How Much Do Braces Cost?

Braces have long been the go-to choice for achieving that perfect, radiant smile. Trusted by professionals worldwide, they can straighten teeth, correct bites, and enhance oral health and aesthetics. With their straightforward approach and general affordability, braces are particularly well-suited for individuals facing significant alignment challenges.

The quest for a stunning smile invites us to explore the science and health benefits behind teeth straightening and the range of modern orthodontic innovations available. It's important to understand how braces work and how they may impact your daily life. You may also want to consider how much are braces and compare them to newer alternatives like Motto® clear aligners.

Researching the advantages and drawbacks of each option can help you pick the best option for your needs, as well as considering the financial aspect. It's not just about selecting a method of dental correction, it's about choosing a path that leads to your ideal smile, tailored to fit your life and your finances. 

You’re never too old for a straighter smile

Braces and teeth straightening solutions aren't just for teenagers. They offer a path for people of all ages looking to correct dental misalignment. This realization has led to a number of adults exploring orthodontic care for teeth straightening, not just for their appearance but for their overall oral health as well. It's never too late to invest in a straighter, healthier smile. 
 
Also, metal braces are no longer the only teeth straightening option. Often, the abrasive and crude appearance of metal brackets on adult teeth keeps someone from wanting to start a braces treatment. A growing and modern alternative to braces are clear aligners. You can feel confident to flash your big, beautiful smile at any stage of your teeth straightening journey with clear aligners, and you’ll have the freedom to temporarily remove them if you need to, enabling you to eat and drink whatever you want. 
 
Motto® clear aligners at Aspen Dental specializes in and exclusively treats adults with teeth alignment issues, understanding the unique needs and concerns that come with seeking orthodontic care later in life. Whether it's correcting crooked teeth, closing gaps, or addressing bite issues, Motto® is committed to enhancing not just the beauty of your smile but also promoting better oral hygiene and functionality for a healthier, more confident you. Now, let’s read on to learn more about teeth straightening solutions and their costs. 

What problems braces address

Braces are more than just a network of wires and brackets. They're a carefully crafted tool designed to apply consistent pressure on your teeth, gently shifting them into their ideal positions over time. This makes braces or aligners a versatile solution for a wide array of dental concerns, offering a personalized approach to each unique smile.

For crooked or misaligned teeth: Braces and aligners are highly effective at realigning teeth into their proper orientation, ensuring each tooth sits in harmony with its neighbors.

For overbites and underbites: By adjusting the position of the upper and lower jaws, braces can significantly improve bite alignment, also known as malocclusion, enhancing both function and appearance.

For gaps and spacing issues: Braces and aligners work wonders in closing unwanted spaces or correcting uneven gaps, leading to a more even and visually appealing smile.

For crowded teeth: For those dealing with overcrowding, braces and aligners can redistribute spacing, making room for each tooth to be properly aligned, thus preventing dental complications down the line.

For jaw problems: Beyond teeth alignment, braces and aligners can also play a role in addressing certain jaw issues, including the alleviation of symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).  
By correcting alignment issues, braces or clear aligners improve chewing and speech functions, boosting your confidence and overall health.

Choosing a tooth straightening solution is a holistic decision and every smile is different. For a tailored approach to achieving your perfect smile, we invite you to begin with a personalized smile assessment at Aspen Dental. This guide will help you get started on a journey to a healthier, more confident you. 

Types and average cost of braces

While all teeth straightening options share a common goal to align and straighten teeth, their types vary significantly in design, benefits, aesthetics and the average cost of braces and other orthodontic solutions. Here’s a closer look at the different braces available and what sets each apart: 

Traditional metal braces: The classic choice

Iconic for their effectiveness, traditional metal braces are a hallmark of orthodontic care. Composed of durable metal brackets and wires, they offer a robust solution to a wide range of dental alignments at a budget-friendly cost. Prices typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the complexity of your dental needs, treatment length, and the clinic's location. Most journeys with metal braces span 18-24 months, though more severe cases might take up to three years. 

Ceramic braces: Elegance meets efficiency

If you're aiming for a more subtle option, ceramic braces offer an elegant substitute to traditional metal braces. Designed to either blend with the natural color of your teeth or in completely clear brackets, they integrate with your smile, enhancing it without overshadowing. This elegant choice, however, ranges in cost from $4,000 to $8,000, influenced by the specifics of your treatment plan. Similar to metal braces, the journey to achieving your perfect smile with ceramic braces typically spans 18-24 months. 

Lingual braces: Invisible innovation

Lingual braces offer a stealth mode for orthodontic treatment, attaching to the back of your teeth to remain out of sight. This cutting-edge choice is perfect for those prioritizing discretion, albeit at a higher cost. Prices can range from $8,000-$10,000, being one of the more expensive options. They match the effectiveness of more visible braces while remaining nearly out of sight. 

Clear aligners: The modern movement

Motto® clear aligners from Aspen Dental signify the leap into modern orthodontics, ideal for correcting mild to moderate misalignment. Our smile assessment is the first step in helping you discover your misalignment level. These clear, removable trays blend invisibly into your daily life, offering the freedom to eat whatever you want, and to brush and floss effortlessly. Priced between $1,895-$3,095, Motto® aligners are one of the most affordable options, priced 50% cheaper than Invisalign¹, and are capable of achieving remarkable results in 6 months or less².

As you consider your path to a straighter smile, each orthodontic option stands ready to meet your needs, balancing considerations of budget, appearance, and treatment length. With a solution tailored for everyone, there are treatment options to meet every requirement.

Do dental insurance plans cover the cost of braces?

Most dental insurance plans offer some level of support for orthodontic treatments, including braces, though the extent of coverage can vary significantly. Here at Aspen Dental, we welcome all insurance, providing you with peace of mind knowing you’re covered when you walk into one of our Aspen Dental locations. Our approach ensures you feel supported throughout your decision-making process, making the journey towards a brighter smile both clear and reassuring.
   

Are payment plans or financing options available for braces?

Investing in a straighter smile enhances both your health and your confidence. We understand the importance of this, which is why many dental service providers, including Aspen Dental, are committed to offering flexible payment plans or financing options. This approach makes clear aligners more accessible to those in need, enabling you to distribute the cost over a manageable period. Such arrangements significantly alleviate the financial burden, ensuring that achieving a healthier, more confident smile is within your reach. 

How much do braces cost around?

The cost of braces will change based on a few factors. As we have explored, the kinds and costs of teeth alignment solutions vary significantly. Whether you go with traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners, teeth straightening can cost anywhere from $1,895 to more than $10,000. Also, how complicated your smile story is, how skilled your orthodontist is, and where the dentist's office is located can affect the final price. All these factors play a part in the total cost, which is why it’s important to talk closely with your orthodontist to get a clear price that fits your specific needs. At no cost to you, we offer a free consultation for Motto® clear aligners to get you started on your teeth alignment journey. 

Are clear aligners more expensive than traditional braces?

When weighing the options between clear aligners and traditional braces, the cost is often a significant consideration. Clear aligners, such as Motto® aligners from Aspen Dental, can be a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional braces, with prices starting as low as $1,895 for many cases. Most traditional braces are usually twice that price or more. This affordability, combined with the aesthetic and convenience benefits of clear aligners, makes them an attractive option for many. 

How long do braces take?

The time investment for a straighter smile varies. Traditional braces usually take 18 to 24 months, while clear aligners can offer a shorter path, typically 6 to 18 months² for simpler cases. Thanks to ongoing advancements in orthodontic technology, treatments are becoming more efficient, leading to quicker results. It's important to have a chat with your dental professional about the expected timeline. This conversation will not only prepare you for what lies ahead but also ensure your financial planning aligns with your aspirations for a beautiful smile. 

Are braces worth the money?

Choosing to invest in braces or aligners is an investment for your smile and for your health. When your teeth are properly aligned, you'll enjoy benefits like fresher breath, a stronger jaw, and an overall boost in health. The perks go way beyond just looking good. They help to improve your life and wellness in meaningful ways. 

Straight teeth play a big role in maintaining good oral hygiene, which in turn, lowers your risk of gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. Getting your teeth in alignment can also help with chewing and digestion, may cut down on sleep apnea, and could even reduce the chances of heart disease and diabetes by lowering oral inflammation caused by bacteria. This holistic view of dental care highlights the real value of orthodontic treatment—it's not just for a great smile, but for the positive impact on your overall health and future. 

Whether you opt for braces or aligners, the end result—a healthier, more confident smile—is definitely worth the investment of your time and money. 

Embracing the journey to a straighter, healthier smile

Orthodontic treatment opens the door not just to a smile that you feel confident in but also to a journey that enhances your oral health and overall well being. Thanks to the leaps in orthodontic technology, this process has become more streamlined than ever, promising quicker paths to your desired outcome without sacrificing the quality of results and making a straighter smile more affordable than ever.

Each orthodontic option comes with its unique set of benefits, from the durability and effectiveness of traditional metal braces to the discreet convenience of clear aligners like Motto® from Aspen Dental. The decision between these treatments involves balancing factors such as cost, aesthetics, treatment duration, and your specific dental alignment needs. Remember, investing in orthodontic treatment is not just about improving your smile, it's about taking a step towards better oral hygiene for life.

We recognize that beginning this transformation journey might seem overwhelming, which is why our commitment is to be by your side at every turn. We’re in your corner. Discover your treatment possibilities with Aspen Dental, demystify the costs involved, and craft a personalized treatment strategy that honors your individual needs with Motto® clear aligners. Together, let's sculpt the stunning, healthy smile you've always envisioned. 

¹If patient selects MottoEssential package. The average price of Invisalign is about $5,040.
²Average patient treatment plan lasts 5.4 months. Results may vary.

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