By Dr. Lauren Vitkus, ABO Board Certified Orthodontist and Founder of Sirius Orthodontics

Providing orthodontic care to children, teens, and adults throughout Central New York and the North Country

Quick Answer

At Sirius Orthodontics, comprehensive orthodontic treatment typically costs between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of treatment and each patient’s individual needs.

We offer in-house, interest-free financing with flexible payment terms, and many patients also have orthodontic insurance benefits that can reduce their out-of-pocket cost.

The most important thing is knowing what treatment is being recommended, why it is necessary, and exactly what you can expect to pay before getting started.

Why Does the Cost of Braces Vary?

One of the first questions parents ask me is, “How much are braces going to cost?”

It’s a completely reasonable question. Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment for most families.

There isn’t one price for braces because there isn’t one type of orthodontic problem. A child who needs relatively simple tooth alignment requires a very different treatment plan than someone with significant crowding, an impacted tooth, or a complicated bite.

• The severity of crowding or spacing
• The complexity of the bite
• Impacted or unerupted teeth
• The amount of tooth movement required
• Growth and jaw development
• The expected length and complexity of treatment

This is why we need to evaluate a patient before determining the actual cost of treatment.

What Should I Expect at an Orthodontic Consultation?

A good orthodontic consultation should answer three basic questions:

What do we see? What do we recommend? What will it cost?

At Sirius Orthodontics, we evaluate the teeth and bite, listen to your concerns, and explain whether treatment is needed.

Sometimes the answer is to start orthodontic treatment. Other times - especially with younger children - the best recommendation may be to wait and monitor growth.

I think that distinction is important.

As a mom myself, I want to know not only what someone is recommending for my child, but why. I believe parents should expect the same from their orthodontist.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Many dental insurance plans provide an orthodontic benefit, but the amount varies by plan.

Some plans pay a portion of orthodontic treatment up to a lifetime maximum. Other plans provide little or no orthodontic coverage.

If you have orthodontic insurance, our team can help you understand how those benefits apply to your treatment and what your estimated out-of-pocket cost will be.

Eligible HSA or FSA funds may also be used for qualifying orthodontic expenses.

Can I Make Monthly Payments for Braces?

Yes. Sirius Orthodontics offers in-house, interest-free financing with flexible terms.

We know that paying several thousand dollars at once isn’t practical - or desirable - for many families. Our financing options allow families to spread the cost of treatment over time without paying interest.

We can review your insurance benefits, expected treatment cost, initial payment, and financing options before you begin.

There shouldn’t be a financial mystery surrounding orthodontic treatment. You should understand the numbers before making your decision.

Why Does Board Certification Matter?

An orthodontist has already completed additional specialty education after dental school. Board certification goes a step further.

Multiple doctors at Sirius Orthodontics are Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Our board certified orthodontists have voluntarily completed additional examination and certification requirements beyond becoming orthodontic specialists.

For our doctors, board certification represents an ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and providing our patients with a high standard of orthodontic care.

Credentials matter, but they aren’t the only consideration when choosing an orthodontist. You also need to trust the person who will be treating you or your child.

What Should I Look for When Comparing Orthodontists?

It’s reasonable to compare prices when you’re considering orthodontic treatment. But make sure you’re comparing more than numbers.

• Who will oversee my child’s treatment?
• Why are you recommending this treatment?
• Are there other reasonable options?
• How long should treatment take?
• What is included in the quoted fee?
• Are there additional costs I should anticipate?
• What financing options are available?

And then ask yourself something less technical: Do I feel comfortable trusting this practice with my child?

Orthodontic treatment may last 18 months, two years, or longer. The people providing that care are going to become a regular part of your family’s schedule. That relationship matters.

An Orthodontist’s Perspective - and a Mom’s

Being a mom has influenced the way I practice orthodontics.

Parents are busy. Kids have school, sports, music, activities, vacations, and lives that don’t stop because they’re wearing braces. We try to keep that reality in mind when planning treatment and appointments.

More importantly, when another parent entrusts us with their child, I want our team to approach that responsibility the same way we would want someone to care for our own children.

For us, that means providing excellent orthodontic care, explaining our recommendations, respecting families’ time, and being transparent about cost.

Sometimes it also means saying, “Your child doesn’t need treatment yet. Let’s wait.”

Good orthodontic care isn’t about starting treatment as quickly as possible. It’s about recommending the right treatment at the right time for the right reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces and Cost

How much do braces cost at Sirius Orthodontics?

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment at Sirius Orthodontics typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of treatment and the patient’s individual needs.

Does Sirius Orthodontics offer interest-free financing?

Yes. We offer in-house, interest-free financing with flexible payment terms to help families make orthodontic treatment fit their budgets.

Does insurance pay for braces?

Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit. Coverage varies, so our team can help determine how your specific benefits apply.

Is the least expensive orthodontist the best choice?

Not necessarily. Consider cost alongside the orthodontist’s training, treatment recommendations, quality of care, convenience, communication, and how comfortable you feel with the practice.

How do I know exactly what my braces will cost?

An orthodontic evaluation is the best way to determine your individual treatment needs and cost. Once we understand the treatment required, we can explain the recommended plan, expected treatment time, insurance benefits, and financial options.

Orthodontic Care for Central New York and the North Country

Orthodontic treatment is a meaningful investment in yourself or your child. You should feel comfortable with both the treatment plan and the people providing the treatment.

At Sirius Orthodontics, our doctors and team care for children, teens, and adults throughout Central New York and the North Country. Our goal is simple: provide excellent orthodontic care while making treatment understandable, convenient, and financially transparent for families.

About the Author

Dr. Lauren Vitkus is an ABO Board Certified Orthodontist and founder of Sirius Orthodontics. She provides orthodontic care alongside the Sirius Orthodontics team to patients throughout Central New York and the North Country.

Ready to take the first step? Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation and begin your journey to a healthy, beaming smile.