If you’re considering braces, cost is likely one of your top concerns. In 2025, the average cost of braces ranges from $2,750 to $10,000+, depending on the type you choose and your specific needs. Traditional metal braces typically offer the most affordable option, while specialized treatments like lingual braces tend to be the most expensive. Your final cost will vary based on treatment complexity, location, insurance coverage, and the orthodontist you choose.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about braces costs to help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment.
Average Braces Cost by Type
The type of braces you choose significantly impacts the price you’ll pay. Each option offers different benefits in terms of appearance, comfort, and effectiveness—all factors that influence their cost.
Traditional Metal Braces Cost
Traditional metal braces typically cost between $2,750 and $7,500, making them the most affordable orthodontic option for most patients. These stainless steel braces are the most durable and effective, particularly for complex alignment issues.
Why are metal braces less expensive? They’ve been around the longest, the materials cost less to produce, and orthodontists have extensive experience working with them. Treatment with metal braces is often faster than other options, which can actually save you money by reducing the number of adjustment appointments needed.
For severe misalignments or bite problems, metal braces may be not just the most affordable option but also the most effective. Your orthodontist can achieve precise adjustments with traditional braces that might not be possible with other treatments.
Ceramic Braces Cost
Ceramic braces typically cost between $3,000 and $8,500, making them slightly more expensive than their metal counterparts. The higher price reflects their improved aesthetics—ceramic brackets blend in with your teeth, making them less noticeable than metal brackets.
These tooth-colored or clear brackets are made from composite materials that are more costly to produce than stainless steel. While they offer similar effectiveness to metal braces, ceramic brackets are more fragile and may require more careful maintenance. They can also stain more easily if not properly cared for, especially if you consume coffee, tea, or red wine frequently.
Ceramic braces strike a balance between the effectiveness of traditional braces and the desire for a less noticeable treatment option, which many patients find worth the extra cost.
Invisible Aligners Cost
Clear aligner systems like Invisalign typically cost between $3,250 and $8,250. The price varies based on case complexity, with some providers offering tiered pricing packages based on how many aligners you’ll need and how long your treatment will take.
What makes aligners worth their higher price point? First, they’re nearly invisible, making them ideal if appearance during treatment is a priority. Second, they’re removable, allowing you to eat and drink what you want and maintain better oral hygiene. This convenience factor is a major selling point for many patients, especially adults.
However, clear aligners require disciplined wear (20-22 hours daily) to be effective and may not be suitable for complex orthodontic issues. Some orthodontists charge premium prices for Invisalign because it requires specialized training and different appointment structures than traditional braces.
Lingual Braces Cost
Lingual braces are the most expensive orthodontic option, typically ranging from $5,000 to $13,000. These braces are placed on the back side of your teeth, making them completely hidden from view.
Why such a steep price? Lingual braces are completely customized for each patient and require specialized training for orthodontists to place and adjust them properly. The appointment times are typically longer, and the process is more labor-intensive. Additionally, fewer orthodontists offer lingual braces, which can drive up costs due to limited availability.
While lingual braces provide the aesthetic advantage of being completely hidden, they can initially cause more tongue discomfort and speech difficulties than other options. For patients who prioritize invisible treatment but need the effectiveness of traditional braces, the higher cost may be justified.
Braces Cost With Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for orthodontic treatment, but coverage varies widely between plans. With insurance coverage, patients typically pay between $1,638 and $4,933 out-of-pocket for braces.
Most dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits cover around 50% of treatment costs, up to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $3,000. This means even with insurance, you’ll likely pay a significant portion of the total cost yourself.
It’s important to understand that orthodontic coverage works differently than regular dental benefits. While your plan might cover 80-100% of preventive care, orthodontic coverage is almost always capped at 50%, regardless of your plan’s overall quality.
Before beginning treatment, ask your orthodontist’s office to perform an insurance benefit check to determine your exact coverage. Some plans have waiting periods before orthodontic benefits become available, so plan accordingly.
Does Medicaid Cover Braces?
Medicaid coverage for braces varies significantly by state and is typically limited to cases deemed “medically necessary.” For children under 21, most state Medicaid programs will cover braces if the condition meets specific criteria through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
What qualifies as medically necessary? Generally, severe conditions that affect function rather than purely cosmetic issues. These might include:
- Severe overbite or underbite that affects chewing or speaking
- Crossbites that cause damage to teeth or gums
- Impacted teeth that cannot erupt normally
- Severe crowding that makes proper dental hygiene impossible
For adults, Medicaid rarely covers orthodontic treatment, as adult coverage typically focuses on emergency services and basic dental care. If you’re counting on Medicaid to cover braces costs, you’ll need to work with both your orthodontist and primary dentist to document the medical necessity of your case.
Adult Orthodontic Insurance Coverage
If you’re an adult considering braces, be aware that many dental insurance plans limit orthodontic coverage to dependents under 19 years old. Even plans that do cover adult orthodontics often have lower lifetime maximums or higher co-payments compared to coverage for children.
For adults without orthodontic coverage through their primary dental insurance, supplemental orthodontic insurance is an option, but it comes with significant limitations. Most supplemental plans have waiting periods of 6-12 months before covering braces, so you can’t simply sign up and immediately receive benefits. Additionally, many have exclusions for pre-existing conditions, meaning if you already know you need braces before enrolling, the plan may not cover them.
When evaluating whether supplemental orthodontic insurance is worth it, calculate the annual premiums versus the actual benefit amount. In many cases, you might pay nearly as much in premiums over the waiting period as you would receive in benefits.
Payment Options for Braces
Understanding your payment options can make orthodontic treatment more accessible, regardless of your insurance situation. Most orthodontists offer multiple ways to make treatment more affordable.
Monthly Payment Plans for Braces
Most orthodontic practices offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost of treatment over the duration of your care. These plans typically require:
- An initial down payment of $500-$1,500
- Monthly payments of $100-$250
- Payment duration of 18-24 months (matching your treatment time)
Many orthodontists offer interest-free payment plans if you continue payments throughout your treatment. For example, if your treatment costs $5,000 and you make a $1,000 down payment, you might pay approximately $166 per month for 24 months.
When discussing payment plans with your orthodontist, ask these important questions:
– Is there an interest charge or service fee?
– What happens if treatment takes longer than expected?
– Are there discounts for paying in full upfront?
– What payment methods are accepted for monthly payments?
Most practices will work with you to find a monthly payment amount that fits your budget while covering the cost of your treatment.
Using FSA and HSA Accounts for Braces
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be valuable tools for covering orthodontic expenses with pre-tax dollars, potentially saving you 20-30% on your total treatment cost.
With an FSA, you can contribute up to $3,050 (2024 limit) per year of pre-tax income, but these funds typically must be used within the plan year. Some plans offer a grace period or allow a limited rollover amount. Since orthodontic treatment often spans multiple years, you may need to strategize how to maximize your FSA benefits.
HSAs offer more flexibility for orthodontic treatment because funds roll over year to year with no expiration date. If you have an HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan, you can contribute up to $4,150 (individual) or $8,300 (family) in 2024, building up funds over time for orthodontic treatment.
Both FSA and HSA funds can be used for down payments, monthly payments, or to pay for treatment in full. Some orthodontic practices even offer electronic claim filing with FSA/HSA administrators to simplify the reimbursement process.
Are Braces Tax Deductible?
Orthodontic treatment may be tax-deductible as a medical expense if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income and you itemize deductions on your tax return. While this threshold is high, combining braces with other medical expenses in the same year might allow you to qualify.
To maximize potential tax benefits:
– Keep detailed records of all payments
– Request an itemized receipt from your orthodontist
– Save documentation of your initial consultation
– Track mileage to and from orthodontic appointments
For parents, it’s worth noting that orthodontic expenses for dependents also qualify for potential tax deductions under the same rules. If you’re paying for multiple family members’ treatments, this may help you reach the threshold more easily.
While tax deductions shouldn’t be your primary financial strategy for affording braces, they can provide some relief if you have significant medical expenses in a given year. Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.
Factors That Affect Braces Cost
The quoted price for braces varies significantly based on several factors beyond just the type of braces you choose. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate costs and potentially find ways to reduce them.
How Age Impacts Braces Cost
Orthodontic treatment typically costs more for adults than for children or teenagers, with adult treatment running 20-25% higher on average. This price difference stems from several factors:
Biological differences play a significant role—children and teenagers have jaws that are still growing, making teeth easier to move. Adults have fully developed jawbones, which can make tooth movement more challenging and time-consuming. Adult patients also often have more complex cases due to years of wear, previous dental work, or missing teeth.
Treatment timing is another consideration. The ideal age for braces is typically between 10-14 years, when permanent teeth are present but jawbones are still growing. Starting treatment at this optimal time often means more efficient tooth movement and potentially shorter treatment duration.
Insurance coverage differs dramatically as well. While many plans cover dependents up to age 19, adult coverage is much less common, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for adults seeking orthodontic treatment.
Geographic Location and Braces Cost
Where you live significantly impacts the cost of orthodontic treatment—sometimes by as much as 30%. Braces typically cost more in major metropolitan areas, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast, and less in the South and Midwest.
This regional variation reflects differences in:
– Office overhead costs (rent, utilities, staff salaries)
– Local competition among orthodontists
– Regional cost of living
– State regulations affecting healthcare
For example, the same orthodontic treatment might cost $6,500 in New York City but $4,800 in a rural Midwestern town. If you live in a high-cost area, consider orthodontists in nearby suburbs or smaller towns, where prices may be more affordable. The savings might justify the additional travel time for monthly appointments.
Treatment Complexity and Duration
The complexity of your orthodontic case is perhaps the most significant factor affecting your total cost. Simple alignment cases requiring only minor tooth movement might take 12-18 months and cost on the lower end of the price spectrum. Complex cases involving severe crowding, significant bite correction, or impacted teeth can take 24-36 months or longer and cost substantially more.
Each additional year of treatment can add $1,000-$2,000 to your total cost due to:
– More adjustment appointments
– Additional supplies and materials
– Extended professional monitoring
– Potential appliance replacements
During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will evaluate factors like crowding severity, bite alignment, jaw relationship, and spacing issues to determine your treatment complexity. They should provide you with an estimated treatment duration and explain how it affects your quoted price.
Affordable Braces Options and Alternatives
If standard orthodontic treatment seems out of reach financially, several alternatives can make straighter teeth more affordable. These options come with different trade-offs in terms of convenience, treatment experience, and results.
Dental School Orthodontic Programs
Dental schools with orthodontic residency programs often offer braces at 30-50% less than private practices. At these teaching clinics, orthodontic residents (dentists receiving specialized training) provide treatment under the supervision of experienced faculty orthodontists.
The quality of care at dental schools is generally excellent, as treatments are closely monitored by multiple professionals. However, there are some trade-offs:
– Appointments may take longer
– Treatment planning decisions go through approval processes
– Clinic schedules may be less flexible
– There may be a waiting list for acceptance
To find a dental school offering orthodontic services near you, check the American Dental Association’s list of accredited dental schools or the American Association of Orthodontists website. Call the orthodontic department directly to ask about treatment availability, costs, and the process for becoming a patient.
At-Home Clear Aligners vs. Professional Braces
Direct-to-consumer clear aligner companies (like SmileDirectClub, Byte, and others) offer treatment at $1,950-$2,500—significantly less than in-office options. These systems ship custom aligners directly to your home after you submit impressions or 3D scans of your teeth.
While the cost savings are substantial, at-home aligners are only appropriate for mild to moderate alignment issues. They’re not suitable for:
– Cases requiring significant bite correction
– Severe crowding or spacing
– Complex tooth movements
– Impacted teeth or extraction cases
The biggest difference between at-home and professional treatment is the level of supervision. With professional orthodontics, your progress is regularly monitored, and treatment can be adjusted if teeth aren’t moving as planned. At-home treatments offer limited professional oversight, which can be risky if unexpected complications arise.
Many orthodontists offer affordable clear aligner options that provide more supervision than direct-to-consumer brands while still costing less than premium options like Invisalign. Ask about these intermediate options during consultations.
Discount Dental Plans for Orthodontic Work
Discount dental plans offer an alternative to traditional insurance, particularly for adults without orthodontic benefits. For an annual membership fee of $100-$200, these plans provide 15-25% discounts on orthodontic treatment at participating providers.
Unlike insurance, discount plans:
– Have no waiting periods—you can use benefits immediately
– No annual maximums—the discount applies to your entire treatment cost
– No age restrictions or exclusions for pre-existing conditions
– Can be purchased at any time, even right before starting treatment
The downside is that the discount percentage is typically lower than insurance coverage (which is usually 50%). You’ll also need to verify that your preferred orthodontist accepts the specific discount plan you’re considering.
Popular discount plans with orthodontic benefits include Careington, DentalPlans.com, and Aetna Dental Access. Before purchasing, confirm with both the plan provider and your orthodontist exactly what discount you’ll receive.
Common Questions About Braces Cost
How Much Do Braces Cost for Top Teeth Only?
Single-arch treatment (braces on just your top teeth) typically costs 60-70% of full treatment, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. While this might seem like a significant saving, single-arch treatment is only appropriate in specific situations, such as:
- Minor cosmetic adjustments to front teeth
- Re-treatment of previous orthodontic work on one arch
- Cases where the bottom teeth are well-aligned naturally
- Special circumstances where lower teeth cannot be treated
It’s important to understand that orthodontists often recommend against treating just one arch because teeth work as a system. Moving only upper teeth without addressing the lower teeth can sometimes create bite problems or compromise the stability of your results. During your consultation, your orthodontist will evaluate whether single-arch treatment is appropriate for your specific needs.
Are Clear Aligners Cheaper Than Traditional Braces?
Clear aligners like Invisalign typically cost slightly more than traditional braces ($3,250-$8,250 vs. $2,750-$7,500). However, the total economic cost might be comparable or even lower when you consider all factors.
Clear aligner treatment often requires:
– Fewer in-office visits (saving time and travel expenses)
– Fewer emergency appointments (aligners don’t break like braces brackets)
– No dietary restrictions (potentially saving money on special foods)
– Potentially shorter treatment duration for some cases
For mild to moderate alignment issues, treatment time with aligners might be shorter than with traditional braces, potentially reducing the overall treatment cost. However, for complex cases, traditional braces may be more efficient and ultimately less expensive.
Many orthodontists now offer their own in-house clear aligner systems that cost less than name-brand options while still providing professional supervision. Ask about these alternatives during your consultations if you’re interested in clear aligners but concerned about cost.
How Much Do Retainers Cost After Braces?
Retainers are an essential part of maintaining your results after braces are removed, and their cost should be factored into your orthodontic budget. Retainer costs vary by type:
- Removable plastic retainers (clear): $100-$300 per arch
- Removable Hawley retainers (plastic with wire): $150-$300 per arch
- Permanent/fixed retainers (bonded wire): $250-$500 per arch
Most orthodontists include the first set of retainers in your treatment fee, but replacement retainers will be an additional expense. Plastic retainers typically need replacement every few years, while fixed retainers can last many years but may eventually need repair or replacement.
Some orthodontists offer retainer replacement programs or lifetime retainer plans that allow you to purchase replacement retainers at a reduced cost. Ask about these options before your braces are removed to plan for long-term retention costs.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Worth the Cost?
Beyond the obvious aesthetic benefits of straighter teeth, orthodontic treatment provides significant health advantages that can justify the investment:
- Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease
- Corrected bite issues can prevent uneven tooth wear, reducing the need for restorative dental work later
- Improved function can alleviate jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ issues
- Better dental alignment may improve speech issues and make eating more comfortable
From a financial perspective, consider that orthodontic treatment is a one-time investment that provides lifelong benefits. The cost of treating dental problems caused by misaligned teeth (crowns, root canals, gum treatments, etc.) can easily exceed the cost of braces over your lifetime.
Many patients also report significant improvements in confidence and self-esteem following orthodontic treatment, which can have valuable social and professional benefits that are difficult to quantify but nonetheless real.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal priorities and budget. Working with an orthodontist who offers flexible payment options can make this investment more accessible, allowing you to achieve a healthier, more confident smile without financial strain.
