How Much Do Braces Cost In Houston, TX?

Braces are extremely common for young people. An estimated 25-50% of children and adolescents will need some form of orthodontic treatment before reaching adulthood. While dental insurance often provides some coverage for orthodontics, it rarely covers the total amount. How much do braces cost in Houston, Texas? Here’s what you can expect. 

What Are Braces? 

Braces are an orthodontic treatment designed to shift the teeth into proper alignment so that the teeth are straight and the upper teeth meet together properly with the lower teeth. Through a combination of metal brackets and wires, braces exert force to gradually shift the teeth into the desired position. 

Average Cost of Braces in Houston, TX 

Braces typically have an average cost that ranges somewhere between $4,000 and $8.000. The exact cost is based on a variety of factors from the individual needs of the patient to the general cost of living in the area where your orthodontist is located. 

Factors That Affect The Cost of Braces 

The exact cost of braces for an individual will depend on the following factors: 

• Insurance. The first factor in the cost of braces is your insurance. If your dental insurance includes coverage for orthodontic treatment it is usually a lump sum amount for dependents under the age of 18. Once this has been applied, the remaining balance will need to be paid out of pocket. 
• Geographic location. The geographic location of your orthodontist will affect the cost of braces because services are based on the average cost of living in the area. 
• Local competition. In order to stay competitive, an orthodontist will need to keep the cost of their services comparable to other orthodontists in the area. 
• Experience level of the orthodontist. The more experience an orthodontist has and the longer the practice has been in business, the higher the cost of braces may be. Patients are often willing to pay more for the expertise of an orthodontist. 
• The severity of the case. The extent of the orthodontic corrections the patient needs will affect the cost. The greater the amount of adjustments needed to the position of the teeth, the higher the cost of braces may be. 
• The length of treatment. The severity of each case directly translates to the length of treatment. The longer a patient needs to wear braces, the higher the total cost of treatment will be. 

How To Make the Cost of Braces More Affordable

There are a variety of options that can make braces more affordable: 

• HSA funds. If you have a high deductible medical insurance plan that includes the option for a Health Savings Account (HSA) those funds can be used for orthodontic treatment. 
• FSA funds. If your medical insurance plan includes a Flex Spending Account (FSA), those funds can be used for orthodontics. 
• Payment plans. Most orthodontists provide payment plans for patients that are interest free. You can make monthly payments until the total cost of the treatment has been paid in full. 
• Financing. You can choose to obtain your own financing for orthodontic treatment, such as a credit card or personal loan. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces 

How long does braces treatment take?

The average duration of braces treatment ranges from 1-3 years. Most patients will have braces for about 2 years. 

How long do the results of orthodontic treatment last?

With proper retention, the results of orthodontic treatment should last forever. This means wearing your retainers full time for about a month, then just at night going forward. 

Orthodontic Monitoring

Kids and Teens Dental Place provides orthodontic monitoring as part of our regular dental services. If your child needs an orthodontic evaluation, we can provide a referral to a reputable orthodontic practice in the area. 

Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.