There are certain expenses you know you are going to incur when you have children.  The expenses that we are prepared for and expect are food, clothing, doctors bills, pre-school, and of course, college.  There are the other typical expenses as well, such as little league, soccer, dance, music and who knows what else.  Then there are the expenses that we are not really prepared for and the ones that we hope we do not have to pay.  The number one unexpected and shall we say dreaded expense, braces.

So many children have to wear braces to straighten out their teeth.  This usually occurs around the fifth grade or when all of the child’s baby teeth are out and their grownup teeth grow in.  Children seem to look forward to getting braces these days, though their parents do not always feel the same way.

The average cost for ordinary, traditional braces can range from $5,400 to $7,600 depending on what you have to have done.  If you choose to get brackets that are the color of your teeth rather than silver colored brackets you can add about $500 to the cost of the braces.  Another choice that you have are behind the teeth braces.  These are more expensive and can cost you an additional $2,000-$5,000.  One other choice that you have is the Invisalign trays.

Braces for your child can be one of their most costly expenses.

If you are fortunate enough to have dental insurance your children should be covered up until the age of 18.  So, if your child does need braces and you have dental insurance make sure that you get them done before they age of 18, they will not cover the braces when they are adults.

Like anything that you purchase there are all different types and brands that you can choose from.  From the generic to the designer, braces really are not any different.  Now, you might not think this is going to be a problem but remember, if your child has a friend with specific brackets and colored rubber bands, your child is sure to want them.  When you are already spending $6000 on teeth what is another $300 into the mix.

Children will now have a choice of shaped brackets, gold brackets, tooth colored brackets and colored brackets; of course these will cost you a little bit extra.  When all is said and done, be prepared to spend on average of around $6,500 on your child’s braces.