Getting braces is a common step towards achieving a confident smile and correcting bite or alignment issues. Most people know they’re in for a financial commitment when they sign up for orthodontic treatment. But beyond the standard fees quoted during a consultation, there are a few unexpected costs that tend to fly under the radar. If you’re wondering how much are braces really, it’s important to consider the lesser-known expenses that can arise along the way.
Here are four hidden costs of getting braces that no one talks about — but everyone should know.
1. Emergency Appointments and Repairs
Accidents happen — brackets come loose, wires break, and sometimes you bite into something you probably shouldn’t have. While some orthodontists include a certain number of emergency visits in their initial quote, others may charge extra for unscheduled appointments.
Imagine you’re a few months into your treatment, and a bracket pops off while you’re eating a crunchy snack. Not only will you need to book an extra visit, but you might also incur a fee to repair or replace parts. Over time, these seemingly minor incidents can add up, particularly if you’re prone to these issues.
Tip: Ask your orthodontist whether emergency visits are included in the overall treatment cost, or if they’re charged separately.
2. Oral Hygiene Supplies and Dental Care
Wearing braces requires a higher level of oral care. Standard brushing and flossing routines often aren’t enough, and you may need to invest in special cleaning tools like:
- Interdental brushes
- Water flossers
- Orthodontic toothbrushes
- Fluoride mouth rinses
In addition, regular dental check-ups and cleanings become even more important while wearing braces, to avoid issues like plaque buildup or gingivitis. Some private health funds may partially cover these costs, but not all do — and Medicare doesn’t usually step in for orthodontic-related hygiene appointments.
While each product or appointment might not seem expensive on its own, the costs quickly accumulate over the course of your treatment.
3. Dietary Adjustments and Food Costs
One of the more unexpected costs of braces isn’t directly financial — it’s the impact on your eating habits. Crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods are usually off-limits, which may lead to spending more on specialised foods that are braces-friendly. Soft fruits, soups, steamed vegetables, or ready-made smoothies often become daily staples.
Additionally, after each adjustment, your teeth may feel sore, prompting you to avoid harder foods for a few days. This might mean relying more on meal delivery or soft pre-prepared meals — which can be more expensive than your usual diet.
Over time, these dietary changes can subtly impact your weekly grocery bill or lifestyle spending.
4. Retainers and Post-Treatment Costs
Many people assume the cost of braces includes everything from start to finish. But in reality, the treatment doesn’t end the day your braces come off. Most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer — either fixed or removable — to maintain the results of your treatment. And guess what? These aren’t always included in the initial quote.
Retainers can cost anywhere from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the type and how many you need. Additionally, retainers can wear out or get lost, especially if they’re removable. Replacing one isn’t cheap and often isn’t covered by standard orthodontic packages.
Also, follow-up visits to check your bite or monitor progress post-treatment might come at an additional cost, especially if they extend beyond the typical “retention phase” included in your plan.
So, How Much Does Braces Cost in Reality?
The average question people ask is, how much does braces cost in Australia? Most orthodontists quote a range between $6,000 to $9,000 for comprehensive treatment with traditional metal braces. Clear braces or Invisalign may cost even more — up to $10,000 in some cases.
However, when you factor in the hidden costs mentioned above — emergency repairs, specialised cleaning tools, dietary adjustments, and post-treatment retainers — the real total can be thousands more.
This is why it’s essential to look beyond the base quote. Ask your orthodontist to provide a full breakdown, including what’s covered and what’s considered extra.
Summary
Braces are a significant investment, both financially and personally. While most people budget for the basic cost of the treatment, few consider the extra expenses that can creep in along the way. From emergency visits to oral hygiene tools and retainers, the hidden costs of getting braces can catch you off guard. Understanding these upfront will help you plan better, manage your finances more effectively, and avoid unpleasant surprises. So, next time you’re asking, how much are braces, make sure you’re factoring in more than just the brackets and wires — your smile depends on it.
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