Braces in South Africa can be quite expensive to get, and that is why many people go on with their lives with pain in their teeth, unaligned dentition, and difficulty chewing, and why many want free braces in South Africa. They just do not have the money to spend on their teeth, when they may be faced with pressures such as housing, food, and clothing, or even with other medical conditions that may be deemed more critical.
If you are reading this article, then you probably already know what braces are. But for the benefit of those who may need clarification, Braces are not just something worn over the teeth for beauty or appearance sake. Braces are specially designed pieces of dental hardware, worn over the teeth to gradually correct the way they are set.
Sadly, however, the conditions mentioned in the preceding paragraph can become so bad that they can greatly diminish the quality of life of the persons involved. At that point, it becomes necessary to find other options so as to correct the alignment of one’s teeth with braces.
How Do You Get Free Braces In South Africa
What to do if you can’t afford Braces? Free Braces and Dental Care. As most South Africans cannot afford to pay for braces or follow-up treatments involved, we can take consolation in knowing that some health insurance packages cover dental care, including braces. That is after all why we pay insurance; so that when we need health care, we are not left to suffer in silence.
Please keep in mind the fact that every health insurance company has different policies. Some health insurance companies may not offer dental care as part of their health insurance policies, while others may offer to pay the full cost of dental care.
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Bonitas
Bonitas utilizes the Denis dental protocols to cover the cost of orthodontic treatment
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Discovery Health
Discovery Health, which is a major health insurance company in South Africa, takes care of orthodontic benefits from your savings account. They offer full dental treatment as part of their health insurance plan.
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Fedhealth
Fedhealth pays for the cost of pre-authorized orthodontic treatment. This money is sourced from your out of hospital benefits and/ or savings.
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Momentum Health
Momentum Health pays for your dental treatment through your dental benefits, which is part of your Health Insurance plan.
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Medshield
Medshield takes pays the full cost of your orthodontics from your daily benefits, once pre-authorized. This is a tricky process, so you may need to make consultations before signing up for health insurance.
How Much Does Braces Cost In South Africa?
Braces can be quite expensive to get; in South Africa, they can cost between R3,000 and R55,000 depending on the particular types of braces. Let us remind you that you do not get to walk into a dentist’s office and walk out with braces. There are some consultations and preparation to be done, before determining that braces are necessary, and even the type of braces.
The estimated costs, or the average amount you would pay at an orthodontist’s office including all consultation and alignment costs, are arranged below. But please remember that these listed fees are just to guide you; individual orthodontists that you visit may charge more or less.
- The first consultation, including costs of x-rays, diagnostic photos cost about R2,600
- Inside or lingual braces cost around R42,000
- Outside or labial braces cost around R25,000
- Optional tooth-coloured brackets; upper and lower cost about R2,800 and R1,800 respectively.
- Post-treatment x-rays, photos, and retention appliances usually cost around R2,900.
The figures above represent the average amounts of money that patients would normally be expected to pay for braces in South Africa, at any of the many orthodontists in SA. However, the reason why you are reading this post right now is probably that you would rather avoid those fees, and so get your braces free, or at least almost free. That information follows in the paragraphs below.
Let us start with a comparison of low priced braces and dental services, scattered around South Africa.
Cheap Braces In South Africa (Quality)
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Sunset Dentistry
At Sunset Dentistry in Fourways Johannesburg, you are required to first pay a consultation fee which is about R500.
But interestingly, the dental hospital only charges about R24,000 For a complete treatment; including cavity filling, x-ray, braces, and follow-up treatments. Furthermore, the hospital offers monthly payments of R1,400 per month.
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Kromboom Dental Centre
Kromboom Dental Centre, which is located in Cnr Kromboom and Burwood Rds, Rondebosch East, Cape Town, 7780. You can reach the dental hospital on phone via 087 550 3622 ext: 66876
At Kromboom Dental Centre, you get to pay R1,000 – R3,000 for Orthodontic retainership which gives you access to follow-up treatment. You will then be charged between R8,000 and R30,000 for the braces, although for adults the prices usually range between R10,000 to R30,000. Clear ones usually cost between R12,000 and R50,000, while Metal ones cost between R8,000 and R28,000. Lingual: R20,000 – R40,000 while Damon™ cost between R10,000 – R30,000.
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Dr. Johan Hartshorne
Dr. Johan Hartshorne is with Intercare Medical and Dental Centre. He may be reached on phone via 087 550 3622 ext: 64087. At this medical centre Braces cost around R22,600 to R34,000, and we understand that the fees include orthodontic treatment, regardless of whether the patient is a child or adult.
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Dental Centre Century City
Dental Centre Century City is located at Century Medical Suites, in Century City, Cape Town, 7441. At this establishment, you get to pay R4,500 – R8,000 for an Orthodontic retainer, which entitles you to receive follow-up treatments. At this establishment Braces usually cost between R12,000 and R28,000, but for adults that price could be from R12,000 to R35,000. Children would be required to pay between R8,000 to R25,000. Clear aligners would cost between R25,000 to R55,000, while Metal ones cost around R3,000 to R33,000. Ceramic ones cost between R16,000 to R37,000, while Fixed ones cost between R13,000 to R33,000.
The information above reflects what we consider to be cheap braces and dental treatment at reputable establishments of dental care. Let us now look for how to go about receiving completely free braces and dental care.
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Closing
On free braces in South Africa, we all know that braces are expensive, and so they seem to be out of the reach of the common man. However, by carefully choosing a health insurance plan, one can get them for free. The costs will be covered by the health insurance company. Speak to your broker for further information about this and ask can you get braces free.