How Much Do Braces Cost?

The average cost of braces is $4,625, according to 122 reviews from RealSelf community members.

That breaks down to about $200 per month, assuming you’re paying the whole cost out of pocket over a 24-month treatment plan. (The average treatment timeline for traditional metal braces is 12–36 months.)

Costs can range from as low as $2,995 for a relatively short treatment time on just the front "smile teeth," up to $6,356 for years of treatment, to correct complex alignment and bit issues.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Braces

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Are braces covered by insurance plans?

Most dental plans will cover part of orthodontic treatment for children 18 or younger, but braces for adults usually aren't covered by dental insurance, so you may need to buy supplemental orthodontic coverage. 

Plans that do cover orthodontics help reduce the final cost, but they probably won't cover everything, and your choices may be limited to the most economical treatment options. Lingual braces and clear aligners often aren’t covered, though some plans will pay up to half of clear braces like Invisalign

Many dental plans have an annual cap on services for the year (or even a lifetime maximum); look out for that, so you don't exceed the limit and be liable for the balance. 

Medicaid may pay for braces if they’re deemed medically necessary, meaning that your alignment problems are severe enough to affect your ability to eat or drink, which impacts your overall health. Find out if you qualify for Medicaid. 

When braces are considered medically necessary, the dental health care costs related to them are tax deductible. However, the cost has to exceed a certain amount before you can begin deducting it. Learn more about deducting dental expenses. Remember to keep track of out-of-pocket expenses like copays and check-ups, which can add up.

What affects the cost of braces, and why are they so expensive?

There are a host of factors that can influence the price you'll pay for braces. 

1. Your provider's level of experience

Treatment with traditional metal braces is usually best administered by an orthodontist, who has not only a dental degree but graduate-level training in teeth and jaw alignment. They're the one responsible for mapping out the fastest and most effective treatment plan for creating your new smile.  

If you have relatively minor teeth alignment issues, you may still be able to achieve your desired results with a treatment plan from a cosmetic dentist, who may charge less.

An orthodontic office with a large, experienced staff will have higher payroll costs, which can translate to a higher cost for patients. But you won't only be interacting with the orthodontist throughout your treatment, so finding an office with a top-notch staff may be worth the extra cost.

2. Their practice location

Orthodontists in smaller towns or the outskirts of major cities are often less expensive than those in the downtown core of major metro areas, where the cost of rent is high.

3. How long it takes to straighten your teeth

The longer your treatment time, the higher the cost. 

Teeth need to be straightened slowly, to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. The more your teeth (and possibly your jaw) need to be moved, the longer the treatment time. That translates into more office visits for adjustments and check-ups, which can all add to your cost. 

Treatment times tend to be shorter for children or teens than for adults, which is why braces are usually less expensive for kids.

4. The type of braces you get 

Traditional metal braces tend to be the most cost-effective option, but they're still expensive. Moving teeth is complex, and it’s important that all the intricate parts used to straighten teeth—brackets, wires, rubber bands, springs, and special appliances—are high-quality, to ensure good results.

Adults often prefer a less obvious teeth straightening option than metal braces. According to RealSelf members, these are the average costs of other types of braces:

  • $4,975 for Invisalign
  • $8,050 for Incognito braces
  • $7,275 for other forms of lingual braces (attached to the back of the teeth)
  • $4,000 to $8,000 for ceramic braces, which use clear or tooth-colored brackets

Beyond the visible materials of the braces, there are also lab costs, any special appliances, and finally a retainer. Supplies and tools used for sterilization after each office visit also add overhead to the cost of the materials and appointment fees.

5. How well you take care of your braces

Preventable issues like broken brackets can require extra appointments and slow down your treatment.

What are the other ways to pay for braces?

If you don’t have orthodontic insurance or Medicaid coverage, you may be able to use a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to offset the cost of braces. 

Many dental professionals offer their own payment plans, which allow you to spread out the cost of treatment into monthly payments over a period of time, often without charging interest.

If you can afford to pay in cash upfront, that may help shave off around 5% of the total cost. Some providers also offer reduced rates for treating multiple children in the same family.

Medical credit cards like CareCredit and other financing companies are another option. Just be sure to check with your orthodontist about which payment and financing options they accept.

Interested in braces?

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