Back from the Ortho, now decision time. Fair prices?

[StumpedSir]

Hi team - I'm happy this board exists, as I have found a lot of useful information. My teeth aren't bad, 50% overbite and crowding and top and bottom. I was given two options:

- Invisalign for 7-8 months costing $5100 (includes everything and check ups)
- Ceramic/clear traditional braces costing $3900 for 5-6 months (same)

Both are fair options considering I won't be wearing them too long, but my teeth have always bothered me and I will be getting something done. They are checking insurance but stated it may only cover $1000 for either, but she didn't see it as happening.

Are these fair estimates? Is it worth 'shopping' around? The Ortho has worked with coworkers and he does a great job. I just want to avoid jumping into something prematurely, when I already need to decide between the two!

[StumpedSir]

I'm not sure how to edit. One last question. Can you negotiate prices? Or is that taboo?

[oldfart]

I have kids so it was easier to negotiate. Once they found out I had four they knocked off $800 on the price for me, even though only two were doing treatment now.

Then after insurance the total came to $10,300 and I mentioned that we really need to keep it at the $10k mark, and they did it.

But I suppose a lot depends on how much competition there is around.

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[StumpedSir]

[quote="oldfart"]I have kids so it was easier to negotiate. Once they found out I had four they knocked off $800 on the price for me, even though only two were doing treatment now.

Then after insurance the total came to $10,300 and I mentioned that we really need to keep it at the $10k mark, and they did it.

But I suppose a lot depends on how much competition there is around.

of[/quote]
There's certainly competition around. It's located in Suburbia, with an orthodontist across the street. With that being said, what is a fair price to negotiate? Thanks for the reply

[anarchy45]

Well, where do you live, and what currency? I'm paying a functional orthodontist $6500 to fix my rather screwed-up teeth and TMJ - he gave an estimate of 15-18 weeks, but I'm skeptical of such a short timespan. Then again, I live in NYC and see a very well known orthodontist...

[Tobilei]

I'll start by saying there are plenty of happy invisalign users.

My ortho told me that traditional braces tend to create slighty better outcomes and that some people who use invisalign find they are unhappy at the end of it. I chose traditional clear braces because of this.

I think the price sounds quite reasonable. My invisalign was quoted over $7500 for 18 months and my braces 14 months and $6800 (cheaper for metals).

[StumpedSir]

[quote="anarchy45"]Well, where do you live, and what currency? I'm paying a functional orthodontist $6500 to fix my rather screwed-up teeth and TMJ - he gave an estimate of 15-18 weeks, but I'm skeptical of such a short timespan. Then again, I live in NYC and see a very well known orthodontist...[/quote]

Columbus, Ohio and dollars. There is good deal of wealth in the area, and with that comes some very good orthodontist. I know the guy is repeatable, but I was unsure about the prices & which option would be best. I'm a bit skeptical 6 months will suffice, but he reassured me.

What option did you end up going with Tobilei?

[Tobilei]

I ended up choosing the clear braces (pics in my thread in my signature link if you're interested ). I figured they do the same job as the metals and I was concerned about the fact that if all didn't go according to plan with the invisalign that I'd end up having to pay more money for new aligners half way through (upwards of $1000 extra for me-they have to be ordered from the US-I'm in Australia). My ortho also said that some people who go with invisalign end up needing braces at the end to finish things off so I figured I may as well just get them on from the beginning.

[LilMiss]

I've worn both braces and Invisalign and there are pros and cons to each. Invisalign are much kinder to the gums and I like the fact you can clean your teeth as normal. Flossing is a real pain in braces. That said, I had two cavities with Invisalign and none with braces. I think the lack of saliva flow might be problem, but then if you have to wear a retainer at night for life it's the same thing. I suppose overall I feel less self-concious in Invisalign, but I haven't told anyone outside family that I'm wearing them and loathe having to sneak them out every time food is offered. You can't snack or grab a coffee on the go.

I suppose the bottom line is to ask your ortho which he/she anticipates will provide a better result. Sounds like you have a happily short time wearing them and it will fly by.

[starfish88]

I would agree that if your ortho thinks he can treat you with invisalign then he probably can! I was told point blank that I'm not suitable for invisalign. Saying that I'm very happy with my clear upper metal lower - they were kind on noticable at first but as the teeth straighten out they look better. If you need attatchments for invisalign its as obvious as clear brackets anyway!

[SunshineRay]

Its such a hard decision to make! I totally get that....I cant advise you on yours since I cant even solve my own.

[StumpedSir]

Thanks for all the help. Bass off your posts, I assume the costs are fair.

My only hesitation with braces is the fact I work face to face with my clients. Although, 6 months of braces isn't that long and I think I can manage! I'm not sure $1k extra for Invisalign is worth it, unless I had to be in my braces for longer.

Oddly enough, I'm extremely excited to get braces as an adult. My appointment was nerve wreckin, I thought he was going to say 2 years time for the braces,so I'm certainly thankful.

And this may have been a sales tactic, but they said they weren't charging me for the clear braces. Said he's waving the additional $900 over the all metal.

[StumpedSir]

Thanks for all the help. Bass off your posts, I assume the costs are fair.

My only hesitation with braces is the fact I work face to face with my clients. Although, 6 months of braces isn't that long and I think I can manage! I'm not sure $1k extra for Invisalign is worth it, unless I had to be in my braces for longer.

Oddly enough, I'm extremely excited to get braces as an adult. My appointment was nerve wreckin, I thought he was going to say 2 years time for the braces,so I'm certainly thankful.

And this may have been a sales tactic, but they said they weren't charging me for the clear braces. Said he's waving the additional $900 over the all metal.

[plugnickel69]

I work face to face with people in my professional life all the time. Braces play no factor in the relationships. Sounds like a good deal for the ceramics.

[DrJasonKTam]

You'll find some doctors will negotiate and others won't. Everyone has various reasons for it. We offer a bookkeeping courtesy that is higher than the bank interest rate for payment in full, offer a set discount for the second member of the immediate family, offer a set discount for phase two treatment, and occasionally offer a discount if we have a late cancellation and someone is willing to have braces put in to fill that opening in the schedule.

I don't waver from my fees because I know the value of what my work and the experience is worth. If patients would like to have treatment at our office, then they have to pay what we ask. If they are looking for a less expensive treatment, I am always happy to direct them elsewhere. It does mean that some people, though thankfully rare in our office, are willing to walk out the door, but that's something I have personally come to accept.

The way I look at it is that with thousands of patients treated, it also isn't fair to my patients if some are paying more than others for the same thing. We also provide great value for what our patients are paying for.