Dental braces are orthodontic devices used to correct crooked, crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw or malocclusion. While braces are commonly prescribed for children, more and more adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment. In fact, of the 4 million people in the US who have braces, 25% are adults. Whether they’re looking to improve their oral health or want a cosmetic enhancement, one thing’s for sure – braces cost varies greatly, depending upon a number of factors.
For many people, the thought of braces conjures up images of a mouth full of metal, not to mention, discomfort and difficulty in keeping teeth clean. Fortunately, medical advancements have allowed dentists to create braces that are now easier to wear and less noticeable. Unfortunately, medical advances have also pushed the price of braces up.The final price you pay depends on a number of factors including the type and quality you opt for, and where you’re located.
According to the American Dental Association’s 2020 survey of dental fees, adult braces cost on average $6,000. This price goes up in certain states, specifically New York. New York City sees highest cost of braces in the state. Here is a table on the average prices by locale to give you a better perspective.
| Area | Cost in New York | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | $6,500 – $12,500 | $5,000 |
| Suburban | $6,500 – $12,000 | $5,500 |
| Rural | $4,500 – $7,500 | $4,000 |
Here, we can see a clear difference in pricing in New York versus the national average. There are braces alternatives that people can opt for, but it’s worth bearing in mind that if you’re a resident in New York and want to get braces, you will need to pay more to get them.
This article serves as an ultimate guide to the different braces you can opt for, their costs, and braces alternatives that you might want to consider.
Types Of Braces
In the past, metal braces were the only option for anyone needing orthodontic treatment, and apart from being uncomfortable, the esthetic appeal of these braces was non-existent.
Nowadays, however, there are several options to choose from. The type of braces your dentist or orthodontist recommends will depend on age, personal requirements and the complexity of your misalignment . That said, all braces, irrespective of type, are customized to each patient’s individual needs.
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the regular fixed braces that most people are familiar with. As the name suggests, they consist of metal brackets glued to each tooth. An archwire is threaded through the brackets and applies pressure on the teeth and jawline. The brackets are interconnected with a series of elastic O-rings. The dentist adjusts or tightens the archwire periodically. When the wire is tightened, it forces the teeth to shift towards the desired position.
Realignment can take between 12 months to 3 years. However, while modern-day metal braces are less bulky than their previous counterparts, they are still visible and can be uncomfortable. In New York, these braces cost an average of $5,350, which can be quite expensive compared to other states.
Ceramic Braces
If you feel self-conscious about wearing fixed metal braces, ceramic braces are a discreet option. Ceramic braces are the same as metal braces but the brackets and wires are tooth-coloured and less noticeable. The benefits associated with ceramic braces are:
- Less visibility than traditional metal braces
- Faster bite corection than Invisalign for treatments similar in complexity
- Compatible with X-ray testing meaning that unlike metal braces, they won’t interfere with imagery.
On the downside,
- Like metal braces, they can cause gum sensitivity,
- They take longer to move teeth than metal braces
- The elastic braces holding the wire to the brackets can stain easily and will remain stained until they are replaced
- They are more expensive than their metal counterparts
Although they may be better than metal braces depending on your preference, ceramic braces are an expensive option. If you are a resident of New York, getting ceramic braces could set you back anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. However, ceramic braces are your best bet if you want a fair balance between functionality and aesthetics while being ok to spend a bit extra.
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners offer an almost invisible teeth straightening experience utilizing a series of removable aligners or trays. Cutting-edge 3D computer-imaging technology takes the current and final position of the teeth to create a treatment plan to determine how many aligners are needed. The main benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are manufactured from clear medical-grade plastic, so when they’re worn over the teeth like a mouthguard, they can barely be seen. Because there are no wires and brackets, aligners are also more comfortable to wear and kinder on the gums. What sets them apart from all other braces is that they are removed to eat, drink and clean the teeth. As a result, patients can eat what they want and maintain a good level of oral hygiene.
While Invisalign has many benefits, there are a few drawbacks:
- Patients need to commit to wearing their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day to achieve the best results,
- Frequent teeth brushing after eating is crucial to keep aligners clean and free from bacteria.
- Aligners can easily get lost if not placed in their case when not being worn
- They aren’t particularly cheap when compared to metal braces (or other aliigners)
So what do these invisible braces cost? It varies depending on the level of correction required by the individual and the number of aligners to do the job. With this in mond, Invisalign can cost you anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000 in New York.
Lingual Braces
These braces combine the efficiency of metal braces with the cosmetic appeal of Invisalign. The easiest way to explain what lingual braces are is by picturing standard metal braces, but instead of fitting on the front of your teeth, they fit on the inside – making them truly invisible. These braces are a popular choice, but be prepared to pay considerably more.
Lingual braces can easily cost upwards of $10,000 as it requires dentists trained in this technique to fit them. Since this type of brace offers you all the positives of other brace types, the price may be justified. There are othe aesthetic alternatives (which we will discuss later on), but if money is not an issue, then lingual braces may be your best option.
Why Are Braces Expensive in New York?
The average cost of getting braces is high in general, whether you are looking at a national level or just in the state of New York. This begs the question, why are braces so expensive? Braces are not a one-and-done solution, and it can take years of treatment to correct complex cases. They are also extraordinarily time-consuming and require multiple trips to the dentist to complete the treatment.
Treatment can last between 18 months and three years and may entail visiting the dental office every six weeks. These visits can last for 15 to 30 minutes, even for a general check-up. The day your braces are removed, you can expect to spend an hour or more at the orthodontist’s office.
Furthermore, pre and post-treatment sessions are mandatory when aligning your jaw. Pre-treatment can require the orthodontist to carry out a deep-clean and scale or, in some cases, tooth extraction. When teeth are being aligned, they need space to move into. The mouth also needs to be clean and healthy before attaching the braces.
Post-treatment also requires patients to wear a retainer for a specific period after removing the braces. In most cases, these need to be worn at night to avoid the teeth from going back into their original position. All of the above needs to be factored in to the overall cost.
The accumulation of orthodontist/clinic overheads, dental, and other miscellaneous expenses contribute to the overall braces cost. Since many variables are involved, the price range of braces can fluctuate based on the following:
- Length of the treatment plan
- Complexity of case
- Whether you see a dentist or orthodontist for treatment
- Whether insurance will cover a portion of the cost
How Does Insurance Impact The Cost Of Braces?
Insurance can play a considerable part in softening the financial blow for someone looking to get braces. So let’s discuss the aspects of insurance when trying to get braces for yourself.
Braces can get expensive for anyone if they are paying in full. Most dental insurance plans do not cover braces expenses for adults. Certain insurance providers can offer an add-on orthodontic coverage that could pay for the braces, but only under the condition that the orthodontist deems it a medical necessity for an individual to get braces. Depending on their plan, the insurance could fully or partially cover the price of braces if everything is in order. It’s essential to read a policy carefully to see if there is a waiting period before benefits can begin and whether the orthodontist is a covered provider.
If we talk about children, braces are covered by their dental insurance. Moreover, most insurance plans partially cover the cost of braces for children under 18 years if they are deemed a medical necessity by the orthodontist.
There are further complications when picking a type of dental brace. Most insurance plans only cover the price of standard metal braces. If a different brace style is chosen, the insurance will only cover the metal brace equivalent and require you to pay the difference.
Take, for example, an insurance provider that states it covers 50% of the cost of braces. If the plan does not cover different braces, there may still be a considerable difference to pay. The following table explains this method clearly.
| Type of braces | Without insurance | With insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | $3,000 to $7,500 | $1,500 to $3,750 |
| Ceramic braces | $2,000 to $8,500 | $1,000 to $4,750 |
| Invisalign | $3,000 to $7,000 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Lingual braces | $5,000 to $13,000 | $3,500 to $9,250 |
As the table suggests, metal braces are paid in half by the provider, which is $1,500 to $3,750. If you choose the lingual option, the insurance company will pay the same amount as the metal braces, regardless of the higher price. The client is then required to pay this difference themselves.
Medical coverage varies by state, but specific standards are set at the federal level. All States must at least cover the following for children:
- dental treatment to relieve infections and pain
- teeth restoration
- medically necessary orthodontic service (these include braces)
Depending on the State, certain providers cover braces costs for adults if required to treat a medical condition.
Affordable Braces Alternative in New York
Braces can get expensive, and the entire treatment can take years. As a result, people have started looking for alternatives to braces. Several manufacturers have contrasting options to traditional fixed metal braces that achieve equally good results. Many companies are also cheaper when compared to regular braces. In particular, people in New York are looking for alternatives to braces because of the already inflated pricing. Let’s look at some of the best options for braces you can find in New York.
SmileDirect Club
SmileDirect Club was one of the first companies to join the at-home aligner industry having been founded in 2014 and continues to be one of the most popular options. If you’re looking for a company with plenty of experience, SmileDirect Club has it in bucket loads, having treated more than a million patients to date. With its broad knowledge of misalignments, complications, and commonly asked questions, patients can feel assured their smiles are in safe hands.
Unlike other companies that require patients to mail an impression of their teeth, SmileDirectoffers over 300 SmileShops available across the U.S. where patients can have their teeth scanned and be quickly approved for treatment. Or, if they prefer, patients can schedule a consultation in a dentist’s office to see if they are a good fit for aligner treatment with a choice of over 1,000 Partner Dentists.
Patients will pay a one-off payment of $1950 or $89 per month whether they opt for standard aligner treatment (averaging 4-6 months) with aligners worn for 22 hours a day or prefer to straighten their teeth over night with Nighttime Aligners™ worn for 10 continuous hours over an average of 10 months. Check out their website here.
Patients can schedule virtual check-ins with a dental professional or monitor their progress with a mobile app. Patients are also guaranteed financing for treatment (no credit check necessary) through SmilePay over a 24-month period.
On the downside, patient reviews have shown customer support to be unpredictable with numerous complaints relating to shipping delays and inconsistent communication with regard to treatment problems.
Byte
One of the major issues people face when getting alignment treatment is the constant visits to the orthodontist’s office. People in this era want a service that will offer them convenience while receiving the maximum benefit. This is where Byte comes into the picture. It is a digital service that manufactures and delivers custom clear aligners directly to your home.
These aligners have a similar design to Invisalign. Made from clear, smooth plastic, each aligner is custom-designed to fit the contours of your teeth precisely. The difference between Invisalign and Byte is that Invisalign still requires you to go to the dentist; Byte can be used independently at home, avoiding trips to the dentist.
So how does Byte monitor their patients? The treatment plan is monitored remotely by a team of licensed dentists and orthodontists, enabling them to lower costs. So how much will patients pay? Byte customers will pay a one-time payment of $1895 for daytime aligners and $2295 for nighttime aligners or monthly payments starting from $82 per month – just a fraction of the cost of Invisalign and metal braces.
Several reviews recommend Byte as an excellent alternative for braces. The solution has gained massive success and is one of the largest dental manufacturers in the world.
The only drawback of Byte is their range since it can only correct mild cases of misalignment with a focus on shifting front teeth.
AlignerCo
By far the cheapest braces alternative in New York State is AlignerCo. Anyone looking for an alternative to Invisalign will be pleasantly surprised to learn that treatment currently costs just $895. Start your teeth straightening journey with a significant other and you can save a whopping $550 off the treatment. That’s just $1750 for a clear aligners plan for both of you. Alternatively, patients can take advantage of SmileFlex monthly payments starting from just $81. AlignerCo also offers Night Only Clear Aligners with patients completing their treatment within 6-8 months.
Like Byte, AlignerCo operates online, so everything from candidacy checks to impression taking and regular check-ins will be conducted online. That said, they have good customer service feedback and use both orthodontists and general dentists to oversee treatment.
Candid
Candid began as an at-home teeth-straightening service. However, its growing success soon transitioned into a hybrid model that now resembles treatment options like Invisalign.
The difference between Candid and Invisalign is that candidates can visit Candid stores based throughout the US to ascertain eligibility, while those interested in Invisalign, need to visit their dentist. Moreover, Invisalign patients will need to visit their dentists every 6 weeks for check-ups and to receive their next batch of custom-aligners.
With Candid, their proprietary CandidMonitoring™ system allows patients to submit teeth scans for review every two weeks from home, enabling dental professionals to obtain a regular clinical insight of a patient’s teeth remotely.
While the cost of Candid’s treatment can be less than fixed braces or Invisalign with an average cost of $3500, the downside is that this method lacks scope. While metal braces can treat all orthodontic problems no matter how complex, Candid is only suitable for moderate misalignments.
Six Month Smiles
While braces align the bite and establish a stronger jawline, many adults are more concerned with choosing braces to improve the appearance of their smile. Consequently, they are unwilling to endure the discomfort of metal brackets and wires, not to mention the prolonged treatment time. Six Month Smiles is an accelerated orthodontic treatment that focuses on teeth that are visible in the smile line. Patients can choose from removable clear aligners or fixed clear braces and treatments are ideal for treating minor cosmetic tooth movements.
Six Month Smiles costs around $3,500 (just under the price of traditional metal braces), helping patients save money and making it a cheaper alternative. Furthermore, as the name suggests, the treatment time for this service is around six months in most cases.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is Invisalign’s largest in-office competitor and the best-known alternative to Invisalign. Similar to Invisalign, a dentist or orthodontist manages and oversees treatment in a dental office setting. Indeed, many of ClearCorrect’s processes can be likened to those of Invisalign.
The main advantage ClearCorrect has over Invisalign is they are cheaper because they charge dentists and orthodontists less for lab fees, enabling clinical professionals to pass savings directly to the patient. Depending on the complexity of their treatment, patients can expect to pay from $3000 to $6000 with ClearCorrect.
NewSmile Life
NewSmile life is a relative newcomer to the industry and not only offers super-low prices that are frequently discounted to even lower prices, but also offers super-fast alignments, coming second only to Byte.
Priced at just $1395 for standard aligners and $1495 for nighttime aligners, NewSmile offers some of the most affordable aligner plans on the market. The price includes an impression kit, retainer, three months’ worth of whitening foam, and a monitoring app. Many other clear aligner brands charge extra for some of all of these items. Furthermore, patients can take advantage of a payment plan that doesn’t require a credit check.
On the flipside, patients will have to take an impression of their teeth at home since NewSmile has no physical locations. In addition, because of their recent arrival, there is less customer feedback than for other more established at-home aligner brands.
To apply simply visit the website and answer a few questions to see if you’re a good fit.
Wrapping Up
Getting braces can get expensive, and whether you are looking to correct minor misalignment or fix major issues with your smile, braces can drastically set you back in terms of price. You can choose from several alternatives, but not all of them may be suitable depending on your condition.
If you are looking for minor alignment, it is advised to go for one of the aligners alternatives available all over New York. However, if the issue is more complex, look for dental insurance plans that can help cover part of your expense and look at all the policies to see exactly what they cover before investing.
Your teeth are visible to everyone you meet, and even if you are not facing any significant concerns, it is always best to get them aligned to help you feel confident.