Navigating the costs of parenting demands careful consideration, especially when it comes to essential health interventions like orthodontic treatment. Ensuring your child receives the necessary care, despite financial challenges, is a commitment to their long-term well-being and confidence.
The Right Age
According to Jorgensen Orthodontics, children are typically fitted for dental braces not much later than 12 years of age, after they've lost all of their baby teeth and their 12-year molars have erupted. Although the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening by the age of seven, braces that are fitted too early can make the treatment take longer and cost more.
During that first screening, your orthodontist will first look to identify if the potential problem is skeletal or dental. This is done with a dental X-ray. Orthodontic X-ray packages, on average, will cost Ps. 3,800. If your orthodontist identifies a dental issue, like an incorrect bite or the potential for crowding during the screening exam, he can sometimes take what is called "interceptive" action to prevent the problem from playing out or getting worse.
This can include fitting a palatal expander or other appliance to ensure that the permanent teeth erupt in the right position. The exam might also highlight the need to control habits such as thumb-sucking, which can cause damage to a child's mouth over time.
Types of Braces
The specific braces recommended by the orthodontist will depend on the individual dental issues needing correction for each child. Common types of braces include:
Traditional metal braces: These are the most common type of braces that are visible. They have metal brackets glued to each tooth that are connected with archwires held in place by steel ties or elastic bands. They're relatively affordable and effective for most orthodontic issues.
Ceramic braces: They have tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets that blend in more with natural teeth. They are more expensive but less visible, and they are more prone to staining compared to metal.
Damon braces: They use metal self-ligating brackets that do not require steel ties to hold the archwires. This makes them more comfortable. They can move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments than traditional metal braces. But they are more expensive.
Clear aligners like Invisalign: These are custom-made plastic aligners that are nearly invisible when worn. They are removable and can be taken off for eating and brushing. Aligners are more comfortable, convenient, and aesthetic but unsuitable for complex tooth movements.
Lingual braces: Having brackets bonded to the backs of the teeth makes lingual braces invisible. But they are harder to install and adjust. They do not have the visibility of traditional braces, but they can impact speech and are generally more expensive.
In addition to appliances like an expander, your orthodontist might also recommend the use of Headgear or a Forsus or Herbst device in conjunction with braces to correct problems affecting your child's natural bite.
Average Cost of Braces For Kids
One of the first questions parents ask when their child has dental issues that need correction is how much braces cost. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer, as the price of braces can vary widely depending on several factors.
The typical price of braces for children and teens is between PHP. 17,0000 and PHP. 400,000. This reflects the time, materials, labour, and expertise required to properly treat a growing child's teeth throughout their orthodontic treatment. The total fees will depend on what type of braces the orthodontist recommends based on the child's specific needs.
Some of the factors that influence the final cost include the extent of correction needed, the child's age and jaw development, the type of braces chosen, and how long treatment is expected to last. More complicated cases usually incur higher fees. Geography also plays a role, with orthodontic prices varying greatly by location.
What Affects The Average Cost of Braces For Kids
Teeth braces cost for a child is influenced by a number of treatment considerations beyond just the orthodontic issues present.
The use of advanced technologies like 3D imaging and scanning may increase upfront investment but can reduce treatment time.
The timing of when treatment is started can impact the duration and number of braces adjustments needed. Beginning too early or late compared to the ideal age range can extend the time of braces.
Variations in Treatment Costs
Determining how much do braces cost for kids depends mainly on the length of time your child will need to wear them. The cost of wearing braces ranges between PHP. 50,000 and PHP. 200,000, depending on the type of braces recommended, for the following reasons:
With traditional braces, the cost is driven by what the orthodontist will charge for the orthodontic treatment for your child's case, which includes multiple visits during the time it takes to straighten his teeth over a year to three years. For traditional metal braces, the average price range is between PHP. 50,000 and PHP. 70,000. Ceramic braces cost between PHP. 60,000 and PHP. 80,000 on average.
Damon braces are typically more expensive and can cost between PHP. 120,000 and PHP. 140,000. Since Damon braces are self-ligating, you'll pay for fewer dental visits.
With Invisalign, your child will receive several aligners to use in a specific order, changing every couple of weeks. The cost is determined by the number of aligners needed to achieve the right result. The average cost of Invisalign braces is between PHP 100,000 and PHP 200,000.
If your child needs to have teeth extracted or fitted with other appliances, the treatment's overall cost may increase as needed. Your child's compliance with the orthodontist's instructions matters as well because repair and replacement affect the overall cost of treatment. Make sure your young one avoids tooth decay while wearing braces by using products such as anticavity fluoride toothpaste.
Ways to Pay for Braces
For traditional metal and ceramic braces, 50% of the total cost is generally required upfront as the initial payment option. The remaining balance is paid off at the following dental visits. For Damon braces, fewer discounts tend to be given due to the higher cost of the materials, coupled with the fact that they require fewer dental visits.
Orthodontists who offer Invisalign usually require 50% of the payment upfront, while the remaining balance is paid off within the next 2–3 months of dental visits. These visits include giving dental impressions and receiving new Invisalign aligners.
If you can handle it, pay in advance for some or all of the orthodontic treatment, which typically qualifies you for a discount. It's not just about asking, "How much do braces cost for kids?" It's about getting the right orthodontic care for your child at the right time.
Does Insurance Cover Braces?
If you have health or dental insurance, check with your provider to see if orthodontic treatment like dental braces has insurance coverage. Most health insurance plans do not cover braces for adults over 18 years old, but they may partially cover braces for dependent children under 18. If your existing healthcare or dental insurance does not include orthodontics, you can also consider purchasing supplemental orthodontic insurance for monthly payment plans.
For any dental or health insurance plan, be sure to inquire about the percentage of orthodontic costs that are covered and if there is a lifetime maximum benefit. Coverage can vary greatly between plans, but often, dental insurance will cover a certain percentage of teeth braces costs up to a set maximum amount per child. Government programmes like Medicaid provide very limited or no orthodontic coverage for braces. Medicaid may cover braces only for patients with very severe orthodontic problems.
It's generally recommended to maintain the same insurance throughout your entire treatment plan with braces. Most orthodontic coverage will not pay for braces that have already been placed on the teeth before the effective date of the policy, as that is considered a pre-existing condition.
The key is to understand exactly what your dental or health insurance covers for orthodontics before starting any braces treatment so you can plan for any out-of-pocket expenses. Contact your insurance provider directly to confirm the details.
Other Factors That Impact The Cost of Braces
The braces price can vary widely based on several key factors. The main elements that influence the total cost include:
The extent of correction needed: Kids with minor alignment issues or crowding tend to have lower costs than those with severe overbites, underbites, or crookedness requiring extensive adjustment.
Type of braces: Basic metal braces are typically the most affordable option. Clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign cost more.
Duration of treatment: Most braces are worn for 1-3 years. More time in braces means higher costs for adjustments and care over that period.
Age of the child: Younger children may require phase 1 treatment with spacers, expanders, and orthopaedic devices before braces, increasing costs.
Location: Braces costs are typically higher in dental clinics in metropolitan areas compared to rural areas, reflecting overhead expenses.
Orthodontist expertise and demand: More experienced orthodontists and those in high demand tend to charge higher fees.
Additional appliances or treatments: Using headgear, palate expanders, mouth guards, or elastics along with braces, adds to the total cost.
Insurance coverage: Out-of-pocket expenses will be lower for those with dental insurance that covers braces or orthodontic treatment.
So, how much do braces cost for children? This can vary widely based on the severity of correction needed, type of braces used, length of treatment, and orthodontist fees. Understanding your insurance coverage and payment options, as well as starting treatment at the ideal age, can help manage costs and monthly payments.
With proper dental care and compliance, braces can successfully align your child's teeth for optimal oral health and appearance. Furthermore, ensuring that your child consistently wears their retainer after the braces are removed is crucial to maintain proper teeth alignment. Neglecting this step could lead to the potential risk of their teeth reverting to their original positions.
