How much do braces cost?

[Meriweather]

15 years ago.....DD's, top and bottom were about $3500.

[Luv'sTink]

Phase one $4,800 top teeth, included W arch, lip bumper, head gear, braces and retainer...18+ months.
Phase two $4,500 top and bottom, included Herbst, braces, bands and retainer. There could be more because he is not done with this phase....18+ months

Insurance paid between $1,500 and $1,800 for phase one.

His mouth was really bad, terrible over bite, cross bite, narrow palate, short jaw (no chin), you name it he had it. I often wondered if they split into phases so I wouldn't faint....I will die if there is a phase 3.

[amyren]

I just paid $1425 for Invisalign and a retainer for myself. Quote was $2500 insurance paid $1000 and they gave me a $75 discount to pay everything up front. My treatment plan calls for 10 sets of invisalign trays and 1 metal retainer.
I have some minor shifting that I want to take care of before I become snaggletooth. This is actually my 3rd try at braces.
My teeth are incredibly stubborn. I had metal braces at about 14 but my 12 year molars came in about 5 years late and caused some crowding. I tried invisalign at 20(ish) which worked well but 9 years later they are shifting again Anyway I'm pretty sure my orthodontist gave me a discount this time around.

[luvsJack]

DD just got her braces on the top only (for now anyway).

Now, our ortho expects payment and then I am reimbursed by the insurance company.

Intial visit was $100

X-rays, pictures, etc-$250

Braces, retainer, etc. plus any x-rays, corrections, adjustments, etc. that will done for up to a year after the braces come off--$3200.

If we end up having to put braces on the bottom that amount goes to $4500

Our insurance will pay 1/2 of the $3200--I paid $1000 down and will make payments each month for less than 16 months (target date for removal of the braces). They reimbursed me $64 of the intial $100 and $86 of the $250.

Everyone says dd's were a bit higher than what they have paid, but the dr. she saw is one of two ladies in practice together and they are considered the best in this area. They were recommended by several dentists and her doctor.

[mjkacmom]

Originally Posted by luvsJack

DD just got her braces on the top only (for now anyway).

Now, our ortho expects payment and then I am reimbursed by the insurance company.

Intial visit was $100

X-rays, pictures, etc-$250

Braces, retainer, etc. plus any x-rays, corrections, adjustments, etc. that will done for up to a year after the braces come off--$3200.

If we end up having to put braces on the bottom that amount goes to $4500

Our insurance will pay 1/2 of the $3200--I paid $1000 down and will make payments each month for less than 16 months (target date for removal of the braces). They reimbursed me $64 of the intial $100 and $86 of the $250.

Everyone says dd's were a bit higher than what they have paid, but the dr. she saw is one of two ladies in practice together and they are considered the best in this area. They were recommended by several dentists and her doctor.

Wow, you must live in a very low COL area! $6000 is the average here, some a little higher, some a little lower.

[bigbabyblues]

My DS7 has his one right now for Phase 1, and it's $1200--top and bottom for 12 months. Assuming he needs them again later, it will be another $4000 or so.

DS10 had a consult, and he doesn't need them yet but may eventually due to an overbite. He would be around $4000 also, unless they raise their rates before then.

ETA: our ortho doesn't charge for the consult or xrays. First set of retainers are included, but if retainers are lost/broken/etc., I'll have to pay to replace them.

[LuvOrlando]

Prices sure are all over the place aren't they? My daughter doesn't have anything unusual happening. She probably would have had perfect teeth if she didn't suck her fingers and now that habit I used to think was cute is costing me a small fortune.... sigh, what can ya do. I put out calls to 2 other local orthodontists that lots of people here like.

[crjack]

Originally Posted by LuvOrlando

Prices sure are all over the place aren't they? My daughter doesn't have anything unusual happening. She probably would have had perfect teeth if she didn't suck her fingers and now that habit I used to think was cute is costing me a small fortune.... sigh, what can ya do. I put out calls to 2 other local orthodontists that lots of people here like.

My DS & DD had them at the same time a few years ago and it was $11K total for both. That included a sibling discount. They got them off around 2 years ago and had them on for 2 years.

This covered all visits, retainers, etc. DH's dental insurance had ortho coverage that covered some of it.

[SpecialK]

I've got two in braces right now. The total for both was $11000 and insurance paid $500 each. With the cash and sibling discounts, our total out-of-pocket is $9800.

[eliza61]

Originally Posted by LuvOrlando

OK so $6300 is high, add on the $300 I just spent to have images taken and we are up at $6600. I thought it was a bit much

It's not out of the ballpark but it's on the high sign. I was at 5K for Jrs. every time I see him smile at a girl I think "that's my trip to NZ he's sweet talking you with"

[tw1nsmom]

Originally Posted by SpecialK

I've got two in braces right now. The total for both was $11000 and insurance paid $500 each. With the cash and sibling discounts, our total out-of-pocket is $9800.

That's pretty much what we'll be shelling out next month. Ah...the pleasure of twins. Double the fun and double the expenses happening at the same time. It took a few days for DH to get over the shock.

[Cat0727]

I know someone who went to a well-respected, very good orthodontist on 5th Avenue downtown and she paid $8700 for ceramic uppers and metal lowers.

[Mickey Fliers]

I currently have 3 in treatment:

DS13 - 15 months of braces, top and bottom, and retainer - 3000
DS11 - 2 years of braces, top and bottom, and retainer - 4400
DS8 - Phase 1 to include braces top and bottom for a year, plus palate expander - $2000

Our insurance covers half, or up to $1500 per child. So, my youngest still has $500 left on his benefit to use for the eventual Phase 2

[scrapquitler]

Originally Posted by LuvOrlando

OK so $6300 is high, add on the $300 I just spent to have images taken and we are up at $6600. I thought it was a bit much

That is pretty much what we paid.

[cassandrap83]

All dental and orthodontic services are a racket.