The thought of tightening metal braces makes many adults cringe. If you’re one of them, but still like the durability and consistency of brackets and wires, Damon (or self-ligating) braces could be a great option. Their brackets don’t require elastics or ligatures to support the wires, and they never require tightening. But specialty braces can be expensive. So, how much will you end up paying?
The exact price of your treatment depends on several factors, so the price for Damon braces varies from person to person. Those factors aren’t parts of some secret formula that only orthodontists know. We’ve listed them all right here, so you can have a better understanding of what goes into your final price.
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Average Price
There’s no flat rate for traditional Damon braces. It all depends on how many office visits and what types of appliances your condition requires. In most cases, Damon braces cost somewhere between $4,000 and $8,000. Once again, the exact price depends almost entirely on your specific condition. The only way to get a specific estimate for your customized treatment plan is to consult your orthodontist.
5 Factors That Impact Your Treatment Cost
Each of these variables can significantly influence your final, out-of-pocket price.
1. Condition Complexity/Severity
An in-office treatment like Damon braces means that your condition will take an orthodontist’s time, facilities, and supplies to correct. Each of these costs money, and the more your condition requires, the more you should expect to pay.
For example, you’ll end up paying less for a minor condition that only needs a few metal brackets than a significant one that requires numerous office visits and supplemental appliances. Unsure how severe your misalignment is? Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.
2. Office Location
Certain places are simply more expensive to do business. If your orthodontist’s office is in a city or another expensive area, their rent, utilities, etc. will cost more. Ultimately, this might mean higher costs for patients.
3. Orthodontist Expertise
Just like many other professions, more experienced, in-demand dental orthodontists can charge more money. So, your orthodontist’s rates may depend somewhat on his or her experience level.
Moreover, in many states, only licensed orthodontists can administer Damon braces, not general dentists. What’s the difference? Orthodontists spend six postgraduate years specifically studying how to move teeth, align jaws, and craft smiles, so they’re more specialized than general dentists. This additional expertise could also influence treatment costs.
4. Aftercare Retainers
After you get those Damon braces removed, you’ll have a perfectly straight new smile. And you’ll want to keep it that way. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back after they’ve moved. To prevent this, your orthodontist will likely recommend wearing retainers.
There are a few types of retainers available. Fixed retainers are metal wires affixed behind your teeth, keeping them in place. Hawley retainers are removable and consist of plastic plates and wires. Clear retainers look much like clear aligners and fit snugly over your dental arches. The first two are sturdy and long-lasting, while you’ll need to replace clear retainers every few months. No matter which one you choose, you can expect to pay an additional $200–$600.
5. Refinements
Clear aligner treatments have a process called “refinement,” in which your dentist can craft additional aligners to fine-tune your smile if you’re not satisfied with the results. Because of the additional time and resources involved, this process often costs extra.
Damon braces, on the other hand, stay in place until they achieve the desired movements. So, additional modifications immediately after treatment aren’t often necessary. Instead, your orthodontist can make mid-treatment adjustments to ensure your progress stays on track. While their innovative design eliminates the need for certain appliances, your orthodontist still might use others (like palatal expanders) to induce more complex tooth and jaw shifts. Depending on your orthodontist, these modifications might increase your total cost.
Financing Options
A few thousand dollars for orthodontic treatment is steep, but a financing plan can make it much more manageable. While it won’t bring down the overall cost, financing will break it down into smaller, less intimidating chunks. Most orthodontist offices provide financing options, so it’s just a matter of finding out which ones are available to you. There are also third-party financing options out there, but they can potentially come with higher interest rates.
To qualify for certain financing options, you will need to pass a credit check. If you’re not confident in your credit score, you should confirm whether a credit check is required. And while monthly payments are nice, they also allow interest to accrue, increasing your final cost. For this reason, it’s better to pay up front if you have the financial flexibility.
Insurance Coverage
Does your insurance plan include orthodontic benefits? If so, you’ll likely receive partial coverage for your Damon braces. Some dental insurance plans will cover orthodontic work for anyone under age 18, but not for adults. Others might only cover certain types of orthodontic treatments. You don’t want to assume that you’ll receive orthodontic coverage just because you have dental insurance. Check with your provider to see if they cover Damon braces specifically before committing to treatment.
Alternatively, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), your orthodontist’s office may accept payments from either. These tax-free funds — which may receive contributions from your employer — could be more convenient than paying out of pocket.
How Does the Cost Compare to Other Treatment Options?
Traditional braces are already one of the more expensive treatment options out there ($3,000–$7,000 on average), and Damon braces typically run around $1,000 more than the traditional style. The cost is also comparable to a full course of Invisalign treatment. Whichever option you choose, expect to pay somewhere between $3,000–$8,000 for the one-on-one care and expertise of your orthodontist, as well as the ability to treat more severe and complex conditions.
That said, if your condition is relatively mild, you may be a candidate for at-home teeth straightening, which is much more affordable. By eliminating the need for in-person office visits, providers like SmileDirectClub and Byte have been able to offer clear aligner systems for just $1,800–$2,400. Many adults today opt for at-home treatment because it’s so much more convenient and affordable than traditional orthodontic care.
For some people, the peace of mind that they’re getting facetime with a highly skilled professional is enough to justify the higher prices of braces or Invisalign. We think that it’s worth the cost if you have a severe condition like a bite misalignment, or prefer traditional one-on-one dental care. But if your condition is fairly minor and you’re looking for the most affordable, convenient option available, home teeth aligners are worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Damon braces are an innovative advancement in the world of orthodontia. Because of their unique design, they’re considered more comfortable and convenient than standard braces. But these benefits come at a cost, as Damon braces are often more expensive than other treatment options. Remember, though, that several variables can influence that cost. Take stock of your own circumstances and budget to see how it might affect any treatment’s price tag.
With help from insurance and financing, Damon braces can still be surprisingly affordable. Be careful, though, that you don’t make your decision based entirely on cost. We recommend also looking at each treatment’s scope of treatment, convenience, appearance, and customer service. Do they line up with your smile goals and priorities? If a particular option can deliver the results you want and fit with your budget, it might be the one for you.
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