How Much Do Braces Cost?

How much do braces cost?

One of the first questions patients ask when considering orthodontic care is: how much do braces cost? It is a fair and important question, because treatment is a meaningful investment.

The good news is that there are more ways than ever to make braces affordable, from dental insurance and payment plans to HSA and FSA accounts.

What Is the Average Cost of Braces?

According to a 2018 survey by the American Dental Association, the average braces cost between $4,685 to $6,500 for children. The price for adults is slightly higher at $4,800 to $7,135.

Braces cost varies widely depending on a variety of factors:

The severity of your case and your specific diagnosis
The orthodontist and practice where you seek treatment
The orthodontic appliance used for your treatment
The region where you are treated

As shown above, the type of orthodontic appliance used also contributes greatly to the cost of braces. If you are looking for the most affordable braces treatment option, metal braces are your best bet. Metal braces are the original form of braces treatment and are still commonly used to straighten teeth and create smiles.

Other braces treatments cost more due to factors such as:

More complex treatment methods
Higher-cost materials
A lower volume of patients treated with that method

Learn more about braces treatment

How Much Do Braces Cost, by Type?

The type of appliance you choose has one of the largest effects on the total cost of your treatment. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for each major type.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces remain the most affordable option for most patients. They use metal brackets bonded to the front of your teeth and connected by an archwire, which applies gentle pressure to move teeth into alignment. Metal braces are highly effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic conditions, from mild crowding to complex bite issues. Their lower cost reflects their wide availability and high treatment volume.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with the natural color of your teeth. This makes them a more discreet option, particularly popular among teens and adults who want a lower-profile look. Because the materials are more specialized, ceramic braces typically cost more than traditional metal braces.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign uses a series of removable, custom-made clear plastic trays to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Because the trays are virtually invisible and removable for eating and cleaning, they are a popular choice for adults and teens seeking a flexible treatment experience. Invisalign tends to be priced comparably to ceramic braces or slightly higher, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of trays required.

What is Included in the Price of Braces?

Braces costs generally include both the treatment and the orthodontic care. This includes pre-treatment exams, x-rays and imaging, office visits, emergency care, and all adjustments.

Depending on the provider, the cost may include follow-up retention care and the price of the retainers. For some providers, this cost is considered extra and will be charged separately when the retention phase begins.

Learn more about retainers

How to Pay for Braces: Common Options

The full cost of braces does not need to be paid all at once. There are several practical options for managing orthodontic expenses.

Monthly Payment Plans

Most orthodontic practices offer in-house payment plans that divide the total cost into manageable monthly installments, often over 12 to 24 months. Many practices offer plans with no money down for qualified patients, which means you can start treatment right away without a large upfront payment. Ask whether the plan includes interest, as this can affect the total amount you pay over time.

Dental Insurance

If you have dental insurance through your employer or a private plan, it may cover a portion of your orthodontic treatment. Coverage policies vary widely, so it is important to review your plan details. Some insurance plans cover orthodontics only for children up to a certain age, while others extend benefits to adults as well. Most plans have a lifetime orthodontic maximum, meaning there is a cap on how much the plan will pay in total.

HSA and FSA Accounts

A health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) can be used to pay for orthodontic treatment with pre-tax dollars, effectively reducing your overall cost. These accounts are typically offered through employers as part of a benefits package. Talk to your HR department or benefits administrator to understand how much you have available and how to use it toward braces.

Healthcare Credit Cards

Cards such as CareCredit offer special financing options for medical and dental procedures. They allow you to pay your orthodontist in full upfront and then repay the balance over time. Some plans offer promotional periods with no interest. Be sure to understand the interest rate and repayment schedule before committing to this option.

Medicaid and CHIP Coverage

Medicaid may cover traditional metal braces for children under 18 or 21, depending on the state, when treatment is deemed medically necessary rather than cosmetic. To qualify, a licensed orthodontist must evaluate your child's case and document the medical necessity. If approved, coverage typically includes x-rays, office visits, the braces appliance, and follow-up care. For children who qualify, this can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

Tips for Lowering the Cost of Braces

Beyond insurance and payment plans, there are several additional ways to reduce what you pay for treatment.

Seeking care from a board-certified orthodontist, rather than a general dentist offering orthodontic services, can lead to more efficient treatment and fewer complications over time. Orthodontists complete two to three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, which means they bring greater depth of expertise to complex cases.

Larger multi-location practices often treat higher patient volumes, which can allow them to offer more competitive pricing compared to smaller solo practices. They may also offer family discounts when more than one household member is receiving treatment at the same time.

Before starting treatment, make sure you understand the full scope of what is included in the quoted fee, including retainers, emergency visits, and follow-up care. Knowing these details upfront helps you avoid unexpected costs later on.

If you are exploring orthodontic options for your family, scheduling a consultation with a licensed orthodontist is the best way to get an accurate cost estimate and explore which payment options are available to you. You can learn more about the different types of braces treatment to help you decide which option best fits your goals and budget.

Using Insurance to Pay for Braces

Your dental insurance can help cover the average cost of braces.

If you have dental insurance, you may be able to use it to cover some braces costs. This depends on the coverage policies of your insurance provider as well as the type of braces treatment you get.

If your dental insurance does not cover orthodontic care, you may also be able to purchase supplemental orthodontic insurance. There are often long wait times after purchasing orthodontic insurance, which can increase your out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to gather plenty of information about supplemental orthodontic insurance before you purchase.

With dental or orthodontic insurance, be sure to look into the lifetime maximums offered compared to the cost of your braces. Once the maximum is reached, you cannot use more insurance money and will have to pay the rest out of pocket. Note that some insurance companies offer benefits only for children up to 19 years of age and not for adults.

Adult Braces Cost vs Kids Braces

According to the American Dental Association study mentioned above, adult braces tend to cost between $4,800 to $7,135.

Adult braces cost more because adult teeth are more permanently settled in their positions than children’s teeth. This makes them more difficult to move. This can lead to longer treatment times or more complex treatment options.

Furthermore, adults looking to straighten their teeth wearing braces tend to be interested in the more discreet orthodontic options. Such as ceramic braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, rather than traditional metal braces, which are very noticeable when worn.

Less visible orthodontic treatment options tend to be more expensive, which raises the price of the care.

However, orthodontic treatment for adults has risen in popularity over the last 50 years. According to research by the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 3 orthodontic patients is over 18.

Orthodontists are committed to helping patients straighten their teeth affordably. There are now more options than ever for achieving great smiles without stretching your finances.

Can You Get Braces for Free with Medicaid?

Medicaid can cover traditional metal braces treatment for qualifying individuals under the age of 18/21 (depending on the state.) However, they are less likely to cover the same treatment for adults.

In order to qualify, the braces treatment must be deemed medically necessary, rather than cosmetic. You will need to visit an orthodontist, who will determine whether your child’s case can be covered by Medicaid/CHIP.

If your child does qualify, Medicaid or CHIP will fully cover the cost of treatment, including:

X-rays,
Imaging,
Office visits,
The braces, and
Follow-up care and retainers
Learn more about getting braces for free.

Cost of Braces Emergencies

Depending on the orthodontic providers, emergencies during your braces care may be covered in the cost of visits. Braces emergencies are often easy to treat from home. Some issues may require an office visit, such as a snapped archwire, a loose molar band, or a broken bracket. Emergency visits may also be covered by insurance.

The cost of the orthodontic emergency depends on the treatment required to correct the issue.

Here are the price ranges of some common orthodontic emergencies:

Broken Bracket: $25-$50
Lost bracket replacement: $50-$75
Broken archwire: $25-$100
Replacement metal molar band: $50-$75

Find out more about treating orthodontic emergencies from home.

Other Money-Saving Tips for Braces

Whether or not your insurance covers braces, there are a variety of ways to lower the costs of straightening your teeth:

Office promotions and seasonal savings deals

Look to see if an office near you is running any offers on certain types of braces. They may also run seasonal deals like back-to-school or holiday discounts. Many offices also offer family discounts. Some providers also offer family discounts, so you can save on treating more than one person at a time.

Seek treatment from a licensed orthodontist, not a general dentist

While dentists can straighten teeth with orthodontic appliances, orthodontists receive further specialized training to master the art of orthodontics. For that reason, orthodontists have the most specialized experience, which can lead to shorter treatment times, and lower costs for you. Since they only treat orthodontic patients, they can keep costs low.

Larger orthodontic practices have higher patient volumes and lower prices

Practices that see more patients will often save on materials based on a per-patient basis. A larger orthodontic practice will generally pass those savings onto the consumer. Plus, larger orthodontic practices are staffed with more orthodontists, so you have more flexibility in scheduling office visits.

Identify all possible costs

Make sure retainers and follow-up visits are included. Retainers are necessary to keep your teeth from shifting back. Ask your orthodontist about what's included in the price of braces.

Find out about costs for emergency visits.

Broken brackets, lost rubber bands, and loose archwires are all some common accidents that may require an emergency visit. Many orthodontic providers include all emergency visits as part of the cost, but they may be extra at some orthodontic practices.

Lifetime Guarantees

Many offices offer some kind of post-treatment guarantee, such as a Lifetime Smile Maintenance Guarantee. This can help you avoid retreatment costs. Ask about any lifetime guarantees from your orthodontic provider.

Answers to your braces questions

Braces Treatments, Before and After

Braces are known to transform smiles using the same tried and true methods that have worked for generations. We have compiled several real Diamond Braces patients who have corrected their smiles using braces.

See how real patients transformed their smiles and lives with braces

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces Cost

How much do braces cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of braces typically ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on the type of treatment, the length of your case, and the orthodontic practice you choose. Metal braces tend to be the most affordable option.

Does insurance cover braces for adults?

Some dental insurance plans do cover braces for adults, but coverage varies significantly. Many plans apply an orthodontic lifetime maximum and may have age restrictions. It is worth contacting your insurance provider directly or asking your orthodontist's office to verify your benefits before starting treatment.

Can I use my FSA or HSA for braces?

Yes. Orthodontic treatment is generally an eligible expense for both health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts. Using pre-tax dollars through these accounts can help offset a meaningful portion of your treatment cost.

Are there payment plans with no interest for braces?

Many orthodontic practices offer in-house monthly payment plans, and some offer interest-free options for qualified patients. Healthcare financing cards like CareCredit also offer promotional no-interest periods. Always confirm the terms before signing any financing agreement.

What is not included in the cost of braces?

This varies by practice, but some offices bill separately for retainers, missed appointment fees, and replacement of lost or damaged components. Ask your orthodontist for a full itemized breakdown of what is included in your treatment fee before you begin.

Do You Need Spacers?

Spacers are generally used for a week or two before braces treatment, to create small gaps between certain teeth. Spacers are usually used on the back molars, where metal bands will be attached. The spacers are made of rubber or metal.

If your orthodontist uses them for your case, you will only wear them for 1-2 weeks. Spacers may feel uncomfortable, like a piece of food trapped between your teeth with braces.

Learn more about spacers

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