Dental Braces Can I afford It?
Typically, in a Malaysian scenario, you should be able to afford Dental Braces. That’s the short answer. However, here are some factors that are taken into consideration how costs of dental braces are established. Consider these cost factors before making a decision on selecting the best option for you
1) How your dentist / orthodontist offers financial packages.
Some dentists offer an easy payment scheme where you put down deposit at the start of treatment and pay monthly (as low as RM 100 ) over a period of 1-2 years. Others may want you to pay a significant cost and pay a small nominal fee for the check-up when you visit monthly. Yet for Clear Aligners there is often no easy payment scheme available.
2) The Specific type of Dental Braces option you have chosen
Cosmetic braces cost more than metal braces. Some systems do not use the colorful elastics and they cost more. Yet, now with clear aligners being made popular they have higher pricing system .
3) The complexity of your treatment and duration.
Simple malocclusion or in lay speaking terms, your teeth are not so adversely crooked, would obviously involve shorter time frame of treatment and this will be less costly compared to complex problems of malocclusion. Children’s teeth and bones are more amenable to braces treatment and often involve less time and hence less cost.
There are other costs as well like X rays and tooth extractions which may be required before onset of Braces treatment.
4) The Professional status, qualifications and years of experience of the Dentist / Orthodontist
Not all Dentist or Orthodontist are of same level of capability. Specialist and generalist dentist have slightly different charges. Then again more experienced and capable dentist will also charge a premium for the services. Orthodontics is a specialty in Dentistry yet even GP dentist with experience and training are capable of delivering effective treatment. It is not just the qualification that determines the fees structure but the capability and professionalism of the dental team as well that should be taken into consideration - even chairside etiquette.
5) Location and vicinity of the Dental Clinic
Generally Clinics in urban locations tend to charge more due to the overheads and other incidental cost. Just like upmarket restaurants and hotels too, you may need to pay for premium ambience and comfort. For a long term treatment as Dental Braces it may be worth it.
However, if you have to travel a distance to see your dentist, you may want to add the cost of travel and inconvenience to your total cost as normal braces treatment involves monthly visits to the dentist. The good news with clear aligners is you do not have regular monthly visits. Saves a lot of cost.
When it is time for you to decide, you should consider searching on Google or get referrals from your friends and then do you research by consulting with a few dental clinics that offer dental braces as an option. And then when you do make the decision, don’t let the financial figure alone be a sole criteria for making a decision. Be weary of the old adage “ Penny Wise Pound Foolish”.
