Average Cost of Braces for Kids by Type
The cost of braces for kids depends on the type of appliance, how long treatment takes, and where you live. Costs vary by location and provider, but the ranges below reflect what most families can expect to pay in the United States.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces remain the most common and typically the least expensive option for children. They use stainless steel brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a wire that your orthodontist adjusts at regular appointments. For most kids, traditional metal braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000. The wide range reflects differences in case complexity, geographic location, and the orthodontist's experience. Simple cases with minor crowding cost less. Cases involving significant bite correction, extractions, or extended treatment time cost more.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with the teeth. They are less noticeable but cost $500 to $1,500 more than metal braces, putting the typical range at $4,000 to $8,000. Ceramic brackets are more fragile than metal and may stain if not cleaned properly. Many orthodontists recommend ceramic braces for older children and teens who are motivated to keep them clean.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign Teen)
Clear aligners like Invisalign Teen use a series of removable plastic trays to move teeth gradually. They cost $3,500 to $8,000 for children and teens. Not every case qualifies for aligner treatment. Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues. Severe bite problems or significant tooth rotation may still require traditional braces. A key consideration for kids is compliance: aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to work effectively.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. They are the most expensive option, typically costing $8,000 to $13,000. Lingual braces are rarely used for young children and are more common in older teens and adults who prioritize aesthetics. Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces, and they may require longer adjustment appointments.
Phase 1 and Phase 2 Treatment: What It Costs When Kids Need Both
Some children benefit from two phases of orthodontic treatment. Phase 1, also called early or interceptive treatment, typically begins between ages 6 and 10 while a child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Phase 2 is the traditional braces phase that begins once most or all permanent teeth have come in, usually between ages 11 and 14.
Phase 1 treatment typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 and lasts 6 to 12 months. It addresses problems like crossbites, severe crowding, protruding front teeth, or jaw growth issues that are easier to correct at a younger age. Phase 2 treatment following Phase 1 typically costs $3,000 to $6,000 and lasts 12 to 24 months.
The combined cost of both phases is usually $4,500 to $9,000. While this is more than a single phase of treatment, early intervention can sometimes simplify or shorten the second phase. In some cases, Phase 1 treatment prevents the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery later. Your orthodontist can evaluate your child and recommend whether early treatment is beneficial or whether waiting for a single phase is the better approach.
Insurance Coverage for Children's Braces
Dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits typically cover more for children than for adults. Many plans limit orthodontic coverage to dependents under age 18 or 19. Understanding your plan's specific terms can save you thousands of dollars.
What Most Insurance Plans Cover
Orthodontic benefits usually work differently from other dental benefits. Instead of covering a percentage of each visit, most plans provide a lifetime orthodontic maximum, which is the total amount the plan will pay toward braces. This lifetime maximum is typically $1,000 to $2,000, though some employer-sponsored plans offer up to $3,000.
- Most plans cover 50% of the orthodontic fee up to the lifetime maximum.
- The lifetime maximum applies per covered individual, not per year.
- Some plans have a waiting period of 12 to 24 months before orthodontic benefits are available.
- Pre-authorization is recommended so you know the exact coverage amount before starting treatment.
- If both parents have dental insurance, you may be able to coordinate benefits and receive coverage from both plans.
Medicaid and CHIP Coverage for Braces
Medicaid covers orthodontic treatment for children in every state, but only when the condition meets the state's definition of medical necessity. Most states use a scoring system based on the severity of the malocclusion (misalignment). Mild cosmetic issues typically do not qualify.
Children covered under CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) may also have orthodontic benefits depending on their state. The evaluation process usually involves a referral from a dentist and a clinical assessment by an orthodontist who accepts Medicaid. Wait times for Medicaid-covered orthodontic treatment can be longer than for private-pay patients.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Braces for Your Child
Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of braces can be significant. Several strategies can help reduce what you pay.
FSA and HSA Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) let you set aside pre-tax income for medical and dental expenses, including orthodontic treatment. Since these funds are not taxed, you effectively save 20% to 30% on the amount you contribute, depending on your tax bracket. FSA funds must typically be used within the plan year, so coordinate the timing with your orthodontic treatment plan. HSA funds roll over year to year and can be accumulated over time.
In-Office Payment Plans
Most orthodontic offices offer monthly payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment, typically 18 to 24 months. Many of these plans are interest-free if payments are made on time. A typical arrangement involves a down payment of $500 to $1,500, followed by monthly payments of $150 to $300.
Some offices also offer a discount of 5% to 10% for paying the full fee upfront at the start of treatment. Ask about both options when you get your treatment estimate.
Dental School Orthodontic Clinics
University-based orthodontic residency programs offer braces at reduced fees, typically 30% to 50% less than private practice. Treatment is provided by orthodontic residents under the direct supervision of experienced faculty. The trade-off is that appointments may be longer and scheduling less flexible. If cost is a primary concern, this can be an excellent option for quality care at a lower price.
Does Starting Braces Earlier Save Money?
The answer depends on the specific problem being treated. In some cases, early intervention reduces the complexity and cost of later treatment. In other cases, waiting until all permanent teeth are in produces the same result in a single, less expensive phase.
Early treatment is most cost-effective when it corrects a problem that would become significantly more difficult or expensive to fix later. Examples include crossbites that cause jaw asymmetry, severe crowding that may require extractions if left untreated, and protruding front teeth that are at high risk of injury. For mild crowding or spacing, starting at age 11 or 12 with a single phase of treatment is typically more cost-effective than two phases.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.[1] This evaluation does not mean treatment will start immediately. It gives the orthodontist the opportunity to identify issues that benefit from early action and to monitor development for those who should wait.
When to See an Orthodontist About Your Child's Teeth
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed 2 to 3 years of residency training beyond dental school focused on tooth alignment and jaw development. While general dentists can identify basic alignment issues, an orthodontist has the specialized training to evaluate developing jaws and plan treatment timing.
Bring your child for an orthodontic evaluation if you notice crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps between teeth, an overbite or underbite, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or early or late loss of baby teeth. Many orthodontists offer free initial consultations. You can learn more about orthodontic specialists on our [orthodontics specialty page](/specialties/orthodontics).
Find an Orthodontist Near You
Every orthodontist on My Specialty Dentist has verified specialty credentials. Search by location to find board-certified orthodontists in your area and compare options for your child's care.
Search Orthodontists in Your Area