When you get braces for the first time, it can be scary. You might worry about many different things, like how they feel, how to clean and take care of them, and how they look. There are many other considerations beyond these. It would help if you also considered what braces would work best for you and how much braces cost.
Treatment with braces is considered an aesthetic, non-surgical procedure not covered by most medical insurance plans. It means that most of the time, you would have to pay the total cost of braces yourself. Also, remember that the prices for braces in public hospitals and private clinics differ.
Different kinds of braces
Traditional Metal Braces:
Traditional metal braces are the best and most affordable way to treat orthodontic problems.
They fix crowded teeth, straighten the teeth, and move the jaw. An orthodontist can quickly move the teeth in small steps during regular check-ups. Traditional braces are the most common choice for kids and teens. There are also options for adults if they don’t mind seeing metal brackets.
The average price of metal braces is between INR 20,000 – 35,000
Clear Braces:
Just like metal braces, clear braces (also known as ceramic or invisible braces) are shaped like brackets and attached to the teeth with wires and elastic bands.
The main difference between the two types is that ceramic braces have brackets that are the same colour as natural teeth. It means they are less noticeable and blend in better with natural teeth. Clear braces also have rubber bands and elastic parts that are clear or white. Teens and adults should get braces that are hard to see. Clear or ceramic braces will cost a little bit more.
They could cost anywhere from INR 40,000 – 60,000
Lingual Braces:
Lingual braces are an alternative to traditional metal braces that are not as well known. Lingual braces are the same as conventional “outside” braces except that they go behind the teeth instead of in front of them. The main difference is that the brackets and wires are put on the backs of the teeth. Because of this, they are obscured when viewed head-on. Lingual braces are harder to put on, so when you compare costs, they are on the higher end.
They could cost anywhere from INR 50,000 – 60,000
Self-Ligating Braces:
Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional metal braces. However, there is a significant distinction: the wires are not secured with elastic or metal ties (ligatures), but rather, the brackets themselves. Self-ligating brackets have their ties, so they can be changed without needing anything else to be replaced. Most of the time, the ligatures on traditional braces are changed every time they are adjusted.
Active brackets put pressure on the wires. Passive brackets don’t do anything (simply sliding in place). In either case, they can shorten the time they have to spend at the orthodontist. They might also make cleaning your teeth more accessible and less painful than traditional braces
Self-ligating braces are about the same price as regular braces but can be slightly more expensive.
They could cost anywhere from INR 70,000 – 80,000
Clear Aligners:
Another popular “invisible” orthodontic treatment is clear aligners like Invisalign. They don’t hurt much and can be taken off. They may cost the same as traditional metal braces, but at-home aligners often cost much less. Each custom aligner has to be worn for up to three weeks. With clear aligners, teeth move just a few hundredths of a millimetre at a time, so you need to go to the dentist less often. Aligners are a popular choice for teens and adults, especially if the problem with their teeth alignment isn’t too bad.
Costs for clear aligners vary greatly depending on the brand, quality, and type of treatment (in-office vs at-home). Direct-to-consumer aligners for at-home treatment may cost less than $1,500, while more expensive aligners, especially in-office ones, may cost as much as braces ($3,000 or more).
Ceramic braces:
Ceramic braces are a bit more expensive. They can cost between $4,000 and $8,500, depending on how often you need to get new brackets. The total price includes the following
- Putting on all brackets and wires.
- Making adjustments as needed.
- Taking them off when the treatment is done.
Ceramic braces are often chosen because the brackets are tooth-colored or clear, not metal. But they work a little slower than metal braces. Most cases take between 18 and 36 months.
Because they are made of ceramic, the brackets are also likely to break. Most often, orthodontists don’t charge extra to fix a few broken frames, but you might have to pay more if it happens too often.
They could cost anywhere from INR 50,000 – 60,000
Getting braces can help you feel good about your smile. It’s essential to keep in mind that every mouth is different. Not only do we have extra teeth, but our faces and jaws are also different. Because of this, the best braces for one person might not be the best for another. Talk to a board-certified orthodontist if you’re considering getting braces. The orthodontist will tell you your best options after looking at your teeth.
