If you’re considering orthodontic treatment in Auckland, you know its a big investment. Not only does it take time to get that beautiful smile, there is a financial commitment that patients (and families) make. This is why it is important for you to have all the information before you make a decision regarding any treatment.
There are options!
There are lots of options available for straightening teeth in Auckland – or preventing teeth from crowding in the first place. From early interceptive treatment to the treatment of crowded teeth and bad bites. Orthodontic treatment can involve space maintainers, expanders, plates, functional appliances, braces, hidden braces, and invisible braces like Invisalign.
This is made even more complicated in that people seeking orthodontic treatment have many different problems with their teeth, bites, jaws etc. meaning that no two people have the same problem.
Get all the facts first
From the brief description above, you can appreciate that it’s difficult to provide an accurate price for orthodontic treatment based solely on online information or a single treatment option.
Giving online quotes for braces or Invisalign, or using practitioners that provide only one type of treatment frequently leads to compromises to keep within the quote.
To offer transparent and honest advice, a specialist needs to personally assess a patient’s needs and determine the most suitable treatment plan. At Shakespeare Orthodontics, we provide the first appointment as a consultation visit at no charge. For your convenience, we have four locations across Auckland: Takapuna, Epsom, Howick and Warkworth.
This way, our specialist orthodontists can provide all the treatment options, an expected time frame to get results, and a cost. This allows patients to make informed decisions without pressure or obligation.
Cost of Braces & Invisalign
In New Zealand, orthodontic treatment of adults and children is carried out best by specialist orthodontists. These specialists have had a minimum of 8 years of university education which equals thousands of hours of understanding everything there is to know about teeth, jaws, growth and development.
It is important to have your teeth assessed by a specialist so that nothing is missed and you can expect the very best outcome. The costs are often very similar if you were to see a specialist vs non-specialist, so this should not be the deciding factor.
Costs of orthodontic treatments (like braces and Invisalign) vary and relate to the expertise of the provider and quality of the treatment. There are $900 discounted braces that are offered through discount websites! Caution and due diligence are a must when assessing these offers as often there are significant hidden costs. Often the practitioners are inexperienced and the expected outcomes are not of a standard acceptable.
In Auckland, both Invisalign and braces treatments cost around the $7,500-10,500. In some situations, there are cases that specialists treat that can be much less than this, with fees that start around $4,500 on average.
Several factors affect the cost, including the difficulty of the case, the time it will take to finish the treatment, the type of braces used, or if other appliances are needed. There is also a difference in costs if patients are adults, or growing children. Adult treatment on average tends to be more complicated and the teeth movements occur a little slower because of their “healing ability”.
Treatment with Invisalign (clear aligners) cost slightly more on average at around $8,500-10,500. Invisalign offers different types of treatment (depending on how easy or difficult the treatment is) which can considerably affect these prices.
As above, some cases can be treated for much less than this, which highlights how important it is to have your teeth and bite properly assessed by a specialist orthodontist to provide transparent and honest advice.
Flexible Payment Plans
Orthodontic treatment, whether you’re opting for traditional braces or Invisalign, is an investment, but it doesn’t need to be a financial burden. Shakespeare Orthodontics offer flexible payment plans to help spread out the cost over the course of treatment.
This makes it more accessible for families and individuals who may be concerned about upfront costs. Be sure to ask about these options during your consultation, whether you’re interested in braces or Invisalign, so you can plan your finances accordingly.
Post-Treatment Care and Retention
Once orthodontic treatment is complete, whether it’s with braces or Invisalign, maintaining your new smile is just as important as the treatment itself. Retainers are often required to ensure that teeth remain in their corrected positions, and regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor progress.
Understanding the post-treatment care required for braces or Invisalign is an important part of the decision-making process and ensures long-lasting results.
The Importance of Early Intervention
For parents considering braces or Invisalign for their children, early intervention can play a critical role in preventing more severe dental issues later on. Some orthodontic issues, such as overcrowding or misaligned jaws, can be addressed early with interceptive treatments, making future treatments less complicated and potentially shorter.
Consulting with a specialist orthodontist at an early stage can ensure the best possible outcomes, whether your child will need braces, Invisalign, or another type of appliance.
Choosing Between Braces and Invisalign: What’s Right for You?
One of the most common decisions patients face is whether to choose traditional braces or Invisalign. Each option has its own set of advantages, depending on the patient’s needs and lifestyle. Braces, for example, are highly effective for more complex dental issues and are typically a more affordable option. They are also ideal for younger patients who may not be as diligent with removable aligners.
Invisalign, on the other hand, is popular with adults and teens due to its discreet appearance and the convenience of being removable. The clear aligners allow patients to maintain their regular eating and cleaning habits, which makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a less noticeable treatment option. However, it requires discipline to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, and it may not be as suitable for complex cases. Discussing your lifestyle and dental needs with a specialist orthodontist will help you choose the option that’s right for you.
