Why are braces so expensive?

Question

We are faced with yet another shady dentist and we're wondering how could something so simple cost so much money? We are planning on getting a 2nd and 3rd quote on them, but we wondering what other poeple pay for them.

Answer 1

Your assumption that straightening teeth is "simple" is wrong.

They are dealing with minute movements of human teeth which must end up perfectly aligned and in perfect occlusion. The positioning of the brackets and archwire have to be placed in such a way that a predictable result is achieved over a period of 12 to 24 months. Each tiny adjustment takes planning.

I suppose heart bypass surgery or removal of a brain tumor is "simple" in some ways, but would you expect it to be cheap?

Answer 2

Not to defend orthodontic practitioners, but most of what they bill for is time and equipment expenses. The actual appliances (the braces) aren't what breaks the bank. It's the time that ups the cost, that and paying staff members, renting space, and buying incredibly expensive X-Ray machines and other devices. Then you have the lawsuit factor. Lawsuits have driven services like this out of the realm of understanding.

Now, is your child 1st or 2nd phase? Why do I ask? Because 1st phase is far less. I have two daughters. One got braces at 8 and the other at six ( got them on each child at the same time so I could get a discount from from the orthodontist. If I had more than one kid in there, I got a 20% discount). I could tell by that age that their mouths would look like a jack-o-lantern if I didn't DO something; therefore first phase was the best and cost the least. My then husband's company paid out half. Our out of pocket cost was $1800.00 for both kids. For $3,600 I did both kids and that included everything , even their retainers. They are 18 and 16 now. I did the right thing. Also, you can apply for a dental credit to pay for it and make monthly plans. Some docs will want $200 or so up front and you can pay out the rest interest free.

If warranted, braces are crucial as it is our teeth that anchor to the jawbone. Tooth health is just as important as standard physical health. You might try a website offereing this dental credit and do it that way. If your child is young enough, you may be able to go 1st phase. 1st pahase is for kids who are losing their teeth. A younger child begins losing teeth and this is the time to get them in. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Why Are Braces So Expensive

Answer 4

Well, the dentist had to go to school and has to make a living.
Has to pay rent on the office and buy all that equipment plus
buy insurance. Then pay receptionists to do the schedule and billing and record keeping. Then do the labor of putting on your braces. They have to develop a plan, etc. There are a lot of costs involved. Putting on the braces may seem simple to you, but you can't do it yourself, right? you need all those things the dentist paid for like chairs and braces and lights and especially expertise.

Answer 5

Braces are expensive as the dentist has to pay a lot of money for the advertising that has gone into promoting the particular brand. Also, a lot of money has to be spent on the equipment and materials required to render treatment, all of which are not cheap. The wires cost the dentist hundreds of dollars, and the "pliers" also cost hundreds of dollars each. Don't forget that the dentist has to pay the staff, as well as the rental and electricity bills. And, he has to support his family on top of that.

Answer 6

I'm a braces wearer, so i guess i can help a bit.
it is very expensive, i paid about $5000 singapore dollars, which is around $3000 USD? but i guess it is the price to pay to straighten your teeth and such. it is a tedious process for the dentist as well, since you need to visit him almost everyone to tighten your braces, change the bands and more maintainence is needed with all that extra stuff in your mouth. you could try a government clinic instead of a private clinic, it cuts down the price about $2000 Singapore dollars here in singapore, but i'm not sure about your location. and , a bit of trivia. =) beauty has a price to pay after all !

Answer 7

My son is one his first phase of treatment that will take approximately 18 months, this phase cost $3500. He still needs another phase which will cost another $4000. Braces are very expensive, but worth every cent in the end. You'll have your teeth forever.

Answer 8

prices vary wildly especially be neighborhood.
dental school sometimes do them reasonably . and you could judge prices better with a quote form them.
or contact the American dental association if your in the USA.
there are bargain rates in the weekly flyers and newspapers,but without a reference.. its a big chance.

Answer 9

I work for a dental office and we charge around $4000...it really just depends on how severe the case is. (The little brackets they put on your teeth are pretty expensive.)

Answer 10

im getting some soon and they are gonna cost over 5k. then i also have to have jaw surgery to align my jaws right which will cost tons of money. But it's worth it.