Having a straight and healthy smile is an investment in your future, but it can be quite costly for some Australians. And without an initial consultation, it’s near impossible to determine the full cost of braces.
This is because the cost of orthodontics depends on several factors, including the type of treatment you need and whether you have health insurance or not. And we’re going to explain what goes into the cost of braces so you can decide if braces or clear aligners are the right solution for you or your family.
Is orthodontic treatment worth the money?
Put simply, orthodontic treatment is well worth the investment. Not only will you have straight teeth for life, but you’ll also have more confidence with your smile. If you or your family member experienced discomfort due to crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, you can experience life pain-free once the treatment is over.
You will also save plenty of money down the track if you invest in orthodontic treatment sooner rather than later. The more you let your teeth and jaw problems get worse, the more you’ll have to pay in orthodontic treatments to fix it in the future.
What is the cost of braces in Australia?
Without an initial consultation, it’s near impossible to determine the full cost of braces. This is because the cost of orthodontics depends on several factors including the duration and complexity of treatment and the type of treatment you choose. That said, here is a guide for what you can expect to pay for a full course of orthodontic treatment in Australia:
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Metal braces: $7,000–$9,000
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Ceramic braces: $7,500–$10,000
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Lingual braces: $10,000–$12,000
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Clear aligners: $8,000–$10,000
Learn more about the average cost of braces in Sydney or Melbourne.
* Note these prices are typically for a 15 to 18 month treatment period that not only straightens teeth, but helps to correctly align the jaw as well, and includes the cost of regular consultations to monitor the progress of your treatment.
Orthodontics Australia recommends you always consult a specialist orthodontist before undergoing any type of treatment including clear aligners, to better understand if your preferred option or limited treatment will be suitable and safe for your smile in the long term.
Of course, fees may differ if other appliances are needed in conjunction with braces, such as expansion plates, anchorage implants or bite correcting springs.
Is there a cheaper alternative to braces?
Limited treatment is a cosmetic treatment that only fixes the appearance of the front teeth, instead of fixing bite or tooth issues. This treatment only improves the look of your smile in the short-term, rather than address any underlying issues. This can cause ongoing discomfort, complications or even a relapse in the future.
We understand that braces are a large financial investment, so it may be tempting to get cheap braces from a general practitioner. But it’s important that you always see a registered orthodontist for all your orthodontic needs and prioritise the health and safety of your teeth over the cost. In fact, orthodontic treatment delivered by a less qualified general dentist can end up costing more than the same treatment provided by a specialist orthodontist.
While cheap braces from a less qualified general practitioner might seem appealing, it is important that you always see a registered specialist for all your orthodontic needs and prioritise the health and safety of your teeth over the cost. In fact, orthodontic treatment delivered by a less qualified general dentist can end up costing more than the same treatment provided by a specialist orthodontist.
How do you pay for braces?
Since braces are a significant financial investment, many orthodontists are happy to develop a braces payment plan to make your treatment more affordable. This can help alleviate some financial stress and ensures you’re able to get the best treatment for you or your child.
There are also other ways you can pay for braces to lighten the financial burden and make a full course of treatment more affordable. These include:
- Paying for your treatment up front (often with a discount).
- Using a payment plan to make your repayments over time, spreading out the overall cost of treatment.
- Using third-party payment programs, like Afterpay or Klarna.
Are braces covered by Medicare?
Contrary to popular belief, orthodontic treatments are not covered by Medicare. However, if you have private health insurance you might be covered for braces depending on your policy, provider and level of extras cover. Orthodontic treatment generally isn’t covered by basic extras cover, so you’ll usually need a higher level of cover to receive a rebate.
And if you’re looking for a government scheme that might help with the cost of braces, then unfortunately there are no programs in Australia. There is, however, the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which helps give young people aged between 0–17 access a range of dental services and procedures for free. However, benefits for orthodontic treatment such as braces aren’t covered under the CDBS.
How much do braces cost with a Health Care Card?
If you are a Health Care Card or Pension Card holder, then your child might be eligible for the Give a Smile program. The Give a Smile program helps children who might not have easy access to orthodontic treatment to get the support they need to have the perfect smile.
This program requires parents of the child to be holders of either a Health Care Card or Pension Card. Your child must also be already on a waiting list for public dental service in the state or territory that you live in. When receiving treatment through the Give a Smile program, you will either pay no fees or a small fee if you’re in certain parts of the country.
How do I know I’ve been quoted the right price by my orthodontist?
As with any investment, it’s important to do some research beforehand. Prices can vary depending on the work being done, the treatment option you have chosen and where you live in Australia. As each orthodontist is free to set their own fees, there will inevitably be some variation in the amounts each practice charges for their services.
The best way to check you’ve been quoted a decent price is to obtain an all-inclusive quote from a couple of local orthodontists. Obtaining an all-inclusive financial quote in writing and a comprehensive diagnostic report from your orthodontist is the easiest way to avoid confusion and unexpected costs. In order to compare quotes for cost-effectiveness, you should have a clear idea of what it includes.
What is included in my orthodontic fee?
You should ask your orthodontist whether the quote includes the following:
- Consultations, pre-treatment reviews and orthodontic record taking
- Orthodontic appliances
- Retainers (including replacement retainers)
- Post-treatment reviews
If you want to get the ball rolling on your orthodontic treatment, then you can use our Finder Tool to find your local orthodontist and request a consultation.
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