So, how much do braces cost?

[KelNottAt]

I'm leaving in an hour to meet with the orthodontist regarding DS14's treatment plan. Back when I had mine (1976-82) I think my parents paid $2,000. They paid monthly installments of $25 after a larger down payment. Something tells me it won't be so easy this go-'round.

We have a health plan with orthodontia benefits, but I don't think they cover much. SIGH. Oh well. This is life. In the grand scheme of things, braces are nothing compared to other things that might need fixing. We've been lucky.

 

[sammielynn]

Here the cost depends on how long they have to wear the braces. My DS17 is on the three year plan. We pay $130 per month for 36 months for a grand total of $4680. On top of that he had to have his wisdom teeth taken out. Insurance covered all but $250 of that. Good luck.

 

[patsal]

For some it goes in phases of treatment now, phase one for my DD was about $2600 with a 600 downpayment and 20 100 montly payments. Phase two is $2675. 675 down and 20 monthly payments of 100. After I have paid the ortho office will bill the insurance and anything htey pay will reimburse me.

 

[mrsmom]

My dd 12 just got them in March 544.00 down and 103.00 a month and it cost 4,000.
Kim

 

[Marie17]

Our dental plan will pay up to 50% of the costs but is actually broken down to $1,000 a year so in essence it pays a maximum of $2k. We had to pay $215 for "records" - x-rays, etc. Then it was $109 a month for 2 months (until insurance reimbursement started) and now it is $89.00 a month for 24 months. Retainer fee is about $425 - after the braces are off. So I guess it breaks down to a grand total of approximately $2800 (our portion) + $2000 from the insurance.

 

[scottygirl]

Figure on about $5000. I think the ortho's see each patient as a $5000 bill no matter hw long the treatment takes!!!

 

[Dagny]

My daughters ortho was $4800 - she had hers on for 18 months. Your fee will vary depending on the complexity of the problem and the time necesssary to correct the problem. Also, be sure you are comfortable with the treatment proposed. The first ortho we went to wanted to "expand" my daughter's mouth to give her a more "toothy" smile to the tune of $8000. I thought that was unnecessary and sought a 2nd opinion.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

My DD was 3600.. Insurance covered 1000 ... and than we pay 162 a month for 2 years... According to orthodontia's office the cost depended on how long they need to wear them and what all she needed, bands, retainer, head gear (we didn't need this).. We are half way done with our braces and things are looking beautiful.. Now only 2 more kids to put them on...

 

[zalansky]

I just got them on at 37 years old and my problem was not complex. Just some crowding and I need to wear them for 20 months total.
COST = $5100

 

[klynn]

For my ds phase 1 and phase 2 is $8,000. He is done with phase 1 and just starting phase 2.

My dd just started phase 1. The total for her after phase 2 will be in excess of $8,000 (she needs more work than my ds.)

 

[ceecee]

I think a lot depends on where you live. Also how long and difficult the treatment will be. I would say $3500-5000.00. Ours was $4600.00 in Ohio and the treatment was not too involved. That includes follow up visits and 2 retainers.

 

[Mic]

We currently have 3 children in braces right now, with the cost being $5250 for our oldest, $5150 for the second, and $4950 for our youngest. I think we were given $100 off the second child, and $200 off the third, so the average cost is @$5200 in our area. Although we are in a rural area, several orthodontists here have offices in a nearby larger city in addition to the local office, so we pay the same as someone in a larger city. We paid $1500 down per child($4500), and our payments are $350 a month for 30 months. We were told that their usual payment plan involved 24 payments, but they made an exception for us because we had 3 at once! When we first explored the option of braces for our oldest 3.5 years ago, the cost was $4800, so don't look for the cost to get any better. Had I known that she would not be happy with her teeth after a few thousand dollars worth of dental work, I would have just put the braces on then rather than have 3 in them at once

 

[starwood]

We went to a dentist on our dental plan. Without the plan they would be charging us around $7000. With the plan they are charging around $3900 of which the insurance is paying $1500. I paid $800 when they were put on and $100 a month when DS goes for his adjustments.

 

[IndyDisneyFan]

All three of my children have had braces, with my youngest is just out of his phase 1 at least for now. Child one was $4500 plus 13 extractions which was an additional $3000, child two was $4000 with only 4 extractions for $1600, and child three so far is only $1250 but phase 2 will be along in a couple of years (he is only 10 now) so we have a little bit of a break. We have a medical flex account so we try to budget ahead to ease the cost. Our orthodontist helps us figure out how much we will need each year so at least we are paying a large amount of everything with tax free money.

Good luck, and you will need a Disney vacation after all of it is done!

Laura

 

[hollieplus2]

My DS is going to be getting braces in about 9-12 months. On the payment plans, is this something you worked out with the Ortho or on a medical credit card thing. I would like to make payments and don't mind something being on my credit report really but we are looking to sell next summer and every inquiry hurts when your trying to buy a house. We have good credit and want a good interest rate. Are the payment plans a credit card type thing or just something worked out with the dental office.

 

[ceecee]

I think most orthodontists finance themselves. No credit cards, etc. They are usually interest free (I'm sure it's build into the cost). We got a payment book, where you send in a coupon with your payment each month.

 

[Aristocath]

Wow! I'm starting to feel good about what we are paying. My 8 yo is in phase I (not sure if we will have phase II, will have to see how those teeth come in) and it is $1500. That is braces on the four front top teeth and a retainer for the top. The treatment will take about a year. Our insurance covers 50% up to a lifetime maximum of $1500. So if he has to do phase II, insurance will only pay $750.

 

[wyoears]

My DD12 got hers Aug 1. Total cost $4564.00 less $1500.00 insurance maximum, our portion $3064.00 or 24 payments of $130.00. I know its worth it in the long run. This month I also got a nightguard for teeth grinding for $350.00. Its been a costly dental month!

 

[disneymomto5]

I am on my 2nd childs braces and each cost approximately $5000 (they had different problems). However, the first child now has to get 2 implants costing $5000 and insurance covers none of that! I guess even though he has 2 missing teeth it's considered cosmetic! So when all is said and done the first sons will be closer to $10,000. If I had know then what I know now, I'm not sure I would have done the treatments they suggested, so definately get a second opinion. Usually the initial consultation is free.

 

[TheRatPack]

We just got back from our second opinion, the first ortho wanted 4900.00 for a 2 year treatment plan with somewhere in the ballpark of 800.00 down and 180.00 a month, I think this was a 3 year payment plan. It was the same ortho that put my braces on back in the 90's and charged roughly 2500.00 for mine (and if I remember correctly I had them on for close to 4 years).

The second ortho this morning, my son felt more comfortable in her office but still 4700-4900.00 for a 2 year treatment plan and retainers. It's 875.00 down and roughly 200.00 a month for 24 months give or take a few months for payoff.

Looks like we'll be getting his on in a month and then paying it off with any we get back from the income tax. Then starting with dd 10 right after that and trying to pay it off within a few months with overtime. Then on to the next children we're adopting.....can we request straight teeth in those children LOL