Braces have been around for decades, and there’s a good reason they’re still a choice for straightening teeth for adults everywhere: they work. But one thing that is not so certain about braces is the cost of treatment. it’s not a one-size-fits-all number, it depends on a variety of factors, including your location.
You can get the same orthodontic treatment in Georgia and three other states, and you may receive four different bills. What? that’s what we’re going to find out. This guide is your roadmap to Georgia brake costs, every nuance and detail, so you know what to expect.
Reading: How much are braces in georgia without insurance
cost of braces for adults in georgia vs. national average
According to the American Dental Association, the national average cost for braces treatment for adults is $4,800 to $7,135. Georgia stays fairly consistent with those averages. the cost of living statewide is reasonable and prices can be even more affordable in certain areas.
These ranges are estimates based on what we know about braces costs for adults and some information from some Georgia orthodontists. but they should give you a general idea of what you might pay.
why are braces so expensive?
there is no getting around the fact that braces are expensive. but that’s because they are one of the most consistent and effective treatments available.
They can be visible and somewhat intrusive, but the main advantage of braces is their robustness. They cannot be removed like clear aligners, so they eliminate the possibility of user error. Sure, you should avoid excessively sticky or rubbery foods, but in return, you’ll get foolproof results. Metal braces and wires give your orthodontist incredible control over your teeth, and during routine office visits, he or she can make adjustments to deliver the perfect results.
Braces require routine trips to the orthodontist over the course of a 12- to 24-month treatment schedule, and each visit costs money. Orthodontic offices have overhead costs like rent, utilities, and staff, which translate into fees for patients. And don’t forget that you’re also paying for the orthodontist’s expertise and time. however, as you’ll discover, the price you ultimately pay is subject to a variety of influences, including where you live.
what factors influence the cost of braces?
brakes are usually expensive. but exactly how expensive is a more complicated question. Multiple factors can influence your final bill. some are based on your location, others are consistent across state lines. we break them all down in detail below.
severity of the condition
This is the most important price determining factor. a minor case of crowding or spacing simply requires less time and fewer aligners to correct than a severe case of crossbite. The fewer office visits your teeth require, the less you’ll pay. During your initial consultation, your dentist/orthodontist can evaluate your teeth and estimate how long your treatment may take.
type of braces
Orthodontic technology has advanced significantly in the last two decades and standard metal braces are no longer the only option. For example, you can opt for ceramic braces that blend in with your teeth or lingual braces that sit behind your teeth. each of these are less noticeable than traditional braces, but they are also more expensive. ceramic braces can cost up to $8,000, while lingual braces can cost between $8,000 and $12,000.
region
In general, orthodontic care costs more on the coasts and less in the center of the country. The Northeast is particularly expensive, while southern states like Alabama and Mississippi boast some of the lowest costs in the country. taxes can also play a role. the state will add sales tax to the total cost of braces, and higher corporate taxes may cause your orthodontist to adjust by raising prices.
Generally speaking, the Southeast region has fairly average (or slightly lower than average) orthodontic prices. So if you live in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, etc., you’ll likely get a pretty reasonable deal on your braces. although this depends a bit on where you live in the state. Georgia also has fewer dentists and orthodontists per 100,000 people than other states, so you may have fewer orthodontist options.
See also: Where can i get a pap smear without insurance
Three of Georgia’s four neighbors (Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina (sorry, Florida)) have a lower cost of living. In fact, Alabama and Tennessee have some of the lowest average dental and orthodontic fees in the country. So if you live near the western or northern Georgia border, you can venture into one of those states and possibly find lower prices.
georgia sales tax is 4%, an amount that is added directly to the cost of your treatment. this is lower than many other states, so it won’t dramatically increase your price. the state corporate income tax is a relatively average 6%. It’s not too expensive to run a business in Georgia, so you probably won’t get your orthodontist to raise their prices.
urban, suburban or rural?
Orthodontia costs are not only different for each state, they also vary based on your location within the state. urban areas, for example, often have a higher cost of living and it is less expensive to live in a small town. Do you have high rent and utility payments? then your dentist or orthodontist probably does too. higher overhead costs generally result in more expensive orthodontic treatment.
urban
atlanta, the largest city in georgia, is also one of the fastest growing. the next two largest, augusta and columbus, are about half that size. Atlanta has a slightly higher cost of living than state and national averages, and brace prices tend to follow suit. Although each orthodontist has their own fees and prices depend on your specific condition, the total cost is usually around $5,500. Augusta is a cheaper place to live with lower average medical expenses, so you’ll pay a little less there. Columbus also has a lower than average cost of living, but higher average health care costs, so you may pay the same as you would in Atlanta.
suburban
certain atlanta suburbs often top the lists of “most expensive places in georgia” articles. In cities like Milton, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and Johns Creek, you’ll have a higher cost of living and (probably) higher orthodontic costs as well. Outside of the Atlanta metropolitan area, midsize cities are not that expensive. Savannah, Athens, Albany, and other independent cities tend to be more affordable places to live with lower average orthodontic prices. they just don’t have as many orthodontists.
rural
The cost of living in rural Georgia is significantly lower than in Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs. Invisalign providers are not as plentiful in small towns, but they are often less expensive. Most providers in Georgia are concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, so there is a chance that you may need to travel for your treatment. But if you have an orthodontist nearby, you’ll probably get your braces at a lower price.
local competition
When you have numerous orthodontists in a given area, each of them needs to find ways to stay ahead of the competition and attract new clients. Many times, this means lower prices and special offers or sales. therefore, if there is a high concentration of orthodontists in your area, it may mean lower prices, giving you the ability to “shop.”
Although Georgia has fewer dentists per 100,000 people than many other states, its orthodontists are fairly spread out. Even so, there is more competition in Atlanta, Augusta, and other cities than in small towns. Competition means orthodontists need to find ways to make themselves more attractive to new customers, whether that means lowering their prices, making sales, or something else. If you live in a city, check orthodontist websites (or call their offices) to see if they have deals that might help you save on braces treatment.
If you’re in a small rural town, you may only have one or two local options, so they don’t have to do as much to compete for your business. This doesn’t mean you’ll never find deals on orthodontic treatment, it just means they’re less frequent.
orthodontist experience
Like most industries, in orthodontics, experienced professionals can charge more for their services than newcomers. so if your orthodontist has been administering braces for years, you may end up paying a bit more. For this reason, it can sometimes be helpful to “shop around” to weigh your options if you have multiple orthodontists nearby.
treatment cost management
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by treatment costs, you’re not alone. Take comfort in the fact that, in most cases, you won’t have to pay the full amount up front. here are some ways you can make that price tag seem a bit more manageable:
review your insurance plan
braces for children and adolescents are partially covered by most dental insurance plans. however, plans typically don’t cover costs for people age 18 and older, unless they include orthodontia benefits. But you don’t want to start treatment waiting for help from your insurance provider, only to find that it doesn’t come. so don’t commit to braces without first reviewing your insurance plan and contacting your provider.
Some orthodontic offices also accept payments directly from an FSA or HSA account, if you have one. Check with your dentist or orthodontist to see how they handle these payments.
look for offers and discounts
You probably won’t see your orthodontist offering promotional deals or discounts on braces. but sometimes they will offer advantages to accompany your treatment, such as teeth whitening or a percentage discount on your next visit. it certainly can’t hurt to ask. sometimes you can even find deals on groupon.
Universities with dental and orthodontic schools will also offer discounts if you don’t mind having a resident administer your treatment. these individuals are qualified and on track to become state licensed orthodontists. Plus, they’re supervised by experienced dental professionals and professors, so you can be sure you’re receiving quality care.
If you live near Augusta, you can go to Augusta University for reduced-price dental and orthodontic treatment. this is the only university in georgia with a dental school.
learn about financing options
Most orthodontic offices offer financing plans that break your costs into manageable monthly payments. You usually won’t have to pay the full amount up front. The terms of these plans vary, so you should talk to your orthodontist about the financing options they offer.
If your orthodontist’s options aren’t ideal, you can look into third-party dental financing companies like carecredit or bewell, which finance everything from routine dentistry to complex orthodontic procedures.
discuss aftercare in advance
Even after braces are removed, teeth tend to return to their previous positions. aftercare retainers prevent that from happening. After your teeth have been released, you will have a perfect new smile and you will need to purchase a retainer to protect it. Retainer costs vary, but you can usually get one for $100 – $300. This also depends on your specific orthodontist.
Because your dentist can make adjustments and course corrections throughout your treatment, he can ensure that you get a perfectly straight smile and won’t have your braces removed until then. That said, some teeth just don’t move as expected, so your orthodontist may need to add accessories and extend your treatment schedule, which will cost more. Talk to your orthodontist about their mid-treatment refinement policies before you start.
3 affordable brake alternatives
Braces are one of the most effective and powerful options out there, but they’re not ideal for everyone. Whether you’re unsure about the price or the procedure, here are three brace alternatives we think are worth your time.
conclusion
Putting on braces is a big move, a significant step in your journey to a new smile. but it is a big expense and the uncertainty about the price of your treatment can be stressful. Fortunately, with the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide, you can have a better idea of whether or not braces are a viable option.
Keep in mind, however, that the only way to get a truly accurate cost for your braces in Georgia is to visit your orthodontist. You should also remember that although braces may seem expensive, there are ways to make them more affordable, such as financing, discounts, and insurance. In the end, if you decide they just aren’t right for you, there are plenty of other options available. no matter which route you take, your destination is the same: a new, photograph-ready smile.
See also: How long do traffic tickets affect insurance in california