What This Guide Covers
This guide compares the cost of five common types of braces so you can understand your options before your first consultation.
Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment. The total price depends on the appliance type, your diagnosis, your geographic area, and your provider's experience. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. Having a clear picture of each option helps you ask the right questions and choose the approach that fits your budget and your goals.
The five types covered here are traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, and self-ligating braces. Each has distinct advantages, limitations, and price points. You can learn more about these treatments and the specialists who provide them on the orthodontics page.
All cost ranges listed below reflect typical fees in the United States. Your actual cost may fall outside these ranges depending on factors discussed later in this guide.
Braces Cost Breakdown by Type
Prices differ between braces types primarily because of material costs, fabrication complexity, and the clinical time each system requires.
Traditional Metal Braces: $3,000 to $7,000
Metal braces are typically the least expensive option and remain the most widely used orthodontic appliance. [1]
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of each tooth. A metal archwire connects the brackets, and small elastic bands (called ligatures) hold the wire in place. The orthodontist adjusts the wire at regular visits, usually every four to eight weeks, to gradually shift teeth into their target positions.
Metal braces can treat virtually every type of malocclusion (bite problem), from mild crowding to severe jaw discrepancies. They are often the recommended choice for complex cases because they give the orthodontist precise control over tooth movement. [1]
The main trade-off is visibility. Metal brackets and wires are noticeable when you smile or speak. Some patients, especially adults, prefer less visible alternatives for that reason.
Ceramic Braces: $4,000 to $8,000
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your enamel. [1]
The brackets are made from polycrystalline alumina or a similar ceramic material. Some systems also use tooth-colored wires to further reduce visibility. Ceramic braces appeal to adult patients and teens who want a subtler look without switching to clear aligners.
Ceramic brackets are slightly larger and more brittle than metal brackets. They can chip or break if you bite into very hard foods. They may also stain if exposed to certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, or curry, especially if clear elastic ties are used.
Treatment times with ceramic braces are generally similar to metal braces for the same diagnosis. The higher cost reflects the more expensive bracket material and, in some cases, slightly longer chair time for adjustments.
Lingual Braces: $8,000 to $13,000
Lingual braces are placed on the tongue side (lingual surface) of your teeth, making them virtually invisible from the outside.
Each lingual bracket is custom-fabricated to fit the unique contour of the inner surface of each tooth. This custom manufacturing process is one reason lingual braces carry the highest price among fixed appliance options. The other reason is clinical difficulty. Placing and adjusting brackets behind the teeth requires advanced training and more chair time per appointment.
Lingual braces can treat many of the same conditions as traditional braces. However, they may not be suitable for very severe cases or for patients with very small teeth, where bracket placement becomes impractical.
Patients typically experience more initial tongue irritation and a temporary lisp with lingual braces compared to labial (front-side) braces. Most people adapt within two to four weeks. Because fewer orthodontists offer lingual braces, availability may be limited in some areas.
Invisalign and Clear Aligners: $3,500 to $8,500
Clear aligners use a series of removable, transparent plastic trays to move teeth in small increments over time. [1]
Invisalign is the most widely recognized clear aligner brand, but several other systems exist, including ClearCorrect and 3M Clarity Aligners. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before switching to the next tray in the sequence. The total number of trays depends on your case. Mild crowding may require 10 to 20 trays. More complex treatment can require 40 or more.
Clear aligners are popular with adults because they are nearly invisible and removable. You take them out to eat, brush, and floss. This makes oral hygiene easier compared to fixed braces. However, compliance is critical. Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on schedule. [2]
Clear aligners have become effective for a wider range of cases over the past decade, but they still have limitations. Very complex tooth movements, significant bite corrections, or large vertical discrepancies may require fixed braces instead. Your orthodontist can determine whether aligners are a viable option for your specific diagnosis. [1]
Self-Ligating Braces: $3,500 to $8,000
Self-ligating braces use a built-in clip or door mechanism on each bracket to hold the archwire, eliminating the need for elastic ties.
Popular self-ligating systems include Damon braces and In-Ovation. These brackets come in both metal and ceramic versions. Proponents suggest that self-ligating brackets create less friction on the wire, which may reduce discomfort and shorten appointment times because there are no elastics to replace.
Research on whether self-ligating braces actually reduce total treatment time compared to traditional braces has produced mixed results. Some studies show modest time savings; others show no significant difference. The clinical outcome, meaning how well the teeth are aligned at the end of treatment, is generally comparable between the two systems.
Self-ligating braces cost slightly more than traditional metal braces due to the more complex bracket design. The ceramic self-ligating version costs more than the metal version, similar to the price pattern seen with traditional ceramic braces.
What to Know Before Choosing a Braces Type
The best type of braces for you depends on your diagnosis, lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
Age Recommendations and Timing
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. [1] At that age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. An early evaluation allows the orthodontist to identify developing problems and determine the best time to begin treatment.
Most children who need braces start treatment between ages 9 and 14, after enough permanent teeth have erupted. Adults can get braces at any age, provided their teeth and gums are healthy. Adult treatment has become increasingly common. [1]
Some younger patients benefit from two-phase treatment. Phase one (interceptive treatment) addresses jaw growth or severe crowding early, often with an expander or limited braces. Phase two begins later, once all permanent teeth are in. Two-phase treatment can increase the total cost because it involves two separate courses of care.
How to Decide Which Type Is Right for You
Consider four factors: your orthodontic diagnosis, your appearance preferences, your daily routine, and your budget.
If you have a complex bite issue, your orthodontist may recommend metal or ceramic braces for better control. If appearance is a top priority and your case is suitable, clear aligners or lingual braces offer less visible options. If you play contact sports, removable aligners can be taken out during games, while fixed braces require a mouthguard.
Ask your orthodontist to outline which types of braces can effectively treat your specific case. In some situations, only one or two options are clinically appropriate. Getting this information early prevents you from spending time researching an appliance that may not work for your diagnosis.
How to Prepare for Treatment
Before braces are placed, your teeth and gums should be in good health. Your general dentist or the orthodontist may recommend a cleaning, cavity treatment, or gum care before starting. [2]
Stock up on orthodontic wax (for braces) or a clean aligner case (for clear aligners). Soft foods like yogurt, soup, and scrambled eggs are helpful during the first few days when your teeth may be sore. If you wear fixed braces, you will need to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods throughout treatment to protect the brackets and wires.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
Treatment involves an initial consultation, appliance placement, regular adjustment visits, and a retention phase after the braces come off.
Step 1: Consultation and Records
Your first visit typically includes a clinical exam, digital X-rays, photographs, and often a 3D scan or impression of your teeth. [1] The orthodontist uses these records to diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan. Many practices offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
During this visit, the orthodontist will explain which braces types can treat your case, the estimated treatment time, and the total fee. This is the best time to ask about payment plans, insurance coordination, and what is included in the quoted price.
Step 2: Placement Day
For fixed braces (metal, ceramic, lingual, or self-ligating), the orthodontist bonds brackets to your teeth using a dental adhesive and then threads the archwire through the brackets. The process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and is painless, though your mouth may feel crowded.
For clear aligners, you receive your first set of trays along with instructions on wear time and tray changes. Some aligner cases also require small tooth-colored attachments (composite bumps) bonded to certain teeth to help the trays grip and move teeth more effectively.
Step 3: Regular Adjustments
Fixed braces require in-office adjustments every four to eight weeks. The orthodontist replaces wires, changes elastic bands, and monitors progress. Each adjustment visit usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
Clear aligner patients visit less frequently, typically every six to ten weeks, because they change trays at home. The orthodontist checks progress, provides the next batch of trays, and may add or remove attachments as needed.
Mild soreness for a day or two after adjustments is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods usually manage the discomfort. [2]
Step 4: Retention After Braces
Once your teeth reach their final positions, the braces are removed and you receive a retainer. Retainers hold your teeth in place while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth can shift back toward their original positions. [1]
Retainers may be removable (clear plastic or a Hawley retainer with a wire) or fixed (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth). Your orthodontist will tell you how many hours per day to wear your retainer and for how long. Many orthodontists recommend some form of retainer wear for life.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Braces
Several variables determine where your cost falls within the ranges listed above. Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity.
Case Complexity and Treatment Length
Mild crowding or minor spacing typically costs less because treatment is shorter and requires fewer materials. Severe crowding, significant bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite), or cases requiring tooth extractions or jaw surgery will increase the fee.
Average treatment time ranges from 12 to 36 months for most patients. Longer treatment means more adjustment visits, more materials, and a higher total cost.
Geographic Location
Orthodontic fees tend to be higher in large metropolitan areas and in states with a higher cost of living. The same type of braces may cost significantly more in New York City than in a mid-sized city in the Midwest. Comparing quotes from more than one provider in your area can help you understand local pricing.
Insurance, FSAs, and Payment Plans
Dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits typically cover $1,000 to $3,000 as a lifetime maximum. [1] This benefit is usually applied once, meaning it does not renew each year. Some plans restrict coverage to patients under age 19, so adults should verify their benefit details before assuming coverage.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for braces, which can reduce your effective cost. Check your plan's annual contribution limits and eligible expenses. [2]
Most orthodontic offices offer in-house monthly payment plans that spread the remaining balance over the length of treatment. Some offer a discount for paying the full fee upfront. Third-party financing options such as CareCredit are also available at many practices. Always ask about interest rates and total repayment amounts before signing a financing agreement.
What Is Typically Included in the Fee
Most orthodontists quote an all-inclusive fee that covers the initial records and consultation, bracket and wire placement, all adjustment visits, retainers at the end of treatment, and follow-up retention checks. [1]
Ask at your consultation whether the quoted fee includes retainers and what happens if a bracket breaks or an aligner is lost. Some offices charge separately for replacement aligners or retainers. Understanding exactly what is and is not included prevents unexpected bills later.
When to See an Orthodontist Instead of a General Dentist
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of specialty training in tooth movement and jaw alignment. [1]
Some general dentists offer clear aligner treatment for mild cases, and that can be a reasonable option for simple crowding or spacing. However, you should see an orthodontist if you have a moderate to severe bite problem, significant crowding or spacing, a history of jaw pain or TMJ symptoms, missing or impacted teeth that complicate alignment, or if a previous round of treatment did not achieve the desired result.
An orthodontist has the training to manage complex tooth and jaw movements safely and effectively. For children, an orthodontist can also evaluate jaw growth and determine whether early intervention is needed. [1]
If you are unsure whether your case requires a specialist, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Many offer free or low-cost evaluations, and you are not obligated to start treatment.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
Choosing the right orthodontist is an important step toward getting the care you need at a price you can manage. Browse qualified orthodontists in your area on the orthodontics page to compare providers, read about their credentials, and schedule a consultation.
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