If you’re wondering how much braces cost, this complete guide will show you how much metal, ceramic, lingual and clear aligners cost, plus top tips on insurance and payment plans.

Having a straight and attractive smile can make you feel more confident and help improve your oral health for years to come. If you have crooked teeth, overcrowded arches or misaligned bites it can be difficult to clean your teeth properly which can lead to food getting stuck in the gaps causing tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment is an effective way to straighten your smile and give you a healthy bite. However, one of the main concerns people have is how much braces will cost.

Below we’ll take a look at the real costs of braces depending on the type of brackets you get and where you live.

Traditional Metal Braces Cost

Traditional metal braces are the most popular and dependable option of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists attach high quality stainless steel brackets and flexible wires to slowly move your teeth into the correct positions.

  • Average Cost: Traditional metal braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000.

  • Affordable: Metal braces are usually the cheapest option.

  • Effective: Orthodontists use metal braces to treat serious issues with your bite, severe overcrowding and complex jaw problems.

  • Durable: Modern metal braces are made from strong stainless steel making them less likely to break.

Ceramic Clear Braces Cost

Ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional metal braces however they have tooth colored or clear brackets. They are very discreet.

  • Average Cost: Ceramic braces cost around $4,000 and $8,000.

  • Discreet: Teens and adults love getting ceramic braces as they are very discreet at school or work.

  • Staining: Clear or tooth colored brackets can easily become stained if you eat a lot of dark foods, coffee, red wine or tea.

  • Brittle: As these are made from ceramic they are more likely to break than stainless steel so you need to be careful when eating and playing sports.

Lingual Braces Cost

Lingual braces are the most discreet option of traditional braces. Orthodontists attach the metal brackets and wires to the inside of your teeth.

  • Average Cost: Lingual braces are the most expensive option of traditional braces. They usually cost between $8,000 to $13,000.

  • Customized: Orthodontists need to order customized brackets.

  • Speech Problems: Having braces on your tongue can cause speech problems and a slight lisp in the first few weeks.

  • Hard To Clean: Cleaning behind lingual braces can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to use special floss threaders.

Clear Aligners Cost

Clear aligners like Invisalign are a very popular option. They work by using a series of clear plastic aligners to gently move your teeth.

  • Average Cost: Clear aligners cost around $3,500 and $8,000.

  • Easy To Remove: You can easily remove the clear plastic aligners whilst eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

  • Invisible: As these are made from smooth clear plastic they are very discreet.

  • Strict: You’ll need to be disciplined as you’ll need to wear the plastic for 20-22 hours per day.

Factors Affecting Cost

Every case is different. Below are some of the factors that will affect how much braces will cost.

  • Severe Issues: Severe bites, overbites, cross-bites and severe jaw issues will take longer to treat meaning they will cost more.

  • Length Of Treatment: Most cases take between 18-24 months to complete. The longer your treatment takes the more visits you’ll need.

  • Expert Orthodontist: Board certified orthodontists will charge more as they are experts in their field with years of experience. General dentists will charge less for basic alignment.

  • Where You Live: If you live in a big city your orthodontist will charge more due to higher running costs.

Extra Costs To Consider

Below are some extra costs to consider.

  • Initial Consultation: An initial consultation including scans and x-rays can cost around $200 to $500.

  • Breakages: If you constantly break or bend your braces due to messy eating habits you will incur extra charges.

  • Retainers: Once you’ve had your braces removed you will need to wear retainers. These can cost $150 to $500.

  • Specialized Dental Tools: You may incur small costs for specialist tools like inter-dental brushes, water flossers and orthodontic wax.

Dental Insurance

Knowing how your dental insurance works can help save you money.

  • Orthodontic Limit: Many traditional dental insurance packages include an orthodontic limit. This usually covers half of your costs up to a maximum of $1,000 or $2,000.

  • Age Limits: Check your policy as many companies will only provide orthodontic treatment for dependents under the age of 19.

  • Waiting Periods: Some policies will have a waiting period of 12 months.

  • Pre-Approval: Your orthodontist will submit a plan to your insurance company.

Payment Plans

Orthodontists understand that many families will struggle to pay upfront for their braces.

  • Monthly Payment Plans: Most orthodontists offer interest free monthly payment plans (EMI).

  • Low Deposit: You will pay an initial deposit when your braces are fitted and then manageable monthly payments.

  • Medical Lenders: Specialist medical lenders offer long term loans with low interest rates.

  • Pre-Tax Money: You can pay using your pre-tax money from your workplace Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This will reduce the amount of tax you pay.

Things To Consider

  • Book a consultation with several orthodontists in your area.

  • Ask your orthodontist for a detailed breakdown of costs.

  • Contact your insurance company to see what your orthodontic limit is.

  • Ask about 0% interest monthly payment plans.

  • Check with your employer if they offer a Health Savings Account.

  • Check if retainers are included and if you’ll have any follow up appointments in the first year.

FAQ

Do braces cost more for adults?

The base price depends on how much alignment you need. Adults will take longer to treat as their jaw bones are more dense. This means they will cost a bit more than teenagers.

Can I use my dental insurance for clear aligners?

Yes! Most dental insurances that cover traditional metal braces will also cover clear aligners like Invisalign. They will use the same orthodontic limit.

What if I don’t pay my monthly payments?

Orthodontists will have clear agreements in place. If you don’t make your payments you may have to wait longer for your monthly appointments. This could halt your treatment or you may incur late fees. If you are struggling to pay please let the orthodontist know.

Are mail order aligners safe?

Mail order aligners are much cheaper to get than going to an orthodontist. However you won’t have any expert oversight. Without any check-ups or x-rays there is a higher risk of incorrect bite alignment, root damage and gum disease.

Getting braces can really transform your smile, improve your oral health and keep your teeth healthy for life. Whatever type of braces you decide to go for, knowing how much they will cost, using your insurance and payment plans can help make them affordable. Book a consultation with a certified orthodontist to get an individualized quote.