How to Manage the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment

Each year, millions of patients embark on orthodontic journeys. The cost of orthodontic treatment is not only an investment of time but of money as well. The average cost of orthodontic braces in Canada can rage anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the patient’s dental requirements. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors and payment options to consider so you can comfortably fit orthodontic treatment into your budget and more importantly, to ensure that you feel confident and secure in your decision. 

Plan Ahead

Each patient’s specific orthodontic issues and their severity will play the largest role in determining the cost of orthodontic treatment, and understandably, the cost of orthodontic treatment can make some patients hesitant to explore options. Ideally, it’s beneficial to appropriately plan to incorporate the cost of orthodontic treatment into your budget. Multiple factors that affect the cost of treatment include your specific oral health needs, how much work needs to be completed, any coverage that your insurance plan provides, your location and average price of treatment in your area, and the amount of time and work that’s required of your orthodontist.

Choose the Right Orthodontist 

Dentistry is not only built on clinical skills but relationships, too. Choosing the right orthodontist is crucial in achieving the smile of your dreams. Your trained orthodontist should have years of experience and outstanding ratings and referrals from satisfied patients. The first thing your orthodontist will want to do is to consult to inspect your teeth, assess your bite, take X-rays, and determine the course of treatment. This visit will solely represent the consultation and diagnostic phase. Having an open dialogue with your orthodontist is important when deciding on your care. Ultimately, the choice belongs to you, but it’s important to find an orthodontist who has your best interest, and your budget, in mind.

Consider Different Treatment Options

Your orthodontist will help you create the best plan for your particular situation. With today’s advancements in technology, there are many different treatment options available depending on your orthodontic needs. Treatment options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and removable appliances such as clear aligners and retainers. A helpful tip is to become educated on the treatment options that are available for your specific orthodontic needs. Be sure to ask all of the right questions so that you feel confident in your final decision.

Ask About Payment Plans or Financing Options Up Front

It’s recommended to speak with your dental office to learn about all of the offered payment plans available. Every orthodontic practice will have a variety of payment options that will make it easier financially for you or your family members. Many dental practices offer affordable and flexible monthly payment plans that provide an opportunity to make small payments throughout your treatment, rather than paying for the entirety of your treatment upfront.

Check Your Insurance Plan 

Orthodontic coverages varies between plans and providers. Many insurance providers will allow patients to increase the orthodontic option, and if you’re considering treatment for a child and both parents have coverage, you will be able to apply both plans. It’s important to have your insurance company fully explain your orthodontic coverage to you. According to a report by the Canadian Association of Orthodontics (CAO), orthodontics are covered separately in a dental insurance contract and the procedure is typically covered at the 50 per cent level.

Follow All Post-Treatment Protocols 

As previously mentioned, orthodontic treatment is a big investment in time and money. Following your orthodontist’s post-treatment protocol will prevent the need to redo treatment and will ultimately keep the cost of treatment down. To avoid tooth movement after your braces or appliances are removed, a retainer, whether fixed or removable, will likely be recommended to keep your teeth in their new position. Over time, your teeth can shift back to their original position if you don’t follow your post treatment plan. It’s important to remember that patient compliance is an essential part of successful orthodontic treatment. 

Everyone deserves a smile that they’re proud of, and there are ways to reduce or manage the cost of orthodontic treatment. Be sure to explore all options that suit your lifestyle and budget, and listen carefully to the recommendations of your dental professional. 

Choosing the Right Orthodontic Treatment

For most patients, achieving a straight, beautiful smile is the deciding factor for investing in orthodontic care. If you happen to feel self-conscious about your smile, or if you’re experiencing discomfort with your bite, correcting your concerns through orthodontic treatment can successfully change the way you not only look but feel. 

That being said, it’s important to remember that orthodontic treatment goes far beyond aesthetics. It also helps improve the overall function of the teeth and jaw muscles. The best option to correct misalignment issues will depend on several different factors. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Crowded teeth may make brushing and flossing more challenging with the risk of missing food particles and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. Malocclusion, otherwise known as a bad bite, can also create discomfort and challenges with eating and speaking. 

Advancements in orthodontic technology mean that there are more treatment options available today than ever before. To shift misaligned or crooked teeth to the desired position, your orthodontist can help you choose the best-suited treatment for your specific orthodontic condition. Next, we’ll break down the most popular orthodontic treatment options.

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces are more comfortable than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel and titanium, they help straighten your teeth by using metal brackets and archwires. Once the braces have been placed, they require adjustment to move the teeth to their optimal position. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to allow your orthodontist to monitor the progress. Braces are suitable for both minor and complex orthodontic issues including misalignment, underbites, overbites, and crossbites. 

Ceramic Braces

For a more discreet option, ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are less visible on your teeth compared to traditional metal braces. For patients with cosmetic concerns, ceramic braces are a popular option. It’s important to note that even though the appearance will be more discreet, it’s not completely transparent. Instead, the brackets are made from a shade of ceramic that appropriately matches your teeth.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth making them completely invisible when you smile. They are one hundred per cent customized to match the exact shape of your teeth and are placed within the inner portion of the teeth to assist with tooth, jaw, and bite correction. They have gained popularity throughout the years because they are a more comfortable and discreet option for those undergoing orthodontic treatment. 

Clear & Removable Aligners 

Looking to achieve a straight smile without a mouth full of metal? Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are an alternative treatment of customized clear plastic trays that shift your teeth into proper alignment. Orthodontic treatment using clear aligners allows for a reduced treatment time but only if the treatment plan is followed properly. Since patient compliance is essential for success, patients are required to be disciplined about wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. They are changed every two weeks on average to the next set in the series, only to be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water, and of course, to brush and floss. 

Retainers

A fixed or removable retainer will mold to the shape of your bite and must be worn as directed by your orthodontist. Fixed retainers are custom-fitted wires that are bonded to the inside of your teeth, typically on the lower teeth. The role of the trainer is to keep teeth in place while the bone tissue rebuilds around them. Similar to removable aligners, retainers should be worn at all times, except when you are eating or brushing your teeth. It’s important to follow the advice and direction of your orthodontist and not neglect your retainer in order to achieve desired results.

Palate Expanders

A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance that is used to correct a discrepancy or width problem between the upper and lower jaws. The appliance applies pressure to the backs of the upper molars, gradually moving the teeth further apart. Palate expanders are typically used in younger patients because the upper and lower jaws are still developing but in certain cases, they are used for adult patients. 

Forsus Appliances 

It’s recommended for children to have an orthodontic exam and evaluation performed no later than age seven. This will allow the dentist or orthodontist to see if they are candidates for orthodontic treatment, as it’s easier to treat issues while the jaws and teeth are still in a developmental stage. A Forsus appliance is attached to traditional braces to bring the upper and lower jaw into its proper position. These appliances have mostly replaced the use of headgear and are commonly used to help correct stubborn overbites.