Worried that your child may need braces, but not sure how much braces will cost you at a Brisbane orthodontist? With costs ranging anywhere from $3000 to $9000, it really depends on your child’s specific circumstances. No matter the cost though, you can’t place a value on your child’s self-esteem. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it’s sure to be something your kid will appreciate in the future. Read on to find out more!
What’s involved in getting your kid braces?
Having braces installed on your child’s teeth is a lengthy process. It can take anywhere from 3 months to several years to fully straighten your child’s smile, depending on the circumstances. Also, to say braces aren’t cheap is a pretty big understatement. We’ve broken down the process for you to help you get a better idea of what’s involved. You can see our own visit to a Brisbane orthodontist with our video review here.
Initial and diagnostic consultations
Most orthodontists recommend that kids visit for a consultation at around 7 or 8 years of age. This may seem really young, since a lot of kids are still losing teeth, but it actually works as a sort of pre-screening. At some orthodontists, this initial consultation will be free. They’ll be able to tell if your kid’s teeth are coming in correctly. The orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw, and may ask your child to clamp their teeth together. They may also take x-rays to see if the teeth are in their correct positions, and if there are any permanent teeth waiting to come in. A mould of your child’s teeth may also be taken. From there, the orthodontist will be able to tell if any further steps are necessary.
At this stage, the first phase generally addresses the overcrowding of teeth or bite problems. If there is overcrowding, this may require the removal of one or more permanent teeth. Your child won’t have to worry about braces until they’re about 12 or 13. A second diagnostic consultation will set you back around $300, depending on the orthodontist you visit and the specific treatment your child requires.
Installation
Once your child is 12 or 13, the second stage involves braces. Getting the braces installed will take about 1 or 2 hours. The orthodontist will clean your child’s teeth and then attach the glue, brackets, arch wire, and rubber bands. It won’t hurt, but your child will probably have a sore mouth for about a week afterward. The cost of this visit will depend on the type of braces your child gets, but expect it to be in the thousands. Metal braces are the cheapest, and the Invisalign invisible braces are the most expensive.
Regular orthodontist visits
Once the braces are on, you’ll need to take your child to the orthodontist every few weeks. They may need to check to make sure that your child’s braces are still in place. They may also need to adjust or tighten the wires of the braces. This is a process that usually continues for 2 years, depending on the type of braces and the treatment your child requires. After that, the braces are removed. Your child may need to wear a retainer to bed at night, or they may ever need any further orthodontic work done. The costs of these visits depend on your orthodontist, but could be around $200 to $300.
Cost of braces in Australia
There are several types of braces on offer. Generally in Australia, children are offered the choice of the traditional metal braces or the less visible white braces. Metal braces will probably set you back anywhere from $4 500 to $8 000, depending on your orthodontist and the treatment your child needs. White braces can cost anywhere from $6 000 to $9 000. Some orthodontists may also offer teenagers the option of Invisalign invisible braces if their problems are only mild.
There are many different types of braces. Let’s look at what is can cost for braces in Australia:
- Metal braces (traditional braces – top and bottom teeth): $4 500 to $8 000
- Ceramic braces (top and bottom teeth): $5,000 – $8,500
- Lingual braces (top and bottom teeth): $7 500 – $12 500
- Invisalign : $4 500 – $9 000
The sad fact is that prices can depend on where you live – orthodontists in more rural areas may be less expensive than ones in larger cities – and may be at the orthodontist’s discretion.
Getting free braces in Australia
If the cost of treatment is beyond your budget, assistance may be available via the Give a Smile program. Run by the Australian Society of Orthodontists, the scheme aims to provide free treatment for children. Pro-bono orthodontists take patients from the public health care waiting lists. So, to be eligible, your child needs to be on the public dental waiting list in your state. Read our full overview on how to get free braces (including who is entitled) here. You can also find out more at www.giveasmile.org.au
Are braces covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately, the federal government’s Child’s Dental Benefit’s Schedule provides benefits for basic dental services, so orthodontic work isn’t covered. However, braces are covered by many private health insurers. Most orthodontists will also offer a monthly bill service so you can pay off your child’s orthodontic work in smaller instalments.
Benefits of Braces
Overall, the decision to get braces is your own. There are many benefits of getting braces. They can help prevent future gum disease and damage to teeth. They can straighten teeth, close gaps in teeth, and better space out teeth, all resulting in a more confident smile. Straight teeth help an individual more effectively bite, chew, and even speak. They can help prevent future discomfort and weakness due to misalignment of teeth or bite. They can also make you feel better about both your oral health and your appearance.
Looking for an Orthodontist in the Gold Coast area? Check out our list.
My child needs braces badly but I was told at the school dentist yesterday that in QLD it is now a five year wait. Going to get a loan and go privately. This is so wrong that our kids have to put up with this in a country like ours. We are grandparents raising three grandchildren have already paid $7,000 for one child last year to get them.