Gold Braces: Pros, Cons & Costs

What are Gold Braces? 

Gold braces are orthodontic devices that align and straighten teeth to improve bite and dental health. Traditionally, braces have been made from stainless steel or titanium alloy. 

However, there are a few more options, including clear braces, lingual braces that fix to the back of the teeth, and gold braces. 

Gold braces usually have a stainless steel base for strength. They are then coated with gold to give them a unique, fashionable look. The coating on the gold wires and brackets may be pure 24 karat gold or another metal that’s gold-colored.

Most people wear braces for several months or even years, so it’s important to feel good about how they look. Gold braces are a great option for people who want to add a bit of luxury, fun, and style to their smile.

How Gold Braces Work

Gold braces use a system of metal brackets and wires that attach to the teeth. Normally, a bracket is glued to each tooth, and an archwire connects them. Braces gradually move teeth into their proper position by exerting constant but gentle pressure.¹

Some people also need to wear rubber bands at some point during treatment. Rubber bands apply additional force to certain areas.

Metal braces can help with several dental problems, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps and uneven spacing
• Malocclusions like overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites
• Problems with chewing and speech

When you wear dental braces, you'll have regular visits with your orthodontist. They'll check progress and adjust the archwire at most visits. 

Gold vs. Traditional Braces 

The only real difference between gold braces and traditional metal braces is their distinctive and unique appearance. The gold coating is thin and does not affect functionality in any way. The materials are as strong and durable as metal braces and provide the same results in the same timeframe.

The two options may, however, differ in price. You can choose a gold-colored coating or real gold. A gold-colored coating shouldn't affect the price significantly. However, braces will cost  more if they are coated in genuine 24 karat gold.

Silver braces are usually made of stainless steel or titanium alloy. Although unusual, some people have allergies to these metals, which causes discomfort and irritation when wearing braces.²

If you have a sensitive mouth, you may want to opt for 24 karat gold braces. Pure gold does not contain any other metals, like nickel. It’s also considered hypoallergenic. However, lower karats are alloys meaning they contain other metals. As a result, they may still cause allergies.³

Pros and Cons of Gold Braces

As with all dental treatments, there are pros and cons to wearing gold braces.

Common pros and cons of gold braces include:

Pros:

• Stylish way of showing personality
• More comfortable for people with metal allergies
• Durable and long-lasting
• Correct dental problems just as well as traditional braces
• Results boost self-confidence
• Doesn't require special cleaning solutions or maintentance

 Cons:

• Cost more than traditional braces
• Gold coating may wear off over time, revealing the metal beneath
• Still possible to have an allergic reaction
• Uncomfortable at first
• More visible than clear aligners
• Require regular cleaning, maintenance, and check-ups

Are Gold Braces Right for You?

If you prefer a discreet look, gold braces are not the right choice for you. But if you like the idea of braces that make a statement, gold braces could be an excellent choice.

In addition, they're less likely to trigger allergies and are durable.

The best way to know if gold braces are right for you is to talk to an orthodontist. Look for someone certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), which signifies they have the necessary training and experience. 

How Much are Gold Braces?

The cost of gold braces depends on their materials. If they don't contain precious metal, they'll cost about the same as stainless steel braces. Expect to pay $3,000 to $7,000. This is an option for people looking for the gold esthetic and not interested in the properties of gold. 

However, if you opt for 24 karat gold plated braces, the price will be significantly higher — think several thousand dollars more.

You can choose a lower karat gold plating if you want to minimize costs while still having the luxury of gold. But this is not a good idea if you're choosing gold to minimize allergic reactions. 

How to Pay for Gold Braces

There are several ways to pay for gold braces:

Insurance

General health insurance does not usually cover treatment with braces, but some orthodontic insurance plans do.

If you have dental insurance, there's usually some coverage for braces and other orthodontic treatments. However, you may not have full coverage, and your policy may not cover the additional cost of gold braces.

Review your insurance policy to see what is and isn't covered and to check your out-of-pocket cost. Then, check with your orthodontist to see if they offer any payment options or if they accept your insurance.

HSA/FSA Funds

You may be able to use tax-free funds from a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) to cover the cost of braces. Check with your account administrator to confirm.

Payment plans and discounts

Your dental office may offer payment plans to help make gold braces more affordable.

When you sign a financing contract, you agree to make monthly payments over a set period, often with interest. Compare the interest rates, fees, and repayment terms of different financing options before you decide on a payment plan. 

They may also offer discounts for cash payments or referrals.