What This Guide Covers
This guide explains how much braces cost, what factors affect pricing, and how to pay for treatment. It is written for adults and parents considering orthodontic care.
Braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments. They use brackets, wires, and gentle pressure to move teeth into better alignment over time. The cost of braces depends on several factors, including the type of braces you choose, where you live, and how much correction your teeth need. [1] [3]
Understanding costs upfront helps you plan and avoid surprises. This guide covers metal, ceramic, and lingual braces. It also explains insurance coverage, payment plans, potential risks of treatment, and other financing options. If you are exploring orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member, this guide will help you ask the right questions before your first appointment.
Types of Braces and Their Price Ranges
The type of braces you choose is one of the biggest factors in what you will pay. Each type has different materials, visibility, and price points.
All braces work on the same basic principle. Brackets are bonded to teeth, and a wire connects them. The wire is adjusted over time to gradually move teeth into the correct position. The differences between types come down to materials, placement, and appearance. [2]
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common and typically the least expensive option. They use stainless steel brackets and wires attached to the front of each tooth.
Metal braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500, according to widely cited industry estimates and procedural cost data. [1] [3] [4] Costs vary significantly by location, provider, and case complexity. For example, average costs can differ by thousands of dollars from state to state, reflecting differences in office overhead, rent, and local cost of living. [4] Adults may pay toward the higher end of the range ($4,000 to $9,000) due to denser bone structure and the potential need to work around existing dental restorations. [1] [3] Metal braces are effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild crowding to more complex bite problems. Modern metal braces are smaller and less noticeable than older versions.
Metal braces often require adjustments every four to eight weeks. Treatment length varies but typically lasts 12 to 36 months depending on the severity of the case and patient compliance with wearing rubber bands and avoiding bracket breakage. [1] [5]
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets made from composite or polycrystalline alumina materials. This makes them less noticeable, which many teens and adults prefer.
Ceramic braces typically cost between $4,000 and $8,500, according to widely cited industry estimates. [1] [3] Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. The brackets can be slightly larger than metal ones, and the ceramic material may be more prone to staining if not cared for properly. Ceramic brackets also have a higher friction coefficient in the bracket slot, which can slightly alter sliding mechanics, and they are more brittle and prone to fracture than metal brackets. [5] Removal (debonding) of ceramic brackets carries a slightly higher risk of enamel damage compared to metal brackets. Treatment time is generally similar to metal braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the back (tongue side) of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the outside. They are custom-made for each patient, often using 3D-printed brackets adapted to the lingual surfaces of the teeth.
Lingual braces typically cost between $5,000 and $13,000, with $8,000 to $10,000 being the most commonly cited average. [1] [3] [4] Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. They require specialized training to place and adjust (using systems such as Incognito or InBrace), which contributes to the higher price. Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces, and they may not be suitable for all cases.
Lingual braces can take some time to get used to. Some patients report initial difficulty with speech and tongue irritation. These issues typically improve within a few weeks.
How Braces Compare to Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces. They use a series of removable, custom-made plastic trays to move teeth. Clear aligners supervised by an orthodontist typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500, though costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. [3] [4] Direct-to-consumer aligner brands may cost less, but they do not include the same level of in-person clinical oversight.
Braces and clear aligners each have strengths. Braces are typically better for complex cases involving significant bite correction or severe crowding. Clear aligners may be preferred for mild to moderate cases, especially by patients who want a removable option. Systematic reviews, including research by Ke et al. (2019) and Alassiry et al. (2020), confirm that clear aligners can be highly effective for mild-to-moderate crowding and space closure. However, for complex root movements such as extrusion, severe rotations, and root torque, fixed braces tend to provide more predictable results because they apply continuous force through the archwire, while aligners rely on intermittent pushing forces. [5] [6] Your orthodontist can help you determine which approach fits your clinical needs.
It is also worth noting that treatment modality can affect certain risks. For example, peer-reviewed meta-analyses have found that clear aligners tend to cause less root resorption than fixed braces, likely because the removable trays allow the periodontal ligament time to recover between wear periods. [7] Conversely, fixed braces create more areas where plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of white spot lesions on the enamel. [8] These differences are discussed in more detail in the risks section below.
What to Know Before Getting Braces
Timing, age, and preparation all affect the braces experience. Knowing what to expect before you start helps you plan effectively.
Age Recommendations and Timing
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. [1] At this age, most children have a mixed dentition (a combination of baby teeth and first permanent molars), allowing orthodontists to evaluate the developing relationship between the upper and lower jaws, detect early crowding, and identify harmful habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting before they cause lasting skeletal changes. [1]
This does not mean treatment starts at age 7. It means the orthodontist can identify potential issues early and recommend the best time to begin if treatment is needed. Most children who need braces start treatment between ages 9 and 14, when the jaw is still growing and permanent teeth are coming in. However, braces work at any age. Adult orthodontic treatment has become increasingly common, and many adults achieve good results with braces or aligners.
Starting treatment at the recommended time can sometimes reduce overall complexity and cost. Early intervention, sometimes called Phase 1 treatment, may address specific issues like crossbites while a child still has baby teeth. This may simplify later treatment, though the evidence on cost savings from early intervention varies by case type. [1]
How to Prepare for Braces
Before getting braces, your general dentist should address any existing dental issues. Cavities, gum disease, and other problems should be treated first. A professional cleaning is typically recommended shortly before braces are placed. [2]
If you are getting braces for a child, prepare them for what the process will feel like. Braces are not painful to place, but teeth may feel sore for a few days after placement and after each adjustment. Soft foods, over-the-counter pain relievers, and orthodontic wax for bracket irritation are helpful to have on hand.
Stock up on orthodontic-friendly oral hygiene supplies. A soft-bristled toothbrush, floss threaders or a water flosser, and fluoride mouthwash will be important throughout treatment. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during braces is especially important because brackets create areas where plaque can build up, increasing the risk of enamel demineralization (white spot lesions). [8]
What to Expect During Braces Treatment
Braces treatment follows a predictable series of steps, from your first consultation through the day your braces come off.
The Initial Consultation
Your first visit to the orthodontist is a diagnostic appointment. The orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaw, and bite. X-rays, photographs, and sometimes digital scans or impressions of your teeth will be taken. [1]
Based on these records, the orthodontist will explain what issues need correction and recommend treatment options. You will receive an estimated treatment timeline and a cost breakdown. Many orthodontists offer free or low-cost initial consultations, so it is worth visiting more than one office to compare recommendations and pricing.
Braces Placement Day
Having braces placed typically takes one to two hours. The orthodontist cleans and dries each tooth, applies a bonding agent, and attaches each bracket. A wire is then threaded through the brackets and secured with small elastic bands or ties. [2]
The process is not painful, though it may feel uncomfortable to hold your mouth open for an extended period. You may feel pressure on your teeth as the wire is placed. Soreness typically develops a few hours after placement and lasts three to five days.
Adjustment Visits and Ongoing Care
Adjustment appointments happen every four to eight weeks. During these visits, the orthodontist tightens or replaces the wire and checks your progress. Each adjustment may cause mild soreness for a day or two.
Oral hygiene is critical during treatment. Food can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and white spot lesions (early enamel decay marks that appear as chalky white patches on the teeth). Research shows that approximately 26% of patients treated with traditional fixed braces develop white spot lesions, compared to roughly 1% of patients treated with clear aligners, largely because fixed brackets block natural salivary flow and make brushing more difficult. [8] Brush after every meal and floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser. [2]
Certain foods should be avoided during treatment. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like caramel, popcorn, and hard candy can damage brackets and wires. Broken brackets can extend treatment time and may increase costs. Bracket repair fees typically range from $50 to $150 per bracket, so avoiding breakage helps keep costs down. [4]
Patient compliance is one of the biggest variables in treatment duration. Wearing rubber bands as instructed, keeping appointments, and avoiding bracket-breaking foods all influence whether your case finishes on schedule. [5]
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Like any medical treatment, orthodontic care carries some risks. Most are manageable, but patients should be informed before starting treatment.
External apical root resorption (EARR) is a common side effect of orthodontic tooth movement. It involves the gradual shortening or blunting of tooth roots, caused by cells called odontoclasts responding to the pressure of treatment. Some degree of root resorption occurs in a majority of orthodontic patients, with the upper front teeth (maxillary incisors) being the most commonly affected. [7] [9] Risk factors include heavy continuous forces, long treatment duration, and certain mechanics like intrusion and root torquing. [9] In most cases, root resorption is mild and does not affect tooth function. In rare severe cases, it can compromise the long-term stability of the tooth. Your orthodontist monitors for root resorption using periodic X-rays during treatment. Peer-reviewed meta-analyses have found that clear aligners tend to cause significantly less root resorption than fixed braces, likely because the intermittent forces from removable trays give the periodontal ligament time to recover. [7]
White spot lesions (WSLs) are another common concern. These are early signs of enamel demineralization that appear as chalky white marks on the tooth surface, caused by plaque buildup around orthodontic brackets. A peer-reviewed study published in the Angle Orthodontist found that about 26% of fixed braces patients developed WSLs, compared to only about 1.2% of clear aligner patients. [8] Risk factors include poor oral hygiene before and during treatment, younger age, male gender, and prolonged treatment time. [8] Diligent brushing, fluoride mouthwash, and regular professional cleanings during treatment can significantly reduce this risk.
Your orthodontist should discuss these risks with you during your consultation. Ask about how your specific treatment plan minimizes these concerns.
Braces Removal and Retainers
When treatment is complete, the orthodontist removes the brackets and cleans any remaining bonding material from your teeth. This appointment typically takes about an hour and is painless.
After braces come off, you will need to wear a retainer. Retainers keep teeth from shifting back toward their original positions. Some retainers are removable; others are bonded to the back of the teeth (sometimes called permanent or fixed retainers). Retainer use is a long-term commitment. Many orthodontists recommend wearing retainers indefinitely, at least at night. [1]
The cost of retainers is sometimes included in the original braces fee. In other cases, retainers may cost $100 to $500 or more per set, depending on the type. [4] Ask about retainer costs during your consultation so they are factored into your budget.
What Affects the Cost of Braces
Several factors determine what you will actually pay for braces. Understanding these factors helps you compare quotes and plan your budget.
Clinical Factors That Affect Price
Case complexity is a major cost driver. Simple cases involving mild crowding or spacing may cost less than cases requiring significant bite correction. Treatment that requires jaw surgery, temporary anchorage devices (small screws used to help move teeth), or multiple phases will cost more. [1]
Treatment length also matters. Longer treatment means more adjustment visits, more materials, and more time in the orthodontist's chair. A case that takes 12 months will typically cost less than one that takes 30 months.
Geographic location affects pricing significantly. Orthodontic fees tend to be higher in large metropolitan areas and lower in rural or suburban areas. Data from the 2024-2025 Synchrony Average Procedural Cost Study shows that average costs can vary by several thousand dollars from state to state. [4] This reflects differences in office overhead, rent, and local cost of living.
Insurance Coverage for Braces
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit, but coverage varies widely. A typical orthodontic benefit covers around 50% of the cost up to a lifetime maximum, which is often between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the plan. [2] [3] [4] Unlike general dental benefits that reset each year, orthodontic benefits are almost always capped at a one-time lifetime maximum.
Some plans restrict orthodontic coverage to patients under age 18 or 19. Adult orthodontic coverage is becoming slightly more common in premium employer-sponsored plans, but it remains the exception. [3] [4] Waiting periods of 6 to 12 months are common for orthodontic benefits, meaning you may need to hold the plan for a period before benefits kick in.
If you have insurance, call your provider before your consultation and ask these questions: Is orthodontic treatment covered? What is the lifetime maximum? Are there age restrictions? Is there a waiting period? What percentage of the cost is covered? Having these answers before your first visit helps you understand your out-of-pocket responsibility.
Payment Plans and Financing Options
Most orthodontic offices offer in-house payment plans. These plans typically split the remaining balance (after insurance and any down payment) into monthly payments spread over the length of treatment. Many offices offer these plans with no interest, making them one of the most accessible financing options available.
Some offices offer a discount for paying the full balance upfront. Discounts vary by practice but are commonly in the range of 5% to 10%. If you have the funds available, ask whether a pay-in-full discount is offered.
Third-party financing through companies like CareCredit or LendingClub is another option. These plans may offer promotional interest-free periods (often 6 to 24 months), but interest rates can be high if the balance is not paid off within the promotional window. Read the terms carefully before signing.
Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow you to pay for braces with pre-tax dollars. This effectively reduces your cost by your marginal tax rate. For example, if your combined federal and state marginal tax rate is 25%, paying with an HSA or FSA saves you roughly 25 cents on every dollar spent. Keep in mind that individual tax situations vary, so the exact savings depend on your personal tax bracket. FSA funds typically must be used within the plan year (some plans allow a limited rollover or grace period), so coordinate timing with your employer's benefits enrollment period. [3]
When to See an Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of specialized residency training in tooth movement and jaw alignment after dental school. [1]
While some general dentists offer braces or clear aligners, certain cases benefit from the specialized training of an orthodontist. You should consider seeing an orthodontist if you or your child has any of the following:
- Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Jaw pain, clicking, or asymmetry
- A child age 7 or older who has not yet had an orthodontic evaluation
- Teeth that do not meet properly when the mouth is closed
- Previous orthodontic treatment with relapse (teeth have shifted back)
General Dentist vs. Orthodontist for Braces
General dentists can legally provide braces in most states. However, orthodontists have completed a specialized residency focused on diagnosing and treating complex alignment and bite problems. [1]
For straightforward cases involving mild crowding or minor spacing, a general dentist experienced with braces or aligners may be able to provide effective treatment. For cases involving bite correction, jaw discrepancies, impacted teeth (teeth stuck below the gumline), or surgical planning, an orthodontist's specialized training is particularly valuable.
If you are unsure whether your case is simple or complex, starting with an orthodontic consultation is a practical approach. The orthodontist can assess your needs and, if the case is straightforward, you can make an informed decision about where to receive treatment.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
Getting an accurate cost estimate starts with a consultation. An orthodontist can evaluate your specific case, recommend the best type of braces, and provide a detailed breakdown of fees, insurance benefits, and payment options. Visit the orthodontics page on My Specialty Dentist to search for qualified orthodontists in your area and schedule a consultation.
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