Cutting the cost of braces
How much do braces cost? It depends on whether you have a dental discount plan.
If you or a family member needs braces, you may be in for a case of sticker shock when you see how much braces cost. Orthodontists today offer different kinds of braces at different price points, but all carry costs that can be in intimidating.
Traditional dental insurance can help offset the cost of braces, but only to a point, and many insurance plans don’t cover braces at all. Fortunately, dental discount plans like DentalSave can cut your cost for all kinds of braces, from traditional metal devices up through Invisalign.
Ceramic braces
($4,000-8,000)
Very much like metal braces, but the brackets are clear or tooth-colored, which makes them less obvious. They’re more expensive than metal braces.
Metal braces
($3,000-7,000}
A system of brackets and adjustable wires that gradually move teeth into position. Today’s metal braces are smaller, with colored brackets available, but they’re still the most visible option.
Lingual braces
($8,000-10,000)
Metal braces installed on the backs of the teeth—they’re invisible when you smile. They’re also more expensive than traditional metal braces, and not right for everyone.
Invisalign or invisible braces
($4,000-7,400)
Instead of brackets and wires, this approach uses transparent plastic aligners. They’re like mouth-guards, removed and replaced every week. They let you eat and drink anything you like, but are a more expensive option.
The DentalSave alternative
DentalSave is different. It’s not conventional insurance, but rather a membership-based discount plan that can cut 25 percent off the costs of braces (and give you big discounts on all dental procedures, plus vision care, hearing care, and prescription drugs).
Think of it like joining a warehouse club. You pay an annual membership fee ($99 for an individual, $199 for a family of three or more) then get the same great dental care—including braces—at significant savings.
Compare what you might pay for different kinds of braces with DentalSave versus traditional insurance:
| Regular price range | Insurance (after $1,000 benefit cap) | DentalSave (with 25 percent discount) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | $3,000-7,000 | $2,000-6,000 | $2,250-5,250 |
| Ceramic braces | $4,000-8,000 | $3,000-7,000 | $3,000-6,000 |
| Lingual braces | $8,000-10,000 | $7,000-9,000 | $6,000-7,500 |
| Invisalign | $4,000-7,400 | $3,000-6,400 | $3,000-5,550 |
Actual costs for braces vary widely, but in almost every case, you can save more with DentalSave over insurance. The savings are especially significant for the more expensive, less visible options that adult patients tend to choose.
Find an orthodontist
So, which is right for you? Only you can make the call—do a little research, crunch the numbers, and see which option makes orthodontic care more affordable.
Once you decide on DentalSave, it takes only a minute to become a member and never pay full price at the dentist again. Everyone can join, and the savings start right away—all you do is show your card.
Become a member
Anyone can join DentalSave, and the benefits begin immediately.
It takes just a few minutes to become a member—
and start saving right away.