Braces are one of those situations in life in which the ends justify the means. The process can be time-consuming and uncomfortable, but the result of a beautiful, healthy smile is typically well worth the journey. For many patients, the financial requirements for braces are a major concern. Although orthodontic cost used to be very expensive, in recent years some diversity in the market has driven the prices of orthodontic treatment down. However, it certainly doesn’t help the decision-making process when you start meeting with orthodontists and discover that each one provides you a different price. Like most dental treatments and other medical procedures, braces are different for every patient and so are the fees associated with braces. To help you find the best price for your orthodontic treatment, we’ve researched the cost of orthodontic treatment in the USA and uncovered some very interesting findings. Keep on reading this new blog in Thompson to find out more.

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1. The average national price of metal braces ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000.
2. The orthodontic cost average for children is $4,685 to $6,500.
3. The orthodontic cost for adults is $4,800 to $7,135.
4. The cost of the initial exam in Baltimore Maryland is free.
5. The average cost of orthodontic treatment for youth in Baltimore Maryland is $5226.24.
6. The average cost of orthodontic treatment for adolescents in Baltimore Maryland is $5562.88.
7. The average cost of orthodontic treatment for adults in Baltimore Maryland is $5984.75.
8. The cost of replacing the lost retainer in Baltimore Maryland is $322.68.
9. The cost of brace removal is around $60 to $250.
10. The average braces removal cost in Jacksonville is $150.
11. The cost of a removable plastic retainer is $400-800 for both arches.
12. The cost of a removable Hawley retainer is $150-600 for both arches.
13. The cost of a permanent retainer is up to $500 per arch.
14. The average cost of retainer in Maryland is $322.68.
15. The national average cost of Invisalign lies in a range from $4,000 to $7,500.
16. Invisalign cost with insurance is from $1,800 to $4,800.
17. Invisalign cost in monthly payment starts from $99 to $124 per month and up.
18. The average Invisalign cost in Los Angeles is $3499.
19. The estimated cost of lingual braces is $5,000–$13,000 in the US.
20. The average lingual braces cost in Chicago is $9,000.
21. Patients should expect to pay an average of $155 for brace removal in the US.
22. Patients should expect to pay an average of $400 for the orthodontic retainer in the US.
23. Patients should expect to pay an average of $5000 for Invisalign in the US.
24. Patients should expect to pay an average of $9000 for Lingual braces in the US.
25. The initial orthodontic consultation cost is $50.

There is no standard price for braces. People in the United States should expect to spend anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000 or even slightly higher depending on the type of treatment needed, length of time, age of the patient, where they live, and type of insurance they have.According to statistics from the American Dental Association (ADA), the orthodontic cost average for children is $4,685 to $6,500, and the orthodontic adult cost is $4,800 to $7,135. The Orthodontic braces cost could be higher or lower than these amounts, depending on how long your treatment plan lasts.The average national price of metal braces ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000. These are the traditional metal braces that are most commonly used, and they are the most easily recognizable. However, many patients opt-out of metal braces because they don’t like the look that comes with them. Although metal braces have been the number one choice for treatment over the years, there are now even more options to choose from.If your health plan does not cover braces, it is always possible for you to purchase supplemental orthodontic insurance. Make sure to ask about the percentage of total costs that they cover; a common figure is 50% with a $1,500 lifetime maximum per child.Orthodontic insurance is separate from medical and dental insurance. If you have dental insurance, most likely you have orthodontic benefits. Orthodontic benefits are separate from your normal dental insurance with your dentist. Orthodontic benefits are paid throughout the treatment for the patient and normally have a lifetime maximum or co-pay per patient. The normal time for braces is 24 months. In that case, your benefit would be paid over 24 months. Only 1% of insurance companies pay your orthodontic benefit in full in one payment. There are medical plans that have orthodontic benefits only if the braces are medically necessary and your plan includes orthodontic benefits.During our research, we found the 5 companies which offer best insurance services for braces in 2020 in Maryland are as follows:Many dental insurance plans will cover braces treatment for anyone under age 18, but not for adults. However, if your plan includes specific orthodontic benefits, there’s a good chance you’ll receive coverage, although it might not be for the entire cost. Still, every little bit helps, and your insurance company could provide some support.The most common benefit is payable at a percentage with a lifetime maximum of a certain amount. For example: payable at 50% with a lifetime maximum of $1500 per person. Let us say the total charge for the braces is $6000. The insurance company covers 20% down when the braces are put on: $1200 and this is covered at 50%. The insurance company will pay $600 when you get the braces on and you are responsible for the remaining 50%: $600.00. The remaining balance of $4,800 is divided by 24 months (the course of the treatment): $200 per month. The insurance company pays this amount at 50%, which is $100 per month until you have reached your maximum benefit. In this case, it is $1,500. If you take the $1,500 minus the $600 paid at the banding date of the braces and $100 per month thereafter, you will run out of benefits in 9 months. After the 9th month, your responsibility would be the full $200 for the remaining months instead of the $100 per month for the first 9 months. In reality, the braces are $6,000 minus your $1,500 benefit with a remainder of $4,500 that is your responsibility.Before committing to treatment, contact your insurance provider to see if they will cover your braces. Alternatively, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), your orthodontist’s office may accept payments from either. These tax-free funds which may receive contributions from your employer could be more convenient than paying out of pocket.The average orthodontic treatment cost in Baltimore Maryland is shown in table below:On your final visit to the orthodontist where you have your braces taken off, the orthodontist carries out several steps to completely detach them from your teeth. The costs of this visit are usually included in the cost of braces altogether. However, some dentists may charge this visit separately. If charged individually, or if you have moved and are getting your braces taken off by another doctor, the cost of having braces removed will typically be around $60 to $250.There are three types of retainers:

1. Removable flexible plastic retainers 
2. Removable Hawley retainers (metal wires with acrylic or plastic)
3. Permanent retainers, also known as lingual retainers (wired, bonded, or fixed).

Removable clear plastic retainers have become more and more popular. These retainers are used more often than Hawley retainers. However, orthodontists frequently prefer permanent retainers. They are more often prescribed to younger children but can be prescribed to patients of any age.Below is a chart comparing different retainer types by costs.According to a survey from the American Association of Orthodontists, around 1.5 million people seek out an orthodontist specifically. More adults than ever are getting Invisalign. Invisalign cost for adults averages between $3,000 to $5,000.Invisalign is a great option for adults because they are almost invisible and you can take them out to eat whatever you need to. These are not indicated for serious dental problems, however. They also can be lost easily and are costly to replace, the treatment time may be longer, and they are only available to teens and adults, not children. The national average cost of Invisalign lies in a range from $4,000 to $7,500.The Invisalign website says the Invisalign cost average is anywhere between $3,000–$7,000. Besides, they say that people may qualify for up to $3,000 in help from their insurance company. Invisalign cost with insurance is from $1,800 to $4,800. However, According to our research, providers rarely cover more than $2,000. Policies tend to cover more when the issues are more severe, making alignment medically necessary.According to the Consumer Guide for Dentistry, the national average for Invisalign cost without insurance is $3,000–$5,000.There is another survey that says Invisalign cost estimate is generally between $3,000 and $8,000 (most often falling somewhere around the $4,000-5,000 mark).Invisalign cost monthly payment is also available starting from $99 to $124 per month and up.Lingual braces are one of the many types of fixed orthodontic treatment appliances available to patients needing orthodontics. The estimated cost of lingual braces is $5,000–$13,000 in the US.Another research says that the national average price of this treatment which is usually the most expensive fluctuates from $8,000 to $10,000. Your insurance company may not cover this method of treatment due to the cost and the cosmetic nature of the treatment.Some orthodontic treatments and their average costs in the USA have been mentioned in the table below.The initial orthodontic consultation cost is $50. There is no charge for x-rays or molds if these are required. There is also no charge to return and discuss your treatment plan. However, according to AAO, many AAO orthodontists offer initial consultations at little or no cost.So this is all you need to know about orthodontic treatment costs. Remember that if you have dental or health insurance, then you should consult with your orthodontist before receiving any type of treatment. Many insurance companies won’t pay for treatment if the patient is over 18 years old, but you may receive partial coverage if under age 18.