Do you want to have straight teeth, but the cost of braces is making you question it? The cost associated with braces can be intimidating and can deter people from making an investment in their smile. The cost of braces is different for everyone and depends on their mouth, the approach of the practitioner and the materials required.
This article will provide a well-rounded overview of braces by firstly outlining what braces are, what they are designed to do and the benefits of braces. Then it will explain the factors that influence the cost of braces, the different types of braces and the average cost of braces in comparison to EZ SMILE clear aligners. It will conclude with some common teeth queries to assess individually to determine whether you need braces. Overall, this article aims to equip you with the necessary materials to make an informed decision for the betterment of your teeth and dental health.
What Are Braces?
So, what are braces? Braces are devices used in orthodontics to improve dental health. They work by putting pressure on the teeth to slowly reposition teeth into a straight direction. They can improve and resolve problems with teeth alignment, straightening, gaps, and a person’s bite.
Whilst the cost of braces can be daunting, the benefits of having braces are invaluable for a range of reasons. Braces can improve your teeth’s overall appearance, breath and comfort which can build self-confidence. They can make it easier to clean and protect which can consequently reduce gum and teeth issues. They can reduce jaw problems and pain surrounding the jaw joints. They can also resolve pain endured when eating with improved chewing functionality.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Braces
There are several factors that influence the overall cost of braces in Australia. These include, your specific teeth requirements, the positioning of your teeth, the length of time needed for treatment, the necessary orthodontist visits every 4 to 8 weeks, the materials needed, your location, the colour of braces, and the type of braces chosen.
The state and position of your teeth will determine how many adjustments are necessary and how much time will be needed to move your teeth. The longer needed to adjust your teeth and the additional appointments and materials used will increase the cost of braces. This includes products used in addition to braces, such as coil springs and power chains that separate teeth that are too close to each other or bring teeth down that have not grown properly.
The orthodontist visits every 4 to 8 weeks are factored into your treatment cost but can range between 20 to 40 appointments over the course of your treatment. This is an expensive component to the treatment as you are being treated by expert orthodontists using high-tech dental equipment such as digital x-ray machines, 3D intra-oral scanners, sterilisation equipment and high-quality machines and materials.
Your location can also influence the cost with rural and remote areas having higher demand, less availability, and options for treatment. The colour and style of braces can also impact the cost with more discreet options often costing more than traditional options. This is due to the accessibility and more specific and custom requirements associated with these braces.
Different Types of Braces
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the teeth braces cost, there are several different options you can choose from. The cost of braces in Australia will vary depending on the type of braces that you choose and your specific requirements. Additionally, there are costs associated with making time for regular orthodontist appointments which can involve missing school, work and driving. For patients in Australia, there are a multitude of different types of braces that are available. These include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear alternatives which have varying teeth braces costs.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional Metal Braces are the most associated with when people hear the word braces. Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets that are placed on the outside of your teeth which use heat-activated arch wires to help your teeth move quickly and less painfully. Whilst they are noticeable, they give kids an opportunity to express themselves with different coloured bands that are changed with each appointment. Traditional Metal Braces can cost between $4500 to $8000 depending on the time needed and treatments include orthodontist visits every 4-8 weeks and retainers after treatment.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces except they have clear brackets that blend into the teeth. They have the same process as traditional metal braces with orthodontist visits every 4-8 weeks but are less noticeable to see. The cost of ceramic braces is between $5000 to $8500 depending on the level of necessary treatment. This increased price is due to the additional expense in materials.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are the same shape and size as traditional metal braces except they are placed on the inside of the teeth. They can be more uncomfortable and difficult to clean due to their location, however they are invisible from the outside. Lingual braces are the most expensive alternative, costing up to $7500 to treat a single arch or approximately $12,500 for full treatment. They cost more than traditional braces because they are custom made in a dental laboratory to perfectly fit your teeth. The follow up appointments require longer and more frequent appointments due to their location which increases the cost of braces.
Clear Alternatives
Clear alternatives such as EZ SMILE clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that are removable and do not require orthodontist appointments. They come in a set of multiple aligners depending on the position of your teeth and are changed every two to three weeks. EZ SMILE clear aligners straighten your teeth by gradually moving the teeth into the desired position as per your specifically created treatment plan. EZ SMILE clear aligners do not irritate your cheeks and gums and are easy to remove for food, drinks, and sport. EZ SMILE clear aligners are a cost-efficient alternative to braces at $2499 however they are not suitable for serious dental problems and are only available for people 16 years and older.
Average Cost of Braces vs. EZ Smile Clear Aligners
The average cost of braces and the factors that influence the cost of braces as outlined above involve your individual and specific teeth requirements, the length of time needed for treatment, the orthodontist visits, the materials needed for the type of braces chosen and the physical location of the orthodontist.
Alternatives such as EZ SMILE provide affordable teeth straightening options due to their ability to provide treatment without face-to-face appointments. They use modern technology from impression kits and photos that provide a 3D scan of the teeth which is used to develop a treatment plan. After approval of the treatment plan the patient is then sent their aligner kits in the post. This process is more affordable than the average cost of braces as it is convenient, self-managed and requires less maintenance. EZ SMILE clear aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, high quality BPA-free plastic that is more affordable than traditional orthodontic methods and the materials they require.
| Type of Braces | Average Cost of Braces |
| Cost of Traditional Metal Braces | $4500-$8000 |
| Cost of Ceramic Braces | $5000-$8500 |
| Cost of Lingual Braces | Approximately $12,500 |
| Cost of EZ SMILE Clear Aligners | $2499 |
How Do I Know I Need Braces?
The most common signs that you may need braces involve your age, the crowding of your teeth, gaps between your teeth, issues with your bite and whether you have crooked teeth. The age that people often get braces is when they are a pre-teen or teenager. However, adults get braces too as they have more disposable income which makes the cost of braces more manageable. If you are less than ten years old, your orthodontist will usually want to wait until you and your jaw are older and they can get a better idea of what your adult teeth are going to look like. This is because children under 10 years old often have movement with their mouth as their baby teeth change with adult teeth.
If you have teeth crowding issues and overlapping or gaps between your teeth it is worth considering the cost of braces as it can improve the dental hygiene involved with cleaning your teeth. Braces can resolve bite issues, also known as malocclusion, which is when there is a difference in the sizes of the top and bottom jaws. This can make it difficult to properly chew food and rest your mouth adequately. If you have crooked teeth, a tooth jutting out or twisted you should visit your dentist to ask if you may need braces. If your parents have crooked teeth, genetics can be a good indication as to whether you might need braces.
Overall, your teeth should be lined up next to each other in a straight and comfortable position. Whilst it can be an expensive process, braces are an investment that improve dental health and self-confidence. The cost of braces in Australia is much more manageable now with several alternatives available including EZ SMILE clear aligners. EZ SMILE aims to provide affordable and less intimidating options to teeth straightening without the substantial costs. It is worth visiting your dentist in your routine 6-month check-up and asking if they think braces is necessary for your individual teeth requirements.