What's The Cheapest Way to Straighten Teeth?

When considering the cheapest way to straighten teeth, it's important to understand your insurance and payment options. Read on to learn more about teeth straightening options, how much they cost, and whether they are covered by dental insurance.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Straightening?

However, while most private dental insurances will cover some portion of orthodontic care, each policy's definition of medically-necessary orthodontic care will vary. Therefore, it is best to do your own research when choosing a dental plan. “For options that typically have the most comprehensive orthodontic benefits, try looking at PPO and HMO plans specifically,” Oleg Drut, DDS, tells ishonest Connect to Care.

Affordable Teeth Straightening

You should always choose your teeth straightening procedure or devices under the supervision of a licensed dental professional. While good orthodontic care to straighten teeth can be costly, many dental practices offer monthly payment plans to help cover the costs. You can also often use health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) to help pay for your teeth straightening treatment.

“Orthodontic treatment like traditional braces or clear aligner therapy typically ranges anywhere from $3,500 to $7,500, depending on the severity of the case and geographic regions,” Tiffanie Garrison-Jeter, DMD, tells ishonest Connect to Care. Traditional metal braces are often the most common, effective, and economical form of teeth straightening.

Clear dental aligners typically cost more than braces and are only appropriate for mild to moderate teeth misalignment. Clear dental aligners, however, are often more comfortable and less noticeable than metal braces. “Aligners can also be removed for every meal, which expedites cleaning time and means you won’t be subject to any orthodontic-related diet restrictions,” Drut says. Whether using braces or aligners to straighten your teeth, it is important that a licensed orthodontist supervises your dental care using in-person visits.

If you need extensive work done to straighten your teeth or fix your jaw alignment, surgery may be necessary. Orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) is typically only recommended for severe cases of jaw misalignment. “It is more invasive than other orthodontics, typically more expensive than other orthodontics, and it is not a quick bypass for braces; in many cases, you’ll still have to wear them after the procedure, just for a shorter time frame,” Drut says.

Start Your Journey to a More Confident Smile Today!

Straightening your teeth can be easy and affordable. Find out how to get started today. ishonest Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help.

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