Your teeth make your first impression. Look at the meme that circulated like a fan with the man with one eyebrow. His missing tooth demanded all the attention. Unfortunately, if you have gaps and other smile imperfections, the first encounter people have with you might not be exactly what you want it to be. And if you’re hiding your smile in pictures and smiling less, it’s probably taking a toll on your self-esteem. You have a few orthodontic options in Santa Rosa, CA, to get the smile you desire and boost your self-esteem. And you can ward off these problems in your child by correcting their teeth with one of these options now.
Braces
Tried and true, braces have proven to effectively treat a wide variety of orthodontic problems. By applying pressure using metal brackets and wires, braces strategically shift teeth into desired positions to create a smile that’s straight, appealing, and easy to care for with fewer hard-to-reach spots. Braces create dream smiles in as little as six months, but the average treatment time is one to three years.
The cost of braces, from start to finish, may be anywhere from $3,000 to over $12,000. The type you get and the severity of your condition affect the total immensely. Because braces have lower lab costs, don’t carry all the licensing and technology fees of Invisalign, and are predictable, how much they cost is generally less than clear aligners.
If you’re worried that getting braces, despite the cost difference, is sacrificing aesthetics, don’t worry. In fact, you can rejoice! Modern braces are much more discreet than traditional ones. They’re smaller, and options like lingual braces fit on the backs of your teeth rather than the front, so you can smile confidently without all that metal.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are slightly more expensive, with treatment usually ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Besides the imaging and licensing from the Invisalign company, you’re also covering lab fees and the knowledge and expertise of the practitioner who had to undergo training to offer it.
You also get the benefit of using a discreet way to straighten teeth. You have no wires or brackets, and you won’t have to stop eating the foods you love. You find yourself craving pecan pie or some popcorn? Guess what? You don’t have to wait until your treatment is done. Just take your aligners out and indulge. Just set a timer to make sure you put them back in.
As one of the orthodontic options in Santa Rosa, Invisalign is a highly customized approach that moves all the teeth together. It works well for mild and moderate cases using gentle pressure, just as braces do. However, clear aligners aren’t noticeable when you talk or smile.
Aftercare Costs
Once you complete your treatment, you’re only three-quarters of the way to the finish line. We know, we know… just when you think it’s over. However, this part of the process ensures your results last. We’ll let you know how much you can expect any aftercare to cost so you can factor it in when discussing the total cost.
You’ll have post-treatment visits to check that your teeth are staying in their new spots. You’ll also be given a retainer, which helps your teeth remain in their new positions without shifting back because they’ll naturally have a desire to return to their original positions, as the ligaments “remember” where the teeth originally were.
Financial Assistance for Orthodontic Treatments
We get it — there’s a bit of shock value with the price. Not everyone has that kind of money to spare to fix their or their child’s teeth. To make the cost of orthodontic care more affordable, we accept various types of private insurance. And for the rest of the money you owe, we’ll work with you by offering a low-payment, no-interest financing plan, making a beautiful new smile not the only thing you’ll have to smile about. You won’t even need to put down a down payment, whether you have insurance or not.
So even though the price seems a little steep, you have time to pay it off. Even if your payments are so low they don’t cover the cost of your treatment fully by the time your treatment is done, you can still get orthodontic care. You just continue paying until you’re fully done paying.
Affordable Invisalign and braces sound like an oxymoron. However, at Bernstein Orthodontics, serving Santa Rosa, CA, and the nearby region, it’s the reality we give our patients. We help them receive treatment in their price range that works around their budget.
Book an appointment today to discuss more about how we can make your treatment within your financial means. Call 707-575-0600.
FAQs
Still wonder if treatment is affordable or what you can expect? Check out our FAQs.
1. What if I really need braces but can’t afford them?
This is a common concern among patients. However, it’s one that we assist our patients in getting over. Rather than paying your financial responsibility up front, we offer the option to finance. You pay a low monthly fee, and you get to enjoy your braces. You just keep paying throughout your treatment — and afterward if you need.
2. What is the lowest price of braces?
The lowest price of braces is generally $3,000, and this is for a non-complex case.
3. Can you get free orthodontic treatment?
No, you can’t get free orthodontic treatment. There’s a great deal involved with getting braces or clear aligners, and you’re paying for the knowledge of the team and their time, the diagnostics, the equipment used in your mouth, and more. You can get orthodontic treatment at an affordable rate, though.
4. How much is 3 months of braces?
Generally, you’ll pay under $3,000 for a short treatment like that. However, this cost only occurs when you have a simple case.
5. How do you pay less for orthodontics?
Whether you need braces or Invisalign, you can look at our promotions and see if we’re currently offering any discounts for your desired treatment. We also offer payment plans and accept various insurances.