Braces have been around for many years now, and there’s a good reason they’re still in high demand. They are used for corrective dental practices to give patients their perfect smile and bite back.
From experience and all the research we’ve seen over time, one thing is for sure and that braces do work. But one thing that still doesn’t have a definitive answer is how much these braces cost.
Well, for starters, one of the key determinants is the location of treatment. So, just how much are braces in California? This guide takes you through all that you need to know regarding the cost of braces in California.
How much do braces cost in California?
The cost of braces in California ranges between $6,500 and $10,000. According to the latest survey on dental fees by the American Dental Association, the national average cost for braces is around $6,000.
This pins California to have a pricing tag that’s more than the national average. Well, with the city booming with Hollywood stars and a high cost of living, these figures shouldn’t come as a surprise.
However, if the average price is out of your budget, you can also get to know how much are pop on veneers which can be an alternative option.
Factors influencing the cost of braces in California
Braces are typically pricey, and the location is only one of the factors that may affect your total payable bill. Here’s a quick breakdown of the factors that may affect how much braces cost in California:
The severity of the condition
The severity of your condition is automatically the most important factor that dentists consider before you get your final treatment cost. Ideally, a simple case of spacing or crowding is easier to treat, takes less time, and fewer clinic visits as compared to a more severe case of an overbite.
Your dentist will take you through your entire treatment timeline during the first evaluation of your condition. Thereafter, they’ll issue you with a bill that resonates with the treatment costs and timeline.
Type of braces
There have been numerous advancements in dentistry over the last couple of years. One of the biggest stepups is the introduction of different types of braces, besides the traditional metal braces.
Patients now can choose what type of braces they’d like to wear during their treatment, with approval from their dentist. We have ceramic braces with brackets made to blend in with your teeth and lingual braces with brackets at the back of the teeth (and not the front as with others).
These braces are made to be virtually invisible to a not-so-keen eye, helping boost the patient’s self-esteem. These almost invisible braces tend to cost higher than standard metal braces.
Region
The cost of braces in California is generally high. However, the price may vary depending on the region you’re seeking the services in. Urban areas have technically higher prices than suburbans, which in turn cost more than rural areas.
Orthodontic experience and local competition are some of the other key determinants of the pricing of braces. With more orthodontic clinics in your area, the higher the chances of getting a place with better pricing as they all compete to offer the best pricing to attract more visitors.
How to make braces affordable in California
Do you feel the average cost of braces in California is overwhelming? Worry not, as you’re not alone. Braces are an important part of restorative and cosmetic dentistry that we should all benefit from. But how will you get braces without incurring these high expenses?
Here are a few tips to note:
Review your insurance plan
Most dental insurance plans cater to orthodontics for children and adolescents. However, only a handful cover orthodontics in adults. Before committing to getting braces, first review your insurance plan. Alternatively, you can go for an insurance provider with orthodontics as part of their plan.
Search for discounts
Be on the lookout for any running promotions and discounts from the orthodontists in your region. You may get some of them on the clinic’s website or social media pages.
Looking for a way to get braces for free or at greatly reduced prices? You should consider getting orthodontic treatment from some universities with dental schools at a much lower price.
This is if you don’t mind being under the care of a resident (these are fully qualified dentists that are only yet to receive their practicing licenses). Some of the best universities to check out include UCLA, USC, and the University of the Pacific.
Inquire about financing options
Some orthodontists will allow you to pay the total treatment cost in bits instead of one lump sum payment upfront. Ensure to talk to your orthodontist about available financing options that can help you to reduce the upfront treatment cost.
Top California braces providers in the region
Being a big region, California houses very many dental clinics that offer orthodontic treatment. Most of them provide top-notch services on all braces-related cases. In no particular order, here are the top braces providers in the region to check out.
All these orthodontic clinics use state-of-the-art technology and have customer review ratings of five stars. Depending on your region, you can simply conduct a quick ‘best orthodontists near me’ search online, and you’ll get other good alternatives.
Comparing the best braces alternatives
Are you having any doubts about having braces? Do you not wish to have metal or ceramic brackets and wires in your mouth? Worry no more, as there are various alternatives that can still help you achieve the results you want.
Some of the most popular brands like Invisalign are ideal options. However, the Invisalign cost in California may still be as high as that of braces, yet you may need a cheaper option.
Here are the top three braces alternatives to consider:
With an average treatment period of only three months, Byte offers one of the shortest treatment timelines by any clear aligner brand. The pricing is also pretty affordable at only $1,895 for the aligners, not inclusive of the $95 for the modeling kit.
Byte also offers a night-only option where you can only wear the aligners at night and still get the expected results within a short period.
Available for only $1,295, NewSmile is a new kid on the block with very effective clear aligners to help in correcting most dental anomalies. The treatment period is between four and six months, with a night-only option available.
The modeling kit is also pretty affordable at only $49 (cheaper than most other brands) with free shipping. What’s more, retainers are included in the kit at no extra charge.
With the above information, you now know how much braces cost in California. Do not be hesitant to get braces: having the perfect bite and smile simply because the pricing may be off-putting at first. This is because we have also highlighted some of the things you can do to reduce the upfront and overall cost of braces in California.
