Dental Braces - Treatment Time and Cost

Treatment Time and Cost

Typical treatment time is from six months to six years, depending on the severity of the case, location, age, etc., although research has shown that the average duration is 1 year and 4 months. Treatment can be accelerated using state-of-the-art technology, novel planning, and positioning techniques.

The typical cost of braces ranges widely in various regions. The cost depends on whether both arches are being treated and the length of treatment. Typical orthodontic treatment comprises metal braces on both arches for 12 to 24 months. The 2007 orthodontic practice study done by the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics showed the United States national average cost of braces for comprehensive orthodontic treatment to be $4,500 for children and $6,000 for adults. Some cases in the United Kingdom cost £3,500, although they can much of the time be provided free on the NHS, providing the patient is under 18.

In some European countries (e.g. Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia or Denmark) orthodontic treatment is available without charge to patients under 18 (or for treatment to start at 16, such as Republic of Ireland and the UK) as benefits for orthodontic treatment are provided under government-run health care systems. However, in the UK, the National Health Service will not pay for braces if the teeth do not a have protrusion of over 5mm; if there is not a protrusion, it is classed as cosmetic. In some countries (e.g. Ireland), adults can also get treatment at a discounted rate, or claim tax relief after paying a full cost with a private practitioner.

Costs also depends on the type of braces and the type of city the patient is in. In India this treatment can cost anywhere between INR 20,000 to INR 130,000. In Saudi Arabia the price of treatment ranges between 3,500SR to 15,000SR. In Serbia, a brace for one part of the jaw (upper or lower) is 700 euros or 800 euros if clear braces are used. In the Philippines, the price of dental braces costs Php25,000 to Php70,000. In Singapore, the price of dental braces ranges from SGD$2,000 to SGD$4,000. In Turkey, the price of dental braces ranges from 2,500 to 6,000 TRY. In Indonesia, the price of dental braces ranges from IDR 5,000,000 to IDR 10,000,000. In South Africa, the cost of treatment ranges from ZAR 13,000 to ZAR 25,000 for standard metal braces, or ZAR 22,000 to ZAR 30,000 if clear braces are used, depending on the duration of treatment and severity of the case.