Explaining the Costs of Straightening Your Teeth

Thinking about straightening your teeth but worried about the cost? If so, you're not alone. Cost is often a top concern for people looking to get their perfect smile. But that doesn’t mean you should let the expense keep you from the smile you love. There are many straightening options available to fit most situations and budgets.

Investing in straightening your teeth is an investment in your overall health

Straightening your teeth isn’t just about the cosmetic benefits. Yes, it can straighten your smile and make you look younger, but it can also help protect against illness and injury. For example, straightening your teeth can help fight against gum disease and cavities by making it harder for plaque to hide from your toothbrush.

Straightening can also help protect against certain types of injuries that misaligned teeth are more prone to.¹ Teeth straightening can even help you get a better night’s sleep by combating disorders like sleep apnea.²

How teeth straightening works

Teeth straightening is done to fix misaligned or overcrowded teeth (and other bite-related issues). It gently and gradually applies pressure to teeth to move them into a better position. Not only does it improve how your teeth look, but it can also help improve your oral health.³ The two most common treatments for straightening teeth are braces and aligners.

Thinking braces? Expect to pay between $3,000 to $10,000.⁴

With braces, metal brackets, wires, and elastics apply pressure to your teeth to guide them into place. Typically, this happens over a period of one to three years, but each case is different and only your doctor can say how long you’ll need them.

Nationwide, the average cost of braces is between $3,000 to $10,000 dollars.⁴ How much you’ll actually pay however depends on several factors. Those factors include where you live, the material used to make the braces, and how long you wear them. Your orthodontist is your best resource for calculating how much your braces will cost.

Do Invisalign^® aligners cost more than braces?

The cost of Invisalign treatment is up to your orthodontist, but it is comparable to braces. During Invisalign treatment, you’ll wear a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. Invisalign aligners straighten teeth faster⁵ and more comfortably⁶ than braces. The aligners are virtually invisible and removable, so you can keep living your life and caring for your teeth throughout treatment.

Will my insurance cover braces or Invisalign^® treatment?

Your insurance may help cover up to $3,000 in orthodontic treatment.⁷ Some insurers limit how much they’ll pay for teeth straightening, so you’ll want to know what your plan covers and what you’ll pay out of pocket.

Your orthodontist can help you figure out how much treatment your insurance will cover. In some cases, they can work with your insurance provider to help you get the most from your coverage. If you’re not comfortable talking to your orthodontist, you can contact your insurance provider directly.

Financing your brand-new smile

Many doctors offer financing to make it easier to pay for treatment. Some plans may require little or no money to start and flexible monthly payments. Make sure you ask about financing options during your consultation. Chances are you can apply right there in the office.

HSAs and FSAs can cover straightening costs

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can also help cover some teeth straightening costs. These accounts have an advantage in that you don't pay taxes on the money you put into them.

How much is your comfort and daily life worth?

When thinking about the cost of straightening your teeth, ask yourself how much of your comfort and daily life you’re willing to sacrifice. How much do traditional treatments really cost you once you factor in the years of pain, inconvenience, food restrictions, and impact on your appearance? What would it be worth to get the smile of your dreams with less intrusion on your daily life? Invisalign clear aligners are less painful,⁸ more comfortable,⁶ faster⁵ and virtually invisible compared to metal braces. In many cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of braces. Your orthodontist will determine the cost of your treatment. Find a doctor today and get started on treatment.