Braces are a go-to corrective treatment for many individuals looking to improve their oral health or an effective cosmetic enhancement. While getting braces is a highly-rewarding investment, many people don’t know how much the treatment costs. That’s because there isn’t a standard price for orthodontic procedures. How much you’ll pay for braces mainly depends on several factors, such as your location and your individual needs. But, one thing for sure is that braces are expensive and can cost several thousand dollars due to their effectiveness and all the work involved. In this guide, we’re going to look at everything you need to know about the cost of braces in New Jersey.
The Severity of Your Condition Can Affect the Cost of Your Braces
The severity of your dental condition is one of the major contributing factors to the final cost of your braces. That means if you have a minor dental problem like teeth spacing or overcrowding, you should expect to pay less than with a severe condition such as crossbite. This is because minor issues require less time to correct, and you’ll make fewer visits to your orthodontist throughout your treatment. Your orthodontist can give you an estimate of your treatment period after evaluating your condition.
Type of Braces Needed
Once your orthodontist evaluates your condition, they’ll recommend different types of braces to choose from. However, braces vary greatly in price. So, the type of braces you choose will determine how much you pay. For instance, expect to pay more for lingual and ceramic braces than traditional braces. On average, here’s what your braces cost NJ:
Types of Braces |
Avg Price Range for Braces in NJ |
Traditional metal braces: | $3,000-$7,000 |
Clear/ceramic braces: | $4,000-$8,000 |
Lingual braces: | $8000-$12,000 |
Invisalign: | $2500-$8000 |
If you’re looking for the most affordable treatment option in New Jersey, consider getting metal braces. While metal braces are the most basic braces, they are incredibly durable and comfortable to wear. If you’re willing to pay more for something less noticeable, lingual and ceramic braces, make excellent options for you.
The Region You Live in Can Affect the Cost of Braces
Urban, Suburban, or Rural?
Prices for orthodontic treatment are usually the most expensive in the country’s Northeast region. That means braces costs will be higher in New Jersey than in most states. While the national average price for adult braces ranges between $4,800 and $7,135, you can end up paying $5,000 to $10,000 if you reside in New Jersey.
Braces costs can also vary greatly depending on your location within the state of New Jersey. For instance, you should expect to pay more if you live in urban and suburban areas than in the rural parts of New Jersey. That’s mainly due to the high cost of living in urban and suburban areas compared to rural areas. The high cost of utilities and rent in urban areas will force your orthodontist to increase their prices to accommodate.
To give you a general idea of what you may expect to pay for your braces, here are price estimates of adult braces in New Jersey compared to the national averages based on your location.
Area | Braces Costs in New Jersey | National Average |
Urban | $6,000 – $10,000 | $5,000 |
Suburban | $5,500 – $9,000 | $5,500 |
Rural | $5,000 – $8,000 | $4,000 |
Urban
While the cost of living in New Jersey is slightly lower than most neighboring cities like Philadelphia, braces still cost more than the national average. That means your braces are likely to be more expensive if you live in the urban parts of New Jersey.
Suburban
New Jersey has some of the most affluent suburbs, such as East Hills, North Hills, and Scarsdale. The cost of living in these suburbs is amongst the highest in New Jersey. Similarly, braces costs are remarkably high. Mid-sized towns like Trenton usually have a lower cost of living but have fewer orthodontist options, so braces costs are likely high.
Rural
As the most densely populated state in the US, nearly all parts of New Jersey are classified as urban. However, certain parts of the state are considered rural, like Hunterdon and Salem counties. These areas are less populated, quite affordable, and near large cities. New Jersey’s southern coast also has several small beach towns known to have a high cost of living, making orthodontic treatment more expensive.
Local Competition
Local competition can also influence how much you pay for your braces since local orthodontists will always be looking for ways to stand out from their competitors and attract new clients. And that means offering special offers and even lowering the costs of treatment. And with the high concentration of orthodontists in New Jersey and neighboring cities, you’re likely to get a discounted rate for your braces. Be sure to always be on the lookout for promotions and special offers usually offered by New Jersey’s orthodontists.
Your Orthodontist Level of Experience Can Affect Your Braces Cost
Generally, seasoned professionals usually have higher rates than relative newcomers. So, if your orthodontist has been practicing for many years, you’re likely to pay more for braces treatment. That’s why it’s always best to shop around for the most affordable yet experienced orthodontist if you have multiple in your area.
Conclusion
Braces are effective treatment options for various dental problems but can be pretty expensive for some people. As you’ve seen, the total cost of your braces in New Jersey will be influenced by several factors, such as your location, the type of braces you need, and how long the treatment will take.
Despite the high costs, investing in braces can hugely pay off in improved oral health and greater self-esteem and confidence. The good thing is that you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the high braces costs in New Jersey since there are ways you can make the price tag more affordable. Your options include reviewing your insurance plan and employer benefits, FSA or HAS payments, and promotional sales and discounts.
Are you looking for affordable orthodontic treatment in New Jersey? Contact Freehold Orthodontics, for exceptional quality orthodontic care.
Dr. Nebblett and the team at Freehold Orthodontics are experts in orthodontia. We are happy to answer any questions pertaining to Invisalign®, Invisalign Teen®, traditional metal braces, and clear braces in Freehold, NJ, and the surrounding areas. To schedule a complimentary consultation please contact us at (732) 838-9958 or use our online appointment request form.