Les Jones: ATTN: Parents of Future Metal Mouths

November 17, 2005

Home Life > ATTN: Parents of Future Metal Mouths

So Melissa and I were talking about Katie maybe needing braces one day. It's something I was dreading, because whenever parents talk about braces they get a wistful look, like they're thinking of all the things they'd rather have bought. BMW 5 series, full body plastic surgery, in-ground swimming pool with cascade and realistic volcano action.

Neither one of us actually knew what braces cost. She guessed $3,000. I guessed $10,000. She was closer.

The short answer is: in 2004, in most parts of the US, two years of full traditional braces costs (on average) about $5,000. Ceramic brackets are about $500 extra. These costs do not include x-rays, extractions, or special appliances. Invisalign treatment (in most cases) costs about the same as traditional braces.

So it's not cheap, but it's less than I thought. FAQ Farm has a good FAQ on dental health.

Posted by lesjones | TrackBack

Comments

My parents took my braces out of my college fund.

Or that's what they said. I later discovered I didn't have a college fund. I think I still owe them money.

Posted by: Paul Simer at November 17, 2005

Christopher is $2000 into braces so far and really not even started. He had a spreader thing then braces on top and now a retainer. In about six months, they will put braces back on top again and on the bottom. Last I heard we are looking at 3-4 years and $5000. Sad part is that most parents I know say that their kids refused to wear the retainers after the braces come off for good and the teeth go right back to being screwed up.

Scared yet? hahaha

Posted by: Lisa at November 17, 2005