Does your child need braces? These days it seems nearly every child needs braces at some point in their childhood or teenage years. Orthodontic treatment offers many benefits such as healthier teeth, more effective chewing, and proper speech development.
If your child needs braces, you are probably wondering what it's going to cost you. Here’s what you can expect for the average cost of braces in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Average Cost of Braces in Attleboro
The average cost of traditional metal braces ranges from $4,500-$7,200. Clear aligners are comparable to the cost of metal braces.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Braces
There are a number of factors that contribute to the official estimate you will receive for the cost of braces for your child, including:
- Geographic location. Where you live and where your treatment provider is located will have an effect on the cost of braces. Cost of living drives the price of services, including orthodontic services. If you live in or near a large city or densely populated area, you may end up paying more for braces than someone living in a small town or rural area.
- Extent of your treatment. Some patients will need more extensive orthodontic treatment than others. The more adjustments your teeth need to become properly aligned, the higher the cost of your overall treatment will be.
- Length of treatment. The extent of your orthodontic needs will directly affect the length of your treatment. The longer you need to wear braces to properly align your teeth, the higher the overall cost will be.
- Type of braces. Traditional metal braces are typically the most affordable orthodontic treatment option, with clear aligners being comparable.
- Insurance. If your dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment, the cost of braces for your child may be less overall. Insurance will typically only pay a portion of the total cost of orthodontic treatment for a child once in their lifetime.
How Can I Afford Braces?
Most dental and orthodontic practices provide payment options to make the cost more affordable. You can make monthly payments or pay at each appointment until the total cost of braces is paid. If you have insurance coverage for orthodontics, the insurance provider pays a portion of the cost of treatment either up front or in installments throughout the treatment process.
Are Braces Really Necessary?
Parents often wonder if their children really need braces, partly because of the cost. What can happen if your dentist recommends orthodontic treatment and you decide to forgo it?
- Tooth decay. When the teeth are crowded together, crooked, or overlapping it makes it more difficult to keep them clean. Plaque is more likely to gather between the teeth and cause decay.
- Damage to the teeth. Misaligned bite patterns cause the teeth to wear down prematurely, resulting in sensitivity and greater chance of decay. Teeth are also more likely to crack or break due to excessive force of bite misalignment.
- TMJ disorder. A misaligned bite can also put excess strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the location on each side of the face where the lower jaw connects to the head. This can cause pain and limited range of motion in the jaw.
- Headaches. Your child may also develop headaches from misaligned bite patterns due to the excessive amount of force on the jaw.
- Speech problems. Improperly positioned teeth can cause speech problems to develop and persist.
Treatment is Most Effective in Childhood and Adolescence
Don’t put off orthodontic treatment until your child is older or an adult. The best time to get braces is in later childhood or the early teenage years while children are still growing and developing. Attleboro Family Dental Care provides orthodontic evaluations for children of all ages. We monitor our patients’ orthodontic development from the first appointment and throughout their lifetime.
Call 508-222-2510 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation.