Several issues can spring up due to crooked teeth; it can affect the ability to chew, mess with dental hygiene and even go as far as dampening one’s confidence. Luckily, orthodontic braces have always come in handy. It is one of the most prominent and effective dental treatments available to resolve dental issues.
Getting and investing in orthodontic braces will categorically benefit anyone who receives them. However, the cost is one of the most significant factors that can influence the decision to get one. This article will look at the cost of getting braces in Canada.
What are Braces?
Braces are dental devices used to correct teeth arrangement and straighten the teeth. Getting braces can be voluntary or made compulsory by a dentist. Braces can help you attain a confident smile by aligning your teeth.
It is crucial to note that there is a health concern with ensuring that your teeth are correctly straightened. This will lead to better chewing of food and can help reduce the risk of getting gum disease.
The cost of getting braces in Canada varies not only from province to province but by the type of braces you are getting. Also, the amount of coverage can affect the cost.
Generally, orthodontics is covered separately in a dental insurance contract. The procedure is covered at a 50% level. Note that coverage for orthodontic braces varies per plan and healthcare provider. You can evaluate the difference between each plan by contacting the provider directly.
Types of Braces
Braces in the dental world are devices used to correct crowded or crooked teeth and malocclusion (misaligned jaw). Adolescents commonly use them, but adults also use them to restore their teeth.
Braces are made of metal or ceramic, wires, and bonding material that makes them attach to your teeth. The doctor who specializes in the use of braces as a corrective treatment is called an orthodontist. The effectiveness of braces depends on if you can follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully.
The type of braces that will be recommended for you depends on some factors. They include; your age and the extent of damage in your teeth or jaw. Braces are usually custom-made and specific to your needs.
Below are the types of braces;
- Classic/Traditional Braces
This is the most common type of braces. These braces are made of metal brackets that are glued individually to each tooth. It also has an archwire that puts pressure on your teeth and jawline, along with elastic circular rings that connect the archwire to the brackets.
- Ceramic Braces
These are clear braces made of ceramic, and they appear less visible compared to classic braces.
- Lingual Braces
These braces are entirely placed behind your teeth.
- Invisible Braces
These are also called aligner trays or Invisalign. They can be taken off and placed back on at any time.
You will be given retainers after you complete your treatment with traditional braces. These retainers are to keep your newly arranged teeth in place.
Cost of Getting Braces Based on Type
Based on the type of braces you will be getting, below are the average costs of getting braces:
- The cost of getting traditional metal braces ranges from CA$3000 to CA$7000
- The cost of getting ceramic braces ranges from CA$4000 to CA$8000
- The cost of getting lingual braces ranges from CA$8000 to CA$10000
- The cost of getting Invisalign braces ranges from CA$4000 to CA$7,500
Cost of Getting Braces in Canada
Various factors can affect the cost of getting braces. Only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of getting braces and the other procedures attached to them.
Knowing the rough estimates can also help you prepare financially ahead of your treatment. These factors include;
- Type of braces or other orthodontic (dental) devices required; based on the type of braces you are required to use by your dentist plus other dental devices you may need as well, the cost of braces will vary.
- The type and extent of misalignment, depending on the kind of misalignment in your teeth. And the extent of the misalignment (how poor the dentition is, the cost of braces will also vary.
- Duration of treatment; how long your treatment takes also affects the cost of getting braces.
The average cost of getting braces in Canada ranges from CA$3000 to CA$5000. However, you may pay lesser or even more depending on the factors mentioned above.
Funding for Getting Braces
Depending on the estimate given to you by your dentist, you can spread the payment for your treatment across the duration of your treatment. Most dentists understand how difficult funding can be for some people; hence they may provide you with flexible payment plans to finance the treatment cost.
If your treatment will take 24 months and you are given an estimated CA$7000, you can divide it by 24, giving you about CA$292 per month. If your insurance covers your orthodontic treatment, you will pay less. Note that some insurance plans do not cover orthodontic braces treatment. This means that as a patient, you’ll have to cover the costs out-of-pocket.
Smiles 4 Canada
Smiles 4 Canada is a program that the Canadian Association of Orthodontists initiated. It provides free dental treatment for children under the age of 14. If you are applying for your child, the application will be assessed based on your financial eligibility based on the federal government criteria published by Statistics Canada.
If your child’s application is accepted, he or she will receive free treatment from British Columbia orthodontists and a set of retainers provided that;
- has good oral health and a regular dentist to monitor his or her dental health during and after the treatment,
- you pay a one-time, non-refundable fee of CA$500 for the program administration when your child is accepted, and
- you are going to be responsible for the cost of replacing the retainers, maintaining your child’s dental health and transporting your child to and from appointments.
Conclusion
Braces are essential for good dental health if you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw. The cost of getting braces vary depending on various factors, and only your dentist can give you an accurate estimate of how much your entire treatment will cost.
