Cost of Braces in South Africa
Braces are a necessity when you have crooked or overcrowded teeth.
They are also vital for a misaligned jaw.
They can be worn by kids, teenagers, or adults. In fact, there is almost no age limitation when it comes to braces.
But the treatment works faster for children and teenagers than for adults. This is because they’re still growing and their tissues are still moving, which gives more flexibility to their jawlines and higher movement response to their teeth.
This article gives you an idea of the cost of braces in South Africa; it also sheds some light on where to get free braces in South Africa.
How Braces Work
The major aim of braces is to re-position your teeth. Brackets are glued to each tooth and then connected together using archwires. Brackets are those things that look like stones that stick to each tooth while archwires are the wires that run horizontally across your teeth.
This setup helps to create pressure that is constantly exerted on the teeth and moves them to change their initial position and structure. The pressure has to be constantly applied for a long period of time for this to work. This is why it may take up to 3 years the braces are eventually removed.
Retainers are often used for months after they are removed. Retainers help to maintain the new shape of the teeth for some time before they’re finally balanced.
Types of Braces
There are different types of braces. And it is important to have an idea about each of them and how they differ from one another before heading to the hospital.
Metal Braces
These are the most common types of braces and are more effective and less expensive than others. They’re a better choice for treating severe overcrowding than the other types.
The braces come with metal brackets and archwires that help to align the teeth as desired. The archwires use the heat of your body to help your teeth move faster and less painfully.
Old metal braces are very noticeable and less appealing to appearance. But modern braces are less noticeable and are a good fit for people who worry about their appearance. They are available in gray, gold, or silver colors.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are recommended for adults who have stopped growing. They are similar to metal braces but the brackets are made of ceramics. They are larger than metal braces and are available in clear or tooth color.
These braces are more expensive and less noticeable than metal braces. They are fragile and move the teeth slower. People prefer to use ceramic braces because they are less noticeable and available in several colors. But in terms of functionality, metal braces have more advantages.
One other advantage of these braces is that they produce less signal interference during imaging tests.
Lingual Braces
These are the best braces for those who wouldn’t want others to know that they’re wearing braces. The placement of lingual braces is quite different from the other types. Unlike others, they are placed on the inner side of the teeth such that the braces are concealed.
Lingual braces are quite expensive and come with a lot of challenges. First, getting an orthodontist to put them on for you may pose some difficulty because they require more expertise than the others. Getting used to them after wearing them may take more time as the placement affects your tongue. You may have to relearn how to swallow and how to say some words correctly.
Invisalign Braces
These are removable braces that can be temporarily eliminated to brush your teeth or enjoy meals that will otherwise be difficult to consume with the braces on. They are clear braces made of plastic and are not easily noticed.
Invisalign braces are custom-made for individual treatments. Just like all others, they also have their pros and cons. To make the braces work effectively, you have to wear them for a minimum of 20 hours daily or as directed by your orthodontist.
The braces are quite expensive and have to be replaced every 2 weeks or so. And since they are removable, there is a high probability of misplacing them. These braces are not suitable for severe treatments.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Braces in South Africa?
The cost of braces in South Africa varies greatly, depending on various factors like the type of braces, the hospital, and how severe the treatment is. Below is the price range according to the two types of hospitals in South Africa.
Government Hospitals
The cost of braces in government hospitals in South Africa ranges from R$ 3,700 to R$ 11,100.
Private Hospitals
The cost of braces in private hospitals in South Africa ranges from R$ 11,100 to R$ 29,600.
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Where to Get Free Braces in South Africa
A lot of people search online for where to get free braces in South Africa. As at the time of writing this article, there is no place to get braces for free in South Africa. It is quite expensive and will require the intervention of the government or organizations to make it free.
You can, however, get it fixed for you in several hospitals if you have the fund. Below is a list of places to get braces in South Africa.
University Teaching Hospitals
You can get your braces fixed in prominent university teaching hospitals in South Africa. As with other treatments, you’ll get it at even cheaper rates than in private hospitals. Locating a teaching hospital isn’t an issue at all as they can be found in several major cities in the country. Just ask around.
Smile Best Dental Clinic Good
This is a private clinic that provides a range of dental services. They have a team of experts that will put your braces for you and also give you professional advice. Visit.
Smile 360 Dental Specialists
This dental clinic employs specialists who have been trained abroad to deliver dental services that are of high standards to patients. The clinic strives to provide world-class dental care to South Africans right here in South Africa. Visit.
Faces ‘n’ Braces Dental Clinics
This is a dental organization that specializes in oral care. They also love to create awareness and teach people the best practice they can employ to keep their teeth healthy since they’re going to be using them throughout their lifetimes. They have a team of licensed professionals that work with them. Visit.
Choice Dental
Choice Dental is a good place to go if you’re on a tight budget but need to get braces. They offer an installment plan that allows you to pay R$ 1,850 per month. Founded by Dr. Sade Akiode, the clinic offers cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, preventive dentistry, and consultation services in addition to putting braces. Visit.
Other hospitals include Family Dental Care and Platinum Dental Surgery.
When it comes to dental braces, one of the biggest concerns for patients is the cost. In South Africa, the cost of braces can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the type of braces, the severity of the orthodontic issue, and the specific dental practice you choose.
| Type of Braces | Approximate Cost Range (in ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Between 25,000 and 35,000 |
| Ceramic Braces | Between 30,000 and 45,000 |
| Lingual Braces | Between 40,000 and 75,000 |
| Invisalign | Between 20,000 and 60,000 |
It’s important to keep in mind that these prices are just an estimate and may vary depending on the specific orthodontic treatment plan recommended by your dentist. It’s always best to schedule a consultation to get an accurate cost estimate for your specific case.
In conclusion, the cost of braces in South Africa can range from 20,000 to 75,000 ZAR depending on the type of braces chosen and the severity of the orthodontic issue. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment option for your needs and budget.
