Knowing how much more metal braces cost than clear braces can help you make the best decision for you. Every day at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry we talk to patients about their options and cost is always at the top of their list. Both can work well but they cost different amounts and have different benefits to consider.
For a long time metal braces were the way to go to straighten teeth and they are still the most affordable option. The brackets are made of stainless steel which is cheap to make and lasts a long time. These can handle any kind of tooth movement from small changes to big corrections. In Gurnee, IL full treatment with metal braces usually costs between $4,000 and $6,000. The price will depend on how complex your case is and how long you need to wear the braces. Most people wear them for 18 months to 2 years but some finish sooner and others a little longer.
Instead of metal, clear braces use ceramic or tooth-colored brackets. This is the main reason they cost more. It costs more to make ceramic than stainless steel and the brackets need to be made with care so they are both strong and look good. Clear braces usually cost between $5,000 and $8,000 which is about $500 to $2,000 more than metal braces. That extra cost is worth it for a lot of people because clear braces are much less noticeable when you smile or talk.
The price difference isn’t just because of the materials. When putting on and adjusting clear braces you need to be extra careful. Your orthodontist needs to be extra careful because the ceramic brackets are more fragile than the metal ones. If a ceramic bracket breaks or chips during treatment it costs more to replace it than it does to replace a metal bracket. We show all our patients how to take care of their braces so they don’t break and everything stays on track.
You should also think about whether you want clear brackets on just your top teeth or both your top and bottom teeth. Some patients choose to save money by only getting clear brackets on the top arch because those teeth are the most visible when they smile. Because the bottom teeth are less noticeable using metal brackets there can help lower the overall cost while still making you look less obvious. This hybrid approach is popular with budget-conscious patients who still want some of the benefits of clear braces.
What you actually pay out of pocket depends a lot on your insurance. Most dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics will pay for some of the treatment no matter if you choose metal or clear braces. Most plans cover between $1,000 and $2,000 but some plans cover more. We talk to your insurance company to find out what your benefits cover and how to get the most out of them. You don’t have to worry about filing insurance claims on your own because our team takes care of all the paperwork and communication. The Norris 20/26 system is a modern self-ligating bracket designed for comfort and control. Its advanced design reduces friction and allows for faster tooth movement. Patients enjoy a more comfortable experience with fewer office visits and shorter treatment times.
We offer payment plans at our Gurnee, IL office that make orthodontic treatment more affordable. You don’t have to pay the whole amount before you start treatment. We can instead set up monthly payments that are easy for you to afford. A lot of families say this method makes it easier for them to get the kind of braces they really want instead of just going with the cheapest option.
Consider what matters most to you when choosing between clear and metal braces. Metal braces work for everyone and are cheap and proven. Many patients feel more confident during treatment when they wear clear braces because they look less obvious but still work just as well. It often comes down to what you like best and how much you care about how your braces look.
Patients who want to learn more about all their treatment options can find more information about different ways to straighten teeth by visiting All About Braces. We offer free consultations where we examine your teeth, discuss your goals and go over the costs of each option. We at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry believe in being transparent about prices and want you to feel good about your choice.