How much do braces cost for top teeth

Braces are an investment in your dental health that pays dividends throughout your life. A straighter smile boosts your confidence, improves your bite, and is easier to clean.

Orthodontic braces can correct a number of misalignment issues, including overcrowding, overbites, underbites and gapping. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering about the orthodontic braces process and how much braces cost.

Straightened teeth reduce the chances of developing severe oral health problems. Issues such as accelerated tooth decay, gum disease, and jawbone loss can all result from overcrowded teeth which trap bacteria and plaque. Misaligned bites can result in joint dysfunction, migraines, and trouble speaking and chewing.

Determining the Cost of Your Braces Treatment

There are multiple steps in orthodontic braces treatment. Complex misalignment issues may also increase your overall braces cost. For example, you may need teeth extracted before your braces are fitted.

Additionally, if you have a severe underbite, overbite, or overcrowding of your teeth, you may need more extensive interventions. You may also not be eligible for clear aligners.

During this stage, the dentist will assess your overall oral health to determine the best course of action. We take impressions of your teeth, X-rays, photographs, or other 3D imaging.

Everyone’s treatment plan is different, so the cost may also vary. This will depend on the orthodontic system you choose, duration of treatment, and severity of misalignment. Some patients may need braces for only a year, but on average, most patients wear braces for 18-24 months.

How much do braces cost for top teeth
Some patients may be eligible for clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces.

At No Gaps Dental, we offer ClearCorrect aligners. These removable, transparent braces allow patients to receive orthodontic treatment that does not impact their everyday appearance and oral hygiene routine. However, ClearCorrect is also more expensive than traditional metal braces.

Once your braces are removed, you will be given a retainer to keep your newly aligned teeth in place. You can wear this retainer at night while you sleep. Most treatment plans provide one retainer, but if you lose or break your retainer, this may mean an additional cost.

At No Gaps Dental, we offer affordable options for our patients and our area. Some dentists will have higher prices, especially if they are located in the heart of the city. Our prices incorporate our training, technology, and overhead costs.

The Skill of the Dentist

The skill of the dentist also factors into how much orthodontic braces cost. The more education and experience a dentist possesses, the more they’re able to offer the dental client in terms of expertise and practised skill.

An experienced dentist can understand a broader range and complexity of possible dental issues. Dentists who are trained in a variety of new techniques and technologies can also help patients achieve more efficient results.

Are My Braces Covered by Medicare?

Many people wonder, “How much do braces cost in Australia,” and if the cost can be offset by Medicare. Braces are an orthodontic treatment, which means they are not typically covered by Medicare because they are usually done for cosmetic reasons.

However, in some instances getting braces may be necessary for the patient’s overall health. You can submit a claim for your braces cost to Medicare or contact your local Medicare office.

Children may be eligible for Medicare coverage if their well-being depends on adjustments to their teeth and jaw. However, you can only claim up to $1,000 per child per two consecutive calendar years.

Will My Insurance Cover Braces?

Because of the typically cosmetic nature of braces, they are not often covered under most private healthcare insurances. However, some insurance plans have supplemental orthodontic coverage that will cover braces.

Check with your insurance provider to see what your plan actually covers. If you or your child needs extensive orthodontic work, be sure you have supplemental coverage that will not cost you more in premiums than what you claim.

Additionally, check the fine print of supplemental coverage to ensure there is no waiting period for getting orthodontic braces. Health Funds base their payment allowances on their own internal fee schedules, which may not be the same braces cost quoted by your dentist.

At No Gaps Dental, we offer several different billing options. HICAPS electronic claiming makes it easy to obtain benefits without having to file with your private health care provider. With this option, all you need to do is bring your Health Fund card with you on the day of your appointment. This allows you to obtain dental service with less hassle.

Payment Options

We also offer payment plans through MacCredit, which grants dental loans up to $70,000 dollars. Once you have shown proof of income, MacCredit will transfer the funds into your account. This means you can get the care you need when you need it. MacCredit’s flexible plans allow repayment plans with a schedule as low as $30 per week.

This can make even the most complex orthodontic treatment plan far more affordable, and it means you don’t need to delay improving your dental health.

Final Thoughts

When our patients ask us “How much do braces cost in Australia?”, our answer always depends on the patient, the amount of dental work needed, and if they have insurance coverage.

A healthy, straight smile can help boost your confidence, improve your ability to clean your teeth, and help keep your mouth healthy for a lifetime. Braces are an investment in your long-term oral health. If you have any questions about the No Gaps Dental orthodontic braces, contact us on (02) 8007 6727 to begin your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.

Everyone wants a beautiful smile that they can be proud of. Sometimes, when we have dental problems, we feel embarrassed to smile or even show our teeth. Problems like crooked teeth or having large gaps between teeth can affect our self-confidence. For cases like these, the gold standard for treatment is by wearing braces.

When Do You Need Braces?

Dentists usually recommend braces or orthodontic treatment for patients who have the following dental problems:

  • Misaligned teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Misaligned jaw

Some patients may forgo getting braces if their dental problems are minimal. But if having misaligned teeth affects the patient’s daily activities like eating, talking, and smiling, getting braces is highly encouraged.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The specific cost of braces varies based on several factors. Firstly, there are different types of braces or orthodontic treatments to choose from. Each type has an average price range as well as specific features and benefits. Depending on your dentist and treatment plan, you may need a particular type of braces, or you may be able to choose which one you prefer.

Here are the different types of braces and their average cost:

  1. Metal Braces. These are the traditional braces commonly used for orthodontic treatment. Dentists use metal wires and brackets to create the braces and adjust them regularly. Most modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable to wear than several years ago, but they are still the most visible. Depending on the patient’s treatment plan, they can go from as low as $4,000 to as high as $9,000.
  2. Ceramic Braces. Similar to metal braces, ceramic ones use tooth-coloured brackets for a more subtle appearance. They also have a similar price range of around $5,000 to $9,000.
  3. Invisalign/Clear Braces. Invisalign uses plastic moulds that are worn over the teeth to adjust their shape and alignment. These transparent trays are replaced regularly to adjust the teeth. While they are virtually invisible, they take longer to correct the teeth and may have more limitations in terms of treatment applications. They cost about $6,000 to $9,000 for major cases but can go as low as $4,500 for minor treatments.
  4. Lingual Braces. The most expensive option, lingual braces are exactly like metal braces, but they are placed behind the teeth. They are not visible at all when you smile. However, they can slightly affect your speech because of their placement. These cost from $9,000 to as high as $15,000.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover braces. However, if you have a private health plan, you may check it with your provider. Some programs specifically include orthodontics, while others may only cover a partial amount or none at all.

Benefits of Getting Orthodontic Treatment

Although it may seem costly, getting orthodontic treatment has a lot of benefits instead of trying to straighten your teeth without braces, including:

  1. Straight, beautiful teeth and a better-looking smile. Flashing a smile with your perfectly aligned teeth can give you a big confidence boost.
  2. Improved oral functionality. Having a wrong bite or crooked teeth can affect chewing and speaking abilities. Once your teeth have been aligned properly, your oral functions will improve, and you can bite, chew, and talk more comfortably.
  3. Reduced pain in the jaws. Getting braces can improve the alignment of the jaws and reduce pressure on the jaw joints. It also prevents more serious problems like TMJ disorders.
  4. Lower risk of cavities and gum disease. With better-aligned teeth, your mouth has a lower risk of harbouring bacteria in unreachable areas. It’s easier to clean equally-spaced teeth. Your breath will also smell better.

Find the Best Orthodontic Dentist in Bendigo

If you live in Bendigo or other neighbouring suburbs like Long Gully and Golden Square, we have the best and most professional dentists in Bendigo to get braces. We have highly experienced dental professionals who will work closely with you to create the best orthodontic treatment plan. Please book an appointment with us to learn more about our services.