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How Much Do Braces Cost Per Month Without Insurance?

Are you wondering how much braces cost each month without insurance? While it can be difficult to determine the actual monthly cost without consulting your child’s orthodontist, the total cost for braces treatment can range between $3,000 and $7,000 without insurance. Monthly payment amounts will depend on the specific braces, as well as the length of time that your child wears braces.

At Kool Smiles, we can answer any questions about the cost of braces, with or without insurance. Call us today at 254-781-0553 to schedule a no-cost braces consultation!

How Much Do Braces Cost a Month?

The monthly cost for dental braces can vary. This cost is different for each child, as it can depend on a number of factors. In general, there are key factors to consider when estimating the cost for braces:

  • Type of braces
  • Length of treatment
  • Insurance coverage
  • Your child’s dental situation

Typically, the average cost a month for traditional metal braces is lower than other types of braces, including ceramic, lingual or “invisible braces,” all of which can be less noticeable but typically have the highest cost per month.

Additionally, depending on the condition of your child’s teeth or jaw, you may have to pay more a month for the braces—especially if they have to wear braces for longer.

Kool Smiles Payment Options for Braces With or Without Insurance

Are you uninsured? Don’t worry. We won’t turn you away. Your child’s dental health is our top priority, and we dedicate ourselves to families who need extra financial help for dental care.

  • We accept many payment options, including cash, credit card or CareCredit.
  • We also accept most insurance providers, Medicaid and TRICARE for general dental care.
  • Even if you don’t have insurance, we offer an 18-month traditional metal braces treatment for your child at an affordable low price.

It’s also important to note that even if your family has dental insurance, your coverage may not extend to your child’s braces treatment. If your child does not need braces for medical reasons, then they likely will not be covered.

If you would prefer to pay for braces through a more flexible payment plan, then consider CareCredit. This credit card is designed for healthcare, and applying is quick and easy.

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Why Might My Child Need Braces?

There are many reasons that your child may need braces:

  • Cosmetic reasons (e.g. a straighter smile)
  • Crowded teeth
  • An under or overbite
  • Jaw joint disorder or jaw position

Braces can be a medical necessity in many cases. If an issue with teeth alignment or the jaw is ignored, more serious problems can develop, such as:

  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Increased risk of facial-impact injuries
  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches and ear pain
  • Difficulties eating and speaking

While you may have to pay for the cost of braces each month (with or without insurance), you can end up incurring even larger expenses if you fail to choose braces. Speak with a Kool Smiles orthodontist or get a referral from a Kool Smiles general dentist today to determine if braces are necessary for your teen.

Cost of Metal Braces Vs. Other Types of Braces

Traditional metal braces are the cheapest form of braces available. As previously mentioned, this can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 without insurance.

In addition to traditional metal braces, there are three other options:

  1. Ceramic Braces ($4,000-$8,000)—Ceramic braces are chosen to match the color of your teen’s teeth to make them less visible. These braces can also work faster and more efficiently than other types of braces.
  2. Invisalign ($4,000-$7,400)—Invisalign is a removable device with up to 30 custom-made, clear aligners. While your teen can take them out to eat and brush their teeth, the aligners have to be changed every few weeks for 1–3 years. This option is available for teens with minor misalignment.
  3. Lingual Braces ($8,000-$10,000)—These braces are completely invisible, because they are placed behind the teeth. While this is a good choice for hiding braces, these braces are harder to clean and require more adjustments over time.

Kool Insurance makes it possible to receive low-cost braces, whether you have insurance or not. If you are insured, you and your teen should speak to your orthodontist to see which braces are covered by Medicaid and other forms of insurance. Traditional metal braces are the most cost-efficient choice for individuals without insurance. Your local Kool Smiles provider will work with you to choose the best option so that you can comfortably pay the monthly cost of braces without insurance.

Additional Procedures and Costs Associated with Braces

In order to fit your teen’s braces properly, several additional steps to getting braces may include:

  • Initial cleanings or fillings before receiving braces
  • X-rays to show the biting position of the teeth and developing teeth
  • Plaster model/dental cast to further examine bite alignment
  • Possible tooth extraction to remove teeth causing overcrowding
  • Jaw surgeries for extremely severe cases
  • Retainers to be worn after braces are removed (especially in the case of Invisalign)

Consult your orthodontist to see if any additional procedures are included in the monthly cost of braces. Your orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan that considers your family’s needs.

Choose a Kool Smiles Orthodontist

On-site orthodontists are available at over 75 Kool Smiles locations around the country. Our orthodontists create a caring and fun environment for your child or teenager, so they won’t hesitate to come back.

Kool Smiles dentists and orthodontists provide quality care regardless of your income or insurance. Board certified orthodontists complete rigorous and competitive schooling to specialize in teeth and facial irregularities, and you or your child will only receive treatment from credentialed dentists and orthodontists.

Ninety-seven percent of Kool Smiles patients report that they will return and refer friends and family. You can trust our dentists and orthodontists to deliver lasting results to keep you and your family smiling.

Find Affordable Orthodontics at Kool Smiles

In several states and Washington, D.C., Kool Smiles has in-house orthodontic specialists available to give your child a no-cost braces consultation to estimate what your child’s braces treatment could cost.

Kool Smiles offices are always accepting new patients, and we are happy to discuss the cost of braces per month with you, whether you have insurance or not. Call 254-781-0553 today to get started with your no-cost braces consultation!

Q&A: The Cost of Braces Without Insurance

At what age do teenagers usually get braces?

It is common for children and teens to get braces between ages 10 and 14. Individual children lose their baby teeth and get their permanent teeth at different ages, so the ideal age depends on this factor, as well as the severity of dental problems.

How long do braces take to straighten teeth?

The length of time you or your teen must wear braces varies based on the severity of misalignment. Usually, fixed braces must be worn between 12 and 24 months. Removable braces, such as Invisalign, can take less time.

Remember that a removable brace or retainer may be required after (and even before) fixed brace treatment is complete.

How often should follow-up or adjustment appointments be made?

You should expect braces to need readjustment every few weeks. These adjustments are necessary to keep pressure on the teeth. Your orthodontist will replace the wires and elastics so that teeth can continue repositioning.

The number of adjustment appointments can also depend on the type of braces. Expect more adjustments with lingual braces.

How do I know if Medicaid will pay for braces or if I will have to pay for the cost of braces without insurance?

Check with your particular state to see if comprehensive dental care is covered by Medicaid, especially if you are an adult seeking orthodontic care. However, children’s dental care is covered under Medicaid as a federal mandate if the care is proven as medically necessary.

Unfortunately, the majority of states spend less than 2% of their Medicaid budgets on dental healthcare. Luckily, if your insurance does not cover orthodontics, you can still receive orthodontic treatment and braces at a lower cost through Kool Smiles.

Are discount programs available for braces if I don’t have insurance?

Speak to a Kool Smiles staff member to see if a discount program is available for your family’s dental services. These discount programs allow you to pay for dental services in low, monthly payments.

What if my local Kool Smiles does not have an on-site orthodontist?

If your local office does not have an on-site orthodontist, then the general or pediatric dentist will refer you to a qualified orthodontist in your area.

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Sources:

Oral-B: http://www.oralb.com/embraceit/how-much-do-braces-cost

Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/early-orthodontics/early-orthodontics-may-mean-less-treatment-later

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/braces/about/pac-20384607

American Board of Orthodontics:

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/what-is-a-board-certified-orthodontist/why-choose-a-board-certified-orthodontist/

DentalHealth.org: https://www.dentalhealth.org/living-with-my-brace

Medicaid.gov: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/dental/index.html

American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/dentists-doctors-of-oral-health