Dental braces can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. Not only do they boost one’s confidence, but they also help improve your dental health. For those who are interested in getting this dental treatment, one of the main questions you may have is regarding the actual cost of braces.
Once the inquiry is made, though, many people immediately lose their interest but most are still willing to take the next step for better teeth. Regardless, there are a few things to know when you’re paying for the service. This will help you understand why dental braces are worth the money they are asking for.
To learn more, read this complete guide to the cost of braces in the Philippines.

The average price of dental braces in the Philippines can go between Php 30,000 – Php 80,000.
Now, you might be thinking that this is such an expensive cost for a mere dental treatment. However, you should know that a set of traditional braces is considered to be the most affordable compared to other services. In fact, it’s the only treatment at the same price point that corrects teeth placement.

You should also note that the cost of braces depends on a lot of things, such as the dental clinic you’re in and the type of material used for your braces. Another reason why the treatment is expensive is the fact that it’s meant to be a long-term investment. You have to wait until 12 to 24 months to truly see improvement in your teeth.

To know more about the reason behind the cost of braces, here are the factors that affect their price.

1. Teeth Condition

This is probably the main factor that affects the cost of dental braces.
If you have severely misaligned teeth, chances are you’ll pay a lot more to have them fixed. This is due to the fact that more serious cases would require more checkups and adjustments at your dental clinic.

Furthermore, people with such cases would probably need to wear their braces for an extended period of time instead of the usual 12-24 months. The longer you wear braces, the greater the cost as the price would just accumulate over time.

2. Type of Material Used for the Braces

The cost of braces also depends on the materials used by the orthodontist. And these materials would be based on your particular dental problem.
Here are the types of dental braces your dentist may recommend, based on your dental problem.

This is the most common type of orthodontic treatment and available in almost all dental clinics. They are also the least expensive, ranging from Php 30,000 – Php 50,000, while still being very effective in aligning your teeth.

However, they can easily be noticed due to the brackets and wires attached to your teeth. They are also uncomfortable during the first few weeks of installation. As such, they may not be the ideal dental cosmetic solution for you.

Fortunately, there are other metal brace options like the Damon braces. They don’t give off too much discomfort or require as much maintenance than traditional metal types. They are a better, albeit more expensive (starting at Php 100,000), choice to achieve that perfect smile.

This type of brace is similar to traditional metal braces in size and shape. However, they are made of ceramic which makes the braces less noticeable compared to metal types.

Ceramic braces usually cost higher, though, at around Php 90,000 – 140,000. They also require proper maintenance as they can easily become stained.

These braces are made of metal but they are attached to the inside of the teeth. This makes it virtually invisible to other people because they are hidden behind the teeth.

However, they are difficult to install and adjust, thereby affecting its price. The average cost of lingual braces in the Philippines is around Php 80,000 or higher. They can also cause discomfort and tend to be hard to clean.

Out of all the types of braces, this kind is the most unique since it does not involve brackets and wires. Instead, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. They are also removable, making it the most comfortable option for patients.

Due to these benefits, they are considerably more expensive ranging from Php 200,000 – 250,000. The only downside, though, is the fact that it can only correct minor dental problems in teenagers and adults. It’s not capable of correcting severe misalignment of teeth.

3. Expertise of Dentist

The place where you get your teeth aligned also affects the cost of braces.
Famous dental clinics with a team of orthodontists and medical staff would charge bigger for their service compared to small dental clinics. This is due to the fact that each clinic has different orthodontists varying in experience. The more experience and certifications a dentist has, the higher his/her professional fee.

You also have to consider the location where these dental clinics are located. Are they situated in a popular business district or in your neighborhood?

Lastly, you need to check if they are a legitimate clinic with complete business permits. There are some people who advertise “cheap” braces. However, these braces are actually incomplete and would force you to purchase other parts such as elastics or brackets. Always go to a specialist for your dental problems.

4. Additional Dental Services

Aside from the type of brace and expertise of dentist, the cost of dental braces is also dependent on the services you get. For instance, most dental clinics offer special packages inclusive of the treatment such as mercury-free fillings. These are used before the installation of the braces to ensure a successful restoration process. However, alone, this may cost you a hefty amount so they are typically included in the package.

So when there are additional services like these included in your dental treatment, you may have to pay an extra fee on top of the actual cost of the braces themselves.

5. Dental Follow-up Visits

The process of getting braces doesn’t end in having them fit over your teeth, though. You need to see your dentist for follow up check-ups. This would ensure that your teeth are properly adjusting to the braces and you’re not experiencing too much discomfort.

Braces might seem expensive upfront but they are worth the money because they offer a lot of long-term benefits. If you’re still not sure whether to get braces or not due to their price, there are actually ways you can pay less for them. Check out these tips!

1. Ask About Available Payment Terms

Dental clinics in the Philippines usually require an initial down-payment for dental braces. Then they request for the remainder of the fee to be paid on an installment basis.

However, before you agree to these terms, you may want to ask for their other payment options. Weigh out your budget and ask yourself if you’re willing to commit long-term. On top of that, discuss any additional payments you have to pay. Who knows? You may or may not like the idea of paying your dentist every consultation and adjustment.

Lastly, you should research and contact other clinics and compare their fees. By doing so, you’ll have an idea of which services and payment terms are worth the money.

2. Check Your Health Insurance

If you have health or dental insurance, you may want to check with your provider if they cover the cost of getting dental braces. Most of the time, they don’t pay for orthodontic treatment of adults, but they partially cover children or teenagers. So it’s best to ask, especially if it means saving a considerable amount of money on dental braces.

3. Consider Orthodontists in Training

For those who are really in a tight budget, you can try having your braces fit by an orthodontist in training. You can typically find them in dental schools, where they might offer their services at a reduced cost.

Just make sure they are fully supervised by an experienced orthodontist during the whole procedure. And when in doubt, don’t settle for less. Save your money instead of getting unexpected end results.

4. Plan Ahead

If you have a child, you may want to plan ahead so you can decide whether your budget can handle the cost of braces or not. As soon as your child turns 7, go to the dentist for a check-up. This would help you determine if they need to get braces at an early age or they simply need to practice better dental hygiene practices.

Regardless of the case, having a dental plan significantly reduces the cost of braces over time.

An integral part of planning ahead for your dental treatment is knowing who should get braces. Almost everyone can be fitted for braces. However, those who really need it and benefit from it usually have the following dental conditions:

Overall, dental braces can improve the appearance of your teeth but they come at a price. Despite this, they are very much worth the money as they give you long-lasting results after the treatment.

Ready to get braces? Asian Sun is a reputable dental clinic in Quezon City that offers the best and affordable dental treatments, including orthodontic braces. We are dedicated to providing quality dentistry in the Philippines. That’s why we are comprised of Western-trained staff members who use the latest technology for our services. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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ALSO READ: The Cost of a Tooth Implant in the Philippines

Ready to get braces? Asian Sun Dental Clinic Manila is a reputable dental clinic in Quezon City that offers the best and affordable dental treatments, including orthodontic braces. We are dedicated to providing quality dentistry in the Philippines. That’s why we are comprised of Western-trained staff members who use the latest technology for our services. Contact us today to book an appointment!

Liked this article? Check out our blog for other relevant content.