La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – One of the most common questions that we hear when new patients call our offices is, “how much will that cost?” Since there are several treatment options available today, there are varying prices for those options as well. Patients in La Habra and Chino Hills want to know how much those treatment options are, however, there are several factors that play into the overall cost of orthodontic treatment.

The average cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $1,000 to $7,200. The average cost of metal braces is between $1,000 and $6,200.

“Many people often mistakenly believe that Invisalign treatment is much more expensive than traditional metal braces,” says Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics. “While that may have been true when Invisalign was first introduced, that is no longer the case today. In fact, at our La Habra and Chino Hills offices, we offer patients these options at essentially the same price. What the individual patient will pay may vary, depending on several factors.”

Those factors include: the severity of the problem, whether you have insurance, the age you are when you seek treatment, the experience of your orthodontist, and where you are located in the country all play a factor in the cost of orthodontic treatment. Let’s break these factors down.

1. Severity of the problem. Plain and simple, the easier your issue is, the less expensive it will be to correct. Patients who only need minor tooth movement will spend less time overall in braces and therefore the overall cost of their treatment will be lower. More severe malocclusions require longer treatment times and sometimes additional appliances, such as a palatal expander, to ensure the most ideal smile and bite.
2. Insurance. Dental insurance can greatly reduce your out of pocket expense. According to CostHelper.com, the average cost of metal braces without insurance is $4,937, but with insurance that price falls to $3,407.
3. The age you are when you seek treatment. There is a reason we recommend patients see an orthodontist for the first time at the age of seven – that’s because it allows the orthodontist the ability to monitor the smile and then begin treatment at the time it will be the most effective. If orthodontic treatment is put off until after the jaw has stopped growing, treatment may be more involved and therefore more expensive.
4. Experience of the orthodontist. Treatment by a board certified orthodontist may be slightly more expensive than from a general dentist or non-certified orthodontist. However, the increase in cost will often come with peace of mind that you are receiving treatment from someone who has shown their commitment to the highest level of orthodontics.
5. Location. Orthodontists in rural areas will often be less expensive than in more urban areas and large cities. Patients in New York City for example will pay more than patients in Bismarck, ND.

“As you can see, there are many factors that can go into the cost of orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Gire. “Remember to consider all these factors when you look at the price of treatment that is quoted to you. At Gire Orthodontics we work incredibly hard to offer the best orthodontic care at a price that is as affordable as possible. We promise to work with every patient to ensure treatment is not out of reach.”

If you are interested in learning more about how Gire Orthodontics can help transform your smile, call 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).