type required will rest on your specific oral needs. The final cost depends largely on how long your orthodontist in Woodland, TX recommends wearing the orthodontic appliance.

Paying for Dental Aligners and Braces Near Me

Various options are available to make straightening your smile more affordable.

• Dental Insurance: Usually pays only for orthodontics medically necessary to protect oral health. Some plans only cover a portion of the cost. There is also a patient age limit.

• Discount Plans: These plans offer various dental services at discounted rates. With this option, you pay a fixed amount over time until the treatment cost is paid off.

• Dental Payment Plans: As you search for an orthodontist near me, check to see if they offer payment plans to help patients afford treatment. The plans work similarly to discount plans that allow you to pay in installments.

Other options are Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

Benefits of Braces Treatment by an Orthodontist in Woodland, TX

Dental aligners and traditional braces have a variety of advantages. In addition to restoring proper alignment, they help improve teeth function and speech. The risk of cavities, gum disease, tooth grinding, and tooth chipping also decreases. Not forgetting, a straighter, confident smile and improved oral health.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think traditional braces or clear aligners are the right fit for you, but are worried about costs, schedule a consultation with our trusted team at Aesthetic Smiles Dentistry to find the solution that works for you. We proudly serve Woodland, Shenandoah, Oak Ridge North, and other surrounding cities.

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