If you or your child needs braces, cost is usually one of the first questions. At Hornsby Dental, braces cost $4,000 to $8,000, depending on how complex your case is and which type of braces suits you. This guide explains what’s included, what changes the price, how braces compare with Invisalign, and what health funds usually cover.
How much do braces cost in Hornsby?
Braces at Hornsby Dental range from $4,000 to $8,000 for a full course of treatment. Simpler cases, such as mild crowding or small gaps, sit towards the lower end. Cases with more crowding, bite problems or longer treatment times sit towards the higher end.
You’ll get a written quote after an assessment, before any treatment starts, so you know the full cost upfront. See our dental price list for other treatment prices.
What’s usually included
- the initial assessment, x-rays and photos used to plan treatment
- fitting the brackets and wires
- regular adjustment visits, usually every 4 to 8 weeks
- removing the braces at the end of treatment
- retainers to hold your teeth in their new position (your quote will confirm this).
What affects the price?
- How complex the case is. Crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites take different amounts of work.
- How long treatment takes. Longer treatment means more adjustment visits.
- Type of braces. Metal braces are the most common. Tooth-coloured ceramic braces are less noticeable and can cost more.
- Extra steps. Some cases need other treatment first, such as fillings, cleaning or removing teeth to make space.
Metal braces vs ceramic braces
Both work the same way: brackets are fixed to the teeth and joined by a wire that moves them gradually. Metal braces are strong and cost-effective. Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-coloured brackets, so they’re harder to see, which many adults prefer. Your dentist will explain which type suits your teeth.
Braces vs Invisalign: cost and how they compare
| Braces | Invisalign | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at Hornsby Dental | $4,000 to $8,000 | $4,200 to $8,990 |
| Appearance | Metal or tooth-coloured brackets | Clear, removable aligners |
| Wear | Fixed, working all the time | 20 to 22 hours a day |
| Eating | Avoid hard and sticky foods | Remove aligners to eat |
| Reviews | Every 4 to 8 weeks | Every 6 to 10 weeks |
Braces can suit a wide range of cases, including more complex bite problems, and don’t rely on remembering to wear aligners. Invisalign suits people who want a less visible option and are confident they’ll wear the aligners as directed. Read more about orthodontics in Hornsby and Invisalign in Hornsby. We offer complimentary Invisalign consultations.
Will my health fund cover braces?
Many extras policies include orthodontic cover, but it’s often only on higher levels of cover, with a lifetime limit per person and a waiting period that can be 12 months or more. If you’re planning braces for yourself or your child, check your policy early. Ask us for the item numbers on your quote and your fund can tell you how much you’ll get back. We process claims on the day with HICAPS.
When should my child have an orthodontic check?
Many orthodontic organisations suggest a first check from around age 7 to 8, when problems such as crossbites and a lack of space are easier to manage. Most children start braces in their early teens, once most adult teeth are through. An early check doesn’t always mean early treatment; it helps plan the best time to start. See children’s dentistry in Hornsby.
Is it too late for braces as an adult?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age if your gums and bone are healthy. Many adults choose ceramic braces or Invisalign because they’re less noticeable. Your dentist will check your gum health first.
FAQs
How long do braces take?
It depends on your case. Your dentist will give you an estimated treatment time at your assessment, along with your quote.
Do braces hurt?
Teeth usually feel tender for a few days after braces are fitted and after each adjustment. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief help.
Do I need retainers after braces?
Yes. Teeth tend to drift back after treatment, so retainers are needed to keep them straight. Your dentist will explain how long to wear them.
Why are braces cheaper in some places?
Prices vary with what’s included, such as x-rays, adjustment visits and retainers. When comparing quotes, check what each one covers.
Book a braces assessment in Hornsby
Hornsby Dental is at Suite 21, 14 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby, three minutes’ walk from Hornsby Station, with free street parking and Saturday appointments. Call (02) 8090 1100 or book online.