Knowing how much orthodontic treatment will cost helps you make smart decisions about your care. Patients at Specialty Smiles often ask us how much more clear braces cost than regular metal braces. That’s a fair question because price is a big factor in choosing the right treatment. Both types of braces work well to straighten teeth but the materials and how they’re made make a big difference in what you’ll pay. We think it’s important to be transparent about pricing so you can budget and choose the best option for you.
For decades metal braces have been the most common way to fix teeth. When you smile or talk you can see the stainless steel brackets and wires very clearly. The materials aren’t too expensive to make and put together which keeps the total cost of treatment down. In our Miami Lakes office traditional metal braces are usually the least expensive fixed orthodontic option. The brackets are strong, don’t break often and can handle complex tooth movements well. Many people choose metal braces because they work and are affordable.
Ceramic or composite materials that match the color of your natural teeth are used in clear braces. These unique materials are more expensive to make than regular metal brackets. To make brackets that are strong and look good the manufacturing process requires very precise engineering. Ceramic materials are also more fragile than metal so if one breaks during treatment you may need new brackets. Because of these things clear braces cost more than metal braces. The price difference is usually between a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on what kind of treatment you need.
The total cost of orthodontic treatment is more than just the basic material cost. The level of difficulty in your case is a big factor. Simple fixes that can be done immediately cost less than big realignment operations that need 2 years or more of active treatment. Your total investment includes the number of adjustment appointments you need, any repairs or replacements that need to be made during treatment and the retention period after your braces come off. During your consultation we give you an accurate cost estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
Many patients worry if the extra cost of clear braces is worth it for how they look. This is still a personal choice and depends on what you value most. Having less visible braces makes a big difference for some people during treatment. People who work with clients every day, public speakers, performers and anyone who is self conscious about how they look usually think clear braces are worth the extra money. Other patients don’t care about how they look and only worry about the results. We respect whatever choice you make that makes sense for your life, whether it’s one of them or not.
The amount of insurance you have can make a big difference in how much you pay for orthodontic care. Most dental insurance policies that cover braces give you a predetermined amount towards treatment instead of a percentage of each type of brace. This means your insurer can pay the same amount for metal and clear braces. You are still responsible for paying the difference between what your insurance pays and the actual cost of treatment. We work with most major insurance companies and can help you get the most out of your benefits, no matter what kind of braces you choose.
Specialty Smiles offers payment plans for patients who don’t have insurance or have to pay out of pocket. These plans allow you to pay for your treatment in small monthly payments instead of all at once. We create payment plans that work with your budget and make it possible for you to get good orthodontic care. The idea is to make sure money doesn’t stop you from getting the care you need. Everyone should have a healthy and confident smile, no matter how much money they have.
Some people wonder if clear braces take longer to work than metal braces. The type of brackets doesn’t matter as much as the individual orthodontic problems you have when it comes to how long treatment will take. Both metal and clear braces move teeth using the same basic mechanics. The wires, brackets and elastic ties work together to provide controlled pressure on the teeth which slowly moves them into place. Clear braces don’t slow down treatment on their own but you do have to be a little more careful about what you eat so you don’t damage the ceramic brackets. If your brackets break it may take a little longer to finish your treatment.
When choosing between clear and metal braces you have to weigh how they look against how much they cost. We talk to patients about their lifestyle, money and priorities during consultations to help them make this choice. Teenagers may worry about different things than adults and professionals who work with clients have their own set of issues to deal with. We also have information on Braces for Kids for those looking at other options. This is because younger patients may have different needs and wants than older patients. Knowing all your options can help you choose the treatment that’s best for you.
At our Miami Lakes location we’ve helped many patients make these choices and found answers that work for them. Some patients choose metal braces and love that choice the whole time they’re in treatment. Some patients choose clear braces and love how private they are every day. Both groups end up with a perfectly aligned smile which boosts their confidence. The most important thing is not what kind of braces you wear but that you stick with the treatment and finish it.
The cost of maintaining clear and metal braces are about the same. Both need to be adjusted at the same intervals. Both need the same kind of home care which includes specific ways to brush and floss. The biggest difference is that ceramic brackets tend to break more often but this isn’t usually a big deal if patients follow the care instructions. Most patients finish treatment without having to pay for anything that wasn’t already planned.
If you’re considering getting braces we recommend you schedule an appointment to discuss the costs in more detail. We give you written estimates that break down everything so you know exactly what you’re getting into. You can make informed decisions when you know everything upfront so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs or surprise bills later. One of the best things you can do for your health and looks is get orthodontic treatment. The benefits last a lifetime. You can get clear braces or metal braces but in the end you’ll have a straight healthy smile that makes you feel better about yourself. We can help you find a treatment that fits your budget and gives you the results you want. Dr. Eddy J. Sedeño III, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist based in Miami Lakes, Florida, renowned for combining advanced technologic approaches with patient-centric care to deliver exceptional and lasting smiles.