Anonymous wrote:You all realize that the quotes are so different because everyone's treatment is so different, right?

Not necessarily. Orthodontia is pretty interesting because a lot of it really is cosmetic optional procedures but presented as medical treatments. We are the only country in the world where this is real. People in Europe can always tell Americans my their perfect teeth.

If you go to multiple orthodontists, you can get widely differing quotes. Both because they all have different treatment plans and because they charge different amounts for the same treatment. We went to the same orthodontist about 6 months apart and the same guy gave me and my husband widely different treatment plans for the same kid (their computer system had been replaced). It was a $4000 difference.

Just paid $4600 for Phase I expander and retainer (and all appointments for next 18 months) in Bethesda. I thought it was expensive but the practice seems fabulous and they do a lot to make it an enjoyable visit for kids.

$7500 for expander and braces for about a year. Alexandria. This practice basically has the corner on the market in our area. It’s super convenient and popular so I guess we’re paying a premium for that.

$2,300 for expander and partial braces for top. Wore them for about 9 months and moved to retainer.

You all realize that the quotes are so different because everyone's treatment is so different, right?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on speaking with friends, it sounds like expanders are more expensive than braces.

We are paying about $3600 for a year of braces. Insurance covered $1500, thankfully.

Must be typo.

It’s not a typo if the total was $5100, insurance covered $1500, and she pays the other $3600.

You're both wrong. We live in Fairfax and the total quote was $3600 for a year of braces. Insurance covered $1500 of that $3600, so we paid $2100 (thank you FSA for letting us use pre-tax money). We had 4 quotes and that was in the middle. We got the quote about a year ago, started treatment in January (so we could fund the FSA fully).

Anonymous wrote:Just go to Costa Rica. Less than half of what US charges. And enjoy the place while you are there.

And go back every two months for adjustments/new wires/broken brackets/etc.?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$4000-$4500 in Burke. Phase 1 with palate expander, head gear, and retainer for 9-12 months.

Isn’t head gear so 90s?

Try ‘70s, lol!

Anonymous wrote:$4000-$4500 in Burke. Phase 1 with palate expander, head gear, and retainer for 9-12 months.

Isn’t head gear so 90s?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on speaking with friends, it sounds like expanders are more expensive than braces.

We are paying about $3600 for a year of braces. Insurance covered $1500, thankfully.

Must be typo.

It’s not a typo if the total was $5100, insurance covered $1500, and she pays the other $3600.

Just got an estimate from an orthodontist in Rockville for our 9th grader, who is getting traditional braces for 14-18 months. Base cost was $6571. After insurance discount, the price came down to $4950. Insurance will pick up $2350. Our portion is $2600. If we pay cash up front, they’ll further discount our portion to $2470.

Phase 1 is a crock.

You people are nuts with those prices. Get thee to Costa Rica.

Anonymous wrote:DC had an expander, braces and a retainer and it cost us $750 after insurance for phase 1. Our orthodontist is in Gaithersburg. Looking at the PP, I'd say shop around!

Quoting your insurance deductible helps no one. Do you even know what it actually cost? I doubt it.

DC had an expander, braces and a retainer and it cost us $750 after insurance for phase 1. Our orthodontist is in Gaithersburg. Looking at the PP, I'd say shop around!