The cost of orthodontic treatment is a major consideration for many Australians who are thinking about getting their teeth straightened.
When it comes to orthodontics, cost is largely dependent on the type of treatment you choose. As alternative treatment options grow in popularity, many people are hoping they can forego traditional metal braces in favour of clear aligners for a more discreet treatment option. But there is a lot to love about metal braces, including the cost.
What are metal braces?
Metal braces are an orthodontic device used to straighten crooked teeth or correct a misaligned jaw. The appliance works by placing constant pressure on each tooth, moving them into the desired position over time. They are tightened at each visit to your orthodontist to ensure your treatment stays on track and the movements occur properly, within the safe or pre-determined time frame.
The average cost of metal braces in Australia
There is not a fixed service fee for orthodontic treatment in Australia. This means that prices will vary from practice to practice, depending on a number of factors including the duration of your treatment, the severity of your malocclusion and your chosen orthodontist’s operating fees. But we know that an estimate price is better than nothing. And it’s good to have an idea of how much you should expect to pay before seeing an orthodontist. Average prices in Australia can vary by state, however, metal braces may cost anywhere from $6000 – $9000 for a full 18-24 month treatment period. Shorter, more limited treatments involving only some of the teeth may cost significantly less than this and complicated or lengthy treatments may exceed this range.
How long will it take to straighten teeth?
Like the cost of treatment, the duration of treatment will vary from patient to patient. But generally, you can expect your treatment to take anywhere from one year to three years depending on the amount of bite correction required and the movements being undertaken.
What are metal braces made of?
Metal braces are generally made from a high-grade stainless steel or titanium alloy. The brackets are affixed to teeth using a form of dental glue or adhesive and the wires are held in place with plastic-based rubber bands or metal ‘gates’.
Can braces cause heavy metal poisoning?
No, braces can’t cause heavy metal poisoning. The metals used have undergone rigorous testing and are safe to be worn within the mouth for an extended period of time. Stainless steel has a stable molecular structure and titanium is very biocompatible.
Can you get an MRI with braces?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to get an MRI with braces. The amount of metal in your mouth is quite small and as they are securely affixed to the teeth, they won’t have a negative effect on the scan. However, it should be noted that in some instances there may be ‘artefacts’ or some issues with visibility when scanning the brain or spine. In rare cases, patients may require their metal orthodontic appliance to be removed to get a clear visual of any lesion or structure that may be obscured by the braces. In these cases, it would only be removed after a consultation with the physician, patient / parent, orthodontist and radiologist.
Are payment plans available?
Of course. Most orthodontists understand that it can be difficult to make a full upfront payment for the cost of braces. That’s why there are several payment plans to choose from for all types of treatment. These will help make repayments more manageable and ensure you or your child have the smile of your dreams without significant financial burdens.
This is a question you should ask your chosen orthodontist during the initial consultation. You can download a checklist for other questions to ask your orthodontic provider about the cost of orthodontic treatment to ensure you have everything you need to make an informed decision.
IF you’re yet to commence treatment, you can search for an orthodontist near you using our Finder Tool.
All price ranges quoted are indicative only, and do not take into consideration other mitigating factors such as the type of malocclusion being treated, the duration of ‘full treatment’ for a particular case or limited treatment solutions. Orthodontics Australia recommends you consult a specialist orthodontist before commencing any form of orthodontic treatment. You can request a detailed quote from your orthodontist to understand the full cost of treatment, including regular monitoring appointments to ensure your treatment is progressing safely and as expected.
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Hi there,
My family and I will be making a permanent move from the UK to Bribie Island later this year. However my daughter (Georgina) has already started treatment on her mouth having had 4 x teeth removed (1 x top and 1 x bottom on each side) and fixed braces fitted on her upper and lower teeth (metal).
Georgie’s braces were fitted on the 30th November 2023 with treatment planned to last between 12-18 months.
We’re trying to establish what our options are for her to continue her treatment in Australia once we leave the UK – is this something you could help us with please?
Many thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Corrina
Hi Corrina,
She should be able to continue her treatment in Australia. For best results, you’ll need to get her records and treatment plans to your new orthodontist.
We recommend using our Finder Tool to search for a local orthodontist in Australia: https://finder.orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/
Once you have selected your orthodontist, get in touch with your UK practitioner and let them know you’ll be moving, and provide them with the details of your new orthodontist so that they can get in touch and share the records.
When making an appointment with your Australian orthodontist, be sure to tell them the background (type of treatment, where she is at in her treatment, any additional details) so they can be prepared to see your daughter.