Wondering how much braces cost in NJ? We have answers for you. The average price for traditional metal braces in NJ ranges between $3,000 to $7,500, with most patients ranging in the $5,000 to $6,000 neighborhood.

However, there is no authentic way to offer exact amounts until after a complete examination. Every smile is unique, so each patient’s treatment plan is customized. You can contact Goldkind Family Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.

Why the Huge Variance?

Because every treatment is different, the average cost ranges vary. A significant factor in determining the cost is the degree of malocclusion needing correction. For severely misaligned teeth, the price is on the higher end because the treatment takes longer. For patients needing only minor corrections, the cost might be significantly lower.

What Most Patients in New Jersey Can Expect to Pay

The majority of cases in NJ wind up the middle, between $4,250 and $6,450. Whether you opt for traditional metal braces, clear braces, or even Invisalign, the price will typically fall in this range. Your actual cost might be lower or higher depending on your alignment corrections.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Braces

Many factors affect the cost of braces in NJ. The most commonly stated factors are:

• Your service location (rural areas might be less expensive)
• Patient age (older people tend to take longer)
• Type of braces
• Length of treatment
• The skill of the orthodontist
• How much realignment you need

In studies regarding treatment duration, the results put most treatment plans between 19.9 and 24.6 months. The national average for the United States is slightly shorter, estimating the average between 12 and 18 months.

When you complete your initial consultation, the doctor will recommend treatment options for you. They will outline the total cost, duration, insurance and payment options, and other information. Orthodontists realize that the decision to get braces is a big one. They want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Are the Other Options for a Straight Smile?

Years ago, traditional metal braces were the only option for a straight smile. The brackets were bulky, noticeable, and caused “metal mouth” taunts to ring out through middle school hallways. Fortunately, those days are in the past.

The metal braces available today are smaller and offer a more discreet look. This translates to greater affordability, more comfort, and a great smile when you complete treatment.

There are several options for braces, including ceramic braces and Invisalign. Metal braces are still available, but the brackets are much smaller. The addition of colored elastics has turned braces from a lousy teen experience into a fashion statement.

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are innovative treatment alternatives to bracket-and-wire style braces. They use a system of almost invisible tray aligners to push teeth into alignment gently. The trays come in sequential sets that gradually move teeth using constant pressure.

Patients need to wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours each day and will shift to a new set in the series about every two weeks. The number of tray sets is determined by the degree of correction necessary. Invisalign has many advantages over traditional and ceramic braces:

• Almost invisible.
• Removeable.
• Oral hygiene is easy.
• No diet changes or restrictions.

Invisalign can fit into the active lifestyle of teens and adults.

Clear, Ceramic Braces

Unlike Invisalign, which pushes teeth into proper alignment, ceramic braces work like traditional metal braces. The doctor affixes brackets to each tooth. An archwire threads through each bracket, and the doctor tightens the wire to create tension. The tension creates the force to pull teeth into proper alignment.

The brackets are the primary difference between ceramic and metal braces. The ceramic brackets are clear or tooth-colored, which blend with your natural tooth coloring. Using a colored wire and clear elastics makes ceramic braces very low-profile. Most people won’t notice you have braces unless you talk to them face-to-face.

In many areas, ceramic braces are slightly more costly than metal, but they are within the same range. They can achieve the same results while offering a more discreet appearance.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

The doctor will complete a full examination when you schedule your first appointment. The exam will include looking at your X-rays, discussing your medical and dental history, and an oral examination. They may also complete a set of digital images, which helps the doctor determine the best treatment plan for you.

Your first appointment should take around an hour or less. The doctor will discuss your orthodontic issues and other things that may include:

• What you want to gain from treatment.
• When you would like to begin treatment.
•  If you have a preferred treatment method.
• How long your treatment will take.
• The total expected cost of your treatment.

The first appointment is your chance to ask all the questions you may have about treatment. We recommend making a list to bring with you. That way, even if you are nervous, you will remember to ask about everything you want to know.

How to Defray Braces Cost in NJ

Many people hear the cost of braces and go into panic mode and sticker shock. Our first pointer is to remember that the cost you hear is the total cost, from start to finish. It includes hardware, office visits for adjustments, and everything except emergency treatment.

Yes, it may seem like a huge cost, but it is for treatment that will last 12 months or longer. There are also several ways to defray the braces cost in NJ.

Insurance Options

If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the cost of orthodontic treatment. Because every insurance policy is different, you should check your policy for specific information. In instances where a policy does cover treatment, it is often a set amount that can be applied to your cost to lower your out-of-pocket costs.

FSA/HSA Options

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) may also help defray your final cost.

Your employer owns FSAs. They allow families to contribute through the year and to use the savings to offset medical and dental expenses. Each plan may have restrictions on the type of care that funds may cover, so please review your plan.

HSAs belong to the individual (you) and can be transferred from one employer to another if you change jobs. Like the FSA, funds may not be available for everything, so check with your plan coordinator to determine what your funds may cover regarding orthodontic treatment.

Payment Plans

Payment plans might be available to qualified patients. You can use our Payment Calculator to estimate your costs and payment schedule. Goldkind Family Orthodontics is dedicated to working with families to keep orthodontic care affordable and within your budget.

Goldkind Family Orthodontics — Your Source for Braces

Please use our Appointment Request to schedule your initial appointment. New patients may call our scheduling coordinator at (973) 949-0063. We look forward to hearing from you.