If you’re wondering about the cost of orthodontic treatment in Tucson, you’ve come to the right place. Many people require orthodontic treatment at some point in their lives, but the cost of such treatment can be a significant barrier for some. In this blog, we will explore the factors that can affect the cost of orthodontic treatment, provide an overview of the treatments available, as well as recommendations on payment methods.
How to Assess the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment
When evaluating each unique orthodontic situation, there are many factors to consider.
Type of Treatment
Orthodontic treatments come at varying prices. For instance, traditional metal braces are often less expensive than clear aligners like Invisalign. However, at Freytag Orthodontics, both are very affordable. In fact, we offer both treatments at the same price.
Insurance Coverage
Your dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of your orthodontic treatment. However, coverage can vary significantly depending on the plan and the severity of the orthodontic problem.
Severity of the Problem
The severity of your orthodontic problem will also affect the cost of your treatment. The more complex your case is, the more time and resources the orthodontist will need to invest in your treatment.
Length of Treatment
The longer the treatment, the more it will cost. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can take several years, which can significantly increase the total cost. However, our average treatment time is 16 months.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the severity of the case and the length of treatment. Whether you’re looking for traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, each have advantages. However, pricewise, they’re the same here at Freytag Orthodontics! Read on to learn the top benefits of each orthodontic option.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. The advantages are:
- Metal braces tend to take the least amount of time.
- Self-ligating metal brackets are smaller in size and do not retain stains (from coffee, food, etc.).
- Metal braces are strong and rarely break.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces but have clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with the patient’s teeth. The advantages are:
- They are not very noticeable to others or in photos.
- Some patients feel that they are more comfortable than metal braces.
- They may be less irritating to your cheeks and gums.
- They are durable.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that is removable and custom-made for each patient. The advantages are:
- They are easier to clean than traditional braces because they are removable.
- They don’t irritate your cheeks or gums.
- The trays do not retain stains (from coffee, food, etc.).
- The aligners are numbered and worn for 1 week each, so your time in treatment is well defined.
- You’ll have fewer and less frequent appointments than patients wearing traditional braces.
Retainers
After treatment, orthodontic retainers are used to maintain the position of your newly aligned smile. At Freytag Orthodontics, you’ll receive two free sets as soon as you finish treatment.
How to Pay for Orthodontic Treatment
Paying for orthodontic treatment can be challenging for some families, especially if the treatment is not covered by dental insurance. Below are some options to make orthodontics a little more budget friendly.
Dental Insurance
Many dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of orthodontic treatment. Check with your provider to see what your specific coverage includes.
Payment Plans
Our team at Freytag Orthodontics cares about your family’s budget, and we want to help take the stress out of paying for braces. That’s why we offer affordable braces with an in-office payment plan that features no interest and monthly payments for up to 24 months.
Health Savings Account
To be eligible to contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). This is a type of health insurance plan with a higher deductible than traditional plans. HDHPs typically have lower monthly premiums, which can make them a great, budget-friendly option. Check out our blog on using your HSA for orthodontics.
Apply for Our “Start a Smile” Scholarship
At Freytag Orthodontics, we believe your smile is just the start of many great things in life. We find it our professional and social mission to better the lives of those around us through the gift of a smile.
We are proud partners of the Start a Smile Foundation, an organization that provides care to individuals who otherwise may not receive orthodontic treatment. This incredible philanthropy was founded in Kansas City in 2009 and since then has donated over $3.5 million worth of free braces to deserving children nationwide.
Through the Start a Smile Foundation, we at Freytag Orthodontics provide four sets of free braces each calendar quarter to children in and around Tucson, Arizona. That’s sixteen people who receive complimentary braces each! Click here to complete our Smile Scholarship Application.
Schedule Your FREE Initial Exam
Ready to start your smile journey? We have two convenient locations in the northern Tucson area: Oro Valley and Marana, Arizona.
We offer traditional braces and Invisalign for both teens and adults. We’ll get you the perfect smile at any age! At Freytag Orthodontics, your initial exam is free. Schedule an in-office orthodontic visit or call 520.365.6703 to schedule a Video Exam.