Take The Bite Out Of The Bills

Planning ahead and shopping around can cut the cost of orthodontics

- Susan Hely

Both my kids needed braces. One has a crossbite and the other crooked teeth. I wasn’t prepared for the expense as neither my partner nor I had orthodontics. I soon discovered that if your kids need orthodontics, expect big bills. Prices vary from $6000 to $9500, depending on a range of factors, according to Robert Schwartz, specialist orthodontist and spokesperson for Orthodontics Australia.

He estimates about 300,000 Australians have braces or aligners and about 75% of them are in the mouths of 225,000 children.

What can you do to save money on orthodontics?

Start early. Having orthodontics isn’t an emergency medical procedure, but it is hard to put it off because there is strong evidence that a delay in straightening out crooked teeth will cause problems later, which could be more expensive – and perhaps more painful– to fix.

Orthodontists will tell you that straight teeth are important for self-esteem and confidence. Your dentist will typically give their view on whether your kids need orthodontics when they are around eight to 10 years old, says Schwartz. Some problems could be treated right away but others could be further down the track, allowing you to save up for them.

Private health insurance

Check with your private health insurer to see how much you get back for orthodontic work. The more you pay for health insurance extras the more likely you are able to claim money back for orthodontics. It isn’t available with a basic insurance (extras) plan but it is in plans with special features.