What do braces cost for children

Every year, millions of Americans seek orthodontic care to straighten their teeth. But there are many ways for you to cut down on the cost of braces and keep your child smiling. Of course, other factors include where you live and the type of braces your child needs. Braces for children are often slightly less expensive than the adult version. This is due to less material being needed for the smaller mouths of children. Medicaid coverage can fluctuate from state to state, but it will usually cover at least a partial cost of braces.

But anxiety over braces — and specifically the cost of braces — is somewhat outdated. A few decades ago, they cost as much as a downmarket car. Now, not so much. Jamie Reynolds www. There is a huge range of technology associated with braces and a huge range of costs associated with those technologies. So work that looks enticingly affordable may actually wind up costing far more in the long run.

Some professionals will extend credit through third parties with little to no interest, which can make costs more affordable. But a glance at the fine print explains that late or missing payments triggers anywhere from 20 to 30 percent back interest. That said, most orthodontists understand that braces are frighteningly expensive for parents. So they will offer payment plans that either allow parents to pay at the regular visits or extend payments out past the treatment time with an incentivizing 3 to 5 percent interest.

Reynolds notes that there are ways to make orthodontia even more affordable. The ceramic clear brackets come in a clear or tooth-colored material so they blend in better with the teeth. The wire is still usually metal, although it can have a tooth-colored coating. The materials used in these braces means they usually cost more than metal, but they could be a good choice for children who are feeling very self-conscious about their orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces use metal brackets and wires but are tucked out of sight behind the teeth, next to the tongue.

This positioning makes it very hard to spot them, so they are another good choice for children who are afraid of being bullied because of their braces.

Another benefit is that any staining which occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene will be hidden on the back of the teeth. However, treatment with lingual braces typically takes longer than with those attached to the front of teeth. They are also generally the most expensive option, and aren't suitable for children with particularly small teeth. Despite the name, Invisalign Teen can actually be used by children as young as 11, provided they have lost all their baby teeth.

This system offers a completely different way to straighten teeth. Instead of having fixed brackets, a series of clear, removable aligners guide teeth into position. But of course there are some potential downsides, too. Compliance may be an issue, even with the wear indicator, so parents will have to assess whether they think their child has the willpower to wear their aligners as directed.

There is also the issue of eating. You must remove the aligners to eat and drink anything except water, and you have to clean the aligners and your teeth before replacing them. Failure to do this may stain the aligners and teeth, and increase chances of tooth decay.

Invisalign Teen is a great solution for children who are conscious of their appearance. Treatment can be as effective as metal braces, without the risk of teasing. You'll just need to explain the importance of wearing the aligners all day and cleaning them after eating. At-home aligners are similar to Invisalign in that they are clear and removable, but they generally cost less due to not requiring in-office visits with your dentist.

This type of clear aligner treatment can be performed completely remotely if wanted but they are not to be confused with fake DIY braces that are becoming more popular. Some brands, like SmileDirectClub or Candid , have physical locations where a specially trained representative can help you take digital dental scans and answer in-person any questions you may have.

Additionally, they won't have to miss any school to go to dentist appointments! Keep in mind, however, that at-home clear aligners can't correct jaw alignment problems or severely crooked teeth. All these different types of braces have one job: to move teeth into a new position. But the purpose of a retainer is the exact opposite: to stop teeth from moving once treatment is complete. Your child will probably have to wear a retainer every night at first , and possibly during the day.

If they stop wearing it, there is a good chance their teeth will start to move out of alignment again. Many adults who had braces as a child must continue wearing a retainer for the rest of their lives — at least on a part-time basis — if they want their teeth to stay straight.

There are two main types of removable retainer. One looks much like an Invisalign aligner or mouthguard. The other has an acrylic base and wires that clip around the teeth.

Another way to keep teeth straight is with a fixed retainer. This is just a small wire fixed to the back of the front few teeth to stop them from moving. Ask your dentist about the retainer options for your child after braces. Children's braces are usually a little cheaper than adults' braces, simply because less material is required to reach all of their teeth. However, the number of appointments and the amount of time spent in the dentist's chair remain much the same, so there is not a huge difference in cost between the different age groups.

Medical necessity is determined by each state, and is validated at an oral screening where a dentist will assess your child's teeth to determine whether teeth straightening would be of benefit medically, or purely cosmetically.

You can learn more about dental coverage in your state, and find participating Medicaid and CHIP dental providers and benefit packages in your area by visiting InsureKidsNow. If you and your child are not eligible for Medicaid, you will have to cover the costs of your child's braces. The cost of braces for your child will depend on a number of factors, including the style you choose and the length and complexity of the treatment required. The table below gives an idea of what different types of braces for kids cost if both the upper and lower arch need treatment.

You'll need to have a consultation to get a personalized quote for your child. If these costs seem a little overwhelming, ask about dental payment plans. And if you have dental insurance for your child, it's worth checking whether your policy will make a contribution towards your kids' braces costs. Some dental insurance plans in the US provide dental coverage for children, provided the treatment is deemed medically necessary.

Although any orthodontist can fit braces for children, you may prefer to use one who has experience with younger patients. It's important your child feels comfortable with their orthodontist so they can ask questions freely and don't come to dread visits. You'll be connected to a live operator who will put you through to licensed practitioners in your area.