The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, the main ones being:
- the complexity of the case (simple, complex case, requiring extractions, orthognathic surgery, inter-disciplinary case);
- the age of the patient (child, adolescent, adult, residual growth, periodontic problems, etc);
- the anticipated processing time;
- the type of devices used to make corrections: “spindles” (multi-ring devices), lingual technique, Invisalign, removable devices, etc…
- what will be fixed: major malocclusion, simple or complex problem, a single arch, only the front, a few teeth to straighten, a space to close, etc. (treatment plan);
the patient’s expectations and wishes (treatment objectives).
Other factors can also influence the duration and indirectly the cost of treatment:
- The nature of the treatment (treatment plan): is it a complete or limited treatment (compromise)? Are corrections made to the entire dentition, a single arch or a few teeth only (Note that it is often impossible to treat a single arch without also correcting the teeth of the opposite arch).
- Treatment objectives: even if orthodontic appliances are used, will all possible corrections be made? What are the patient’s wishes and expectations? This influences the equipment required, the duration of treatment and indirectly the costs. Treatment objectives are determined by the orthodontist and the patient (or parents).
- Is orthognathic surgery part of the treatment plan?
- The use of special devices before, during or after the treatment (retention), such as an occlusal plate, an articulated plane, a particular retention device.
- Patient requirements: a person who does not wish to use or wear certain types of devices may have to accept a certain compromise and this may affect the duration of treatment.
- In complex interdisciplinary cases where several dental practitioners and specialists may be involved in the treatment plan, the requests of dentists and specialists may influence the orthodontic treatment plan, its duration and cost. For example, in the presence of large spaces, it may be chosen to open them to plan the placement of dental implants or to close them to avoid the need for prosthetic replacement after orthodontics.
- Diagnostic equipment: should complete diagnostic equipment be taken, are tests, special imaging (3D, tomography, MRI), etc. required?
HOW MUCH DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT COST?
We are often asked the “theoretical” question “How much does orthodontic treatment cost?” We answer that if, on your side, you can answer the following questions, we can also give you specific costs… in theory!
- How much does a pair of shoes cost?
- How much does a car cost?
- How much does a house cost?
THE COST OF ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
We are often asked, among other things in the blog and the questions at the bottom of the site pages, « how much pins cost » or a particular device. It must be realized that the actual cost of appliances represents only a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment and services. The proportion of this cost can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment.
- Some appliances have very high manufacturing costs in commercial laboratories (iBraces, Invisalign, some assistive devices, sleep apnea appliances) and represent a higher proportion of orthodontic fees while other more « standard » appliances may represent lower costs.
- Some types of malocclusion require special devices during treatment (joint plate, articulated plane, mini anchor screw, oral screen, etc.) and will require special protocols and retention devices, which influence the « cost of devices » used during treatment.
- Since braces represent only a portion of the fees for orthodontic treatment, the other costs are related to the various services and expertise related to the treatment, which can also vary according to the type of case.
- Are treatments with transparent shells such as Invisalign/ClearCorrect more expensive than treatments with « pins »? For more information.
- Orthodontists and dental practitioners do not « sell » « braces », crowns and bridges, prostheses, dental appliances etc., but rather offer treatments and services that go far beyond the materials needed to provide them.
METHODS OF PAYMENT FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
- Some orthodontists offer flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of treatment and help you meet your budget constraints.
- Your orthodontist will work with you to develop a budget plan to spread your payments over the duration of treatment or even over a longer period of time. Thus, the fees for a major treatment could be spread over, for example, a period of 30 months, even if the estimated duration of the treatment is 20 to 24 months.
- We do not charge interest or other fees on payment terms if payment agreements are respected.
- In addition, many insurances offer partial coverage for orthodontic expenses and orthodontic fees may be deductible as medical expenses. It is therefore advantageous to do a good tax planning that could allow you a significant reimbursement of orthodontic fees (see following sections for more details).
ORTHODONTIC INSURANCE COVERAGE
- Orthodontic insurance is often a separate benefit within a dental insurance contract.
- If you have a dental insurance plan, you should check with your insurer to see if orthodontic benefits are payable and who is eligible.
