There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of providing braces. First, and significantly, it is the diagnostic and technical expertise of the orthodontist. Try doing braces yourself and you will not likely get the same result. Secondly, it is the overhead of the orthodontic staff, facilities and associated office costs. Finally, it is the actual hardware itself, that is, the brackets, wires, adhesives and attachments. These items are often made of sophisticated metal alloys such as nickel titanium that are manufactured within precise tolerances. There are laboratory fees as well for diagnostic models or services. So, as the cost of salaries, health care coverage, utilities, and supplies go up, so does the cost of braces.
Recently, there is another factor, which will increase the cost of providing orthodontic treatment. That is the new tax that is part of the new Obamacare health care plan. There is a new
2.3% medical device tax. Yes, that cost will likely add up to at least
$175 more than the present fee.
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12 comments:
It's so sad that the goverement decides to rise the taxes for something so important, like braces-an issue which concerns health-care. They should think about those families who have 6-7 kids. what are they going to do? dentists buffalo ny
Not even counting the other increases, that med device tax will really do a number on your pocket. Still, I think it would be worth it, particularly if you’re already in the middle of the treatment.
It is indeed a bit expensive to opt for braces. But I’m sure there are financing programs that can help you shoulder the cost of getting braces. You just have to ask your dentist about these schemes to find the one that will best suit your needs, especially your financial capacity.
Randal Cole
You make me smile with your first paragraph! it never did cross my mind to have braces all by myself :)
Anyway, its really so expensive, to think almost 80 percent of the population needs dental assistance, the dental assistance for example is sky high expensive, what about the other procedures?
Our government really should take action on these, oh well, they did, they increase the tax rate for the needed materials as well as the tax being cut down on professional services thus, we all suffer, I just wish we can increase the dental assistance given by the government.
@Randal: I’m not sure if it will affect those who have had their braces done before 2013 and are just undergoing adjustments every so often. But this would definitely be a blow to those who have just started to think of getting braces.
About the financing programs, any suggestion for one? So we can at least see what it might cover and how people can pay back after benefiting from it.
Thanks for the info. There are many underpriviledged families struggling to afford proper dental care. This info will definitely be useful for many people.
braces have become increasingly expensive..especially in the past few yrs
Nah... no need to worry. Obama's gonna take care of us.
This is definitely not something that someone with multiple children (who all may need braces) would want to hear.
My 7 year old had a Ortho consult a few weeks ago. He has a large gap between his new adult front teeth. The large gap is creating little space for the adjacent tooth to come in. She recommened placing a small rubberband around the two front teeth to pull them together so the space on either side can get larger and allow the other teeth to come in. It was recommened to place band on durning his down time from school and at bed time. We have been doing so for a few weeks now. I have recently come across a lot of information that says this is NOT a good idea and should not be done. It could cause tooth damage and possible tooth loss. Have you ever heard of a ortho recommending this as a proper way to close a gap in teeth?
I do not recommend that--at all. Once a person placed a rubber band to close a diastema, it worked to close the space, but migrated up into the gum, was forgotten, then migrated up the root causing bone resorption and eventually the teeth were lost. Plus, there are all kinds of problems with retention, etc. Now with braces, there are brackets to use controlled forces.
Thank you for your quick reply. At this point I have stopped using the band and plan on getting a second opinion. Its upsetting to know that such a problematic approach was recommended to my son. My son also had dental sealants placed at this practice and within 6 months they came off of all 4 molars. Again the research I have done leads me to believe the sealants were placed incorrectly since they failed so quickly. My son does grind his teeth at night so I was wondering if you could shed any light on the subject. Should I be looking for a new dentist or is sealant failure 6 months post application a common problem? I would like to state that I do feel comfortable with the dentist, he is very kind to my son and I. I just want to make sure his quality of care is great also. Thank you for taking the time to respond it means a great deal.
I am glad you stopped that rubber band thing.
I will say, kids are rough on their teeth (grinding, etc). Sealants can last 6 years or 6 months. Yes, I have seen them come off in 6 months even though I placed them myself by the textbook. I find most though will last several years with minimal touch up. Any dentist (and often licensed dental hygienists under the supervision of a dentist) can place sealants, but of course, I always suggest a pediatric dentist for overall care for children.
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