How Much Do Braces Cost?

Unfortunately more often than not, the perfect smile is a financial investment, but it's an investment that will have profound effects on your child's future. It's the question we hear the most often at Sequoia Orthodontics, and our answer varies depending on a number of factors.

• Type of treatment (invisalign, traditional braces, etc.)
• if the braces are for a child or an adult
• the complexity of the case
• the estimated treatment length
• your insurance

All of these factors impact your total cost of treatment. Traditional metal braces with metal brackets are usually the most affordable option, while invisalign and other types of braces such as ceramic braces and aligners and options may cost more.

The reason why orthodontic treatment may be more expensive for adults is that children and teens haven't fully developed and are more responsive to the pressures applied by braces and aligners. The treatment cycle of an adult may be longer that that of a child, and the length of your treatment plan certainly does impact your total cost.

Individual cases vary widely, and a patient's underbite, overbite, crowded mouth or past dental history certainly comes into play when estimating the total cost of braces.

Each orthodontist office has a unique pricing structure that you will learn about during your initial free consultation. Health insurance also comes into play, and many patients have great dental insurance that covers all or part of their treatment. Sequoia Orthodontics offers monthly payments and payment plans to increase the accessibility of orthodontic treatment.

What does the total cost of braces include?

At Sequoia Orthodontics, we provide full transparency on pricing and try to give our patients the most accurate estimate of their treatment plan during our initial consultation so there are no hidden fees or surprises. Your referrals are your most valuable compliment, so we will try our best to provide the most outstanding service.

We will work to ensure you understand the average cost of braces from day one. The average cost of braces takes into account:

• all appointments, including emergency visits
• orthodontic appliances (braces, aligners, invisalign)
• post-treatment retainers
• post-treatment follow-up visits

Treatment plans can take years, so we do our best to include all of our appointment and appliance costs in our initial cost of orthodontic treatment. Keep in mind that orthodontic treatment typically spans months if not years, and check-ups are a vital part of progressing your smile.

So, how much do braces cost?

There are so many factors in our treatment based on each individual's unique case, but at Sequoia Orthodontics, the average cost of braces for children and teens are $3,000 - $7,000 while adults typically range from $5,000 - $8,000. These ranges normally cover different types of braces including tradition metal brackets and invisalign.

Does dental insurance typically cover braces treatment?

There are such a wide range of dental insurance plans and the rules and policies can be complex, but our team is there is help with all insurance claims and paperwork. Once we have a full picture of your insurance coverage, we are able to estimate co-payments and out of pocket expenses before the treatment process begins. We offer a wide range of payment options, including monthly payments and payment by credit card.

Sequoia Orthodontics also accepts HSAs (health savings account), which are tax-advantaged member-owned accounts that let you save pre-tax dollars for future qualified medical expenses. You can also speak to our financial team about a fsa (flexible spending account) which can be used to pay for your comprehensive treatment plan.

If insurance won’t cover braces, can the cost be deducted?

The dental health care costs associated with braces may be tax-deductible, if orthodontic treatment such as braces is medically necessary. If your total treatment plan exceeds your deductible, or your lifetime maximum, then deductions will be applied.

Your smile is worth it! Explore orthodontic treatment with Sequoia Orthodontics!

The benefits of straight teeth are profound, from a beautiful smile to increased oral health, orthodontic treatment is one of the best investments you can make in your or your child's future. Straight teeth are easier to clean which can decrease your chances of tooth decay and gum disease.

At Sequoia Orthodontics, we believe everyone should have access to a perfect smile, and we look forward to providing you with accessible treatment options for metal braces, clear braces, Harmony braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners or damon braces.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and want to learn more about our practice, please give us a call or schedule your free consultation!