- CostHelper readers with insurance coverage for braces report paying $1,500 -$8,500 out of pocket for traditional metal braces, at an average out-of-pocket expense of $3,407. Dental insurance may pay up to a specific amount for braces (typically $1,000 -$2,000) if the patient is 18 years old or younger.
- Expect to pay $2,000 -$8,500 for braces with tooth-colored ceramic or plastic brackets, or self-ligating braces, which don't use elastic bands, like Damon braces. CostHelper readers without dental insurance for braces report paying $1,500-$7,800 out of pocket for ceramic or clear brackets or self-ligating braces, for an average cost of $4,572. CostHelper readers with dental insurance coverage report out-of-pocket costs of $1,550-$5,080, or an average cost of $2,570 for these braces.
- Lingual braces, concealed behind the teeth, can cost $5,000 -$13,000 or more. They must be custom ordered, require more skill to install and don't work well on small teeth. Most orthodontists do not install lingual braces.
- Expect to pay $3,000-$8,000 or an average of $5,000 for Invisalign aligner trays, an alternative teeth straightening system that uses a series of computer-fabricated clear plastic aligner trays that cover the teeth; the patient switches to a new tray about every two weeks. Invisalign does not work for severe bite problems and some patients may still need traditional braces for a few months.
What should be included:
- Braces are installed and supervised by an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in moving teeth. They are typically in place for 1-3 years, and during that time the patient will visit the orthodontist about once a month for adjustments. WebMD.com provides a before-and-after photo[1] of misaligned teeth straightened by braces (slide number 6).
- To install braces, a metal, ceramic or plastic bracket is attached to each tooth with glue or a metal band; an arch wire runs from bracket to bracket, putting pressure on the teeth to move in the desired direction; and small colored elastics hold the bracket on the arch wire (although self-ligating braces don't need elastics). Medicinenet.com provides an overview of braces[2] .
Related Costs: Dental Veneers,
Retainers,
Dental Implants,
Straightening Teeth,
Teeth Cleaning,
Teeth Whitening
Additional costs:- Most orthodontists' prices for braces cover everything that's needed, including monthly appointments and a removable retainer once the braces are taken off. However, some orthodontists have additional charges for the initial visit ($100-$200), dental X-rays ($10-$250), a set of retainers ($200-$1,000, depending on the type) and replacement removable retainers (typically $100-$500).
Discounts:- Dental school clinics[3] may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.
- The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists tips for finding low-cost dental care[4] .
Shopping for braces:- Many orthodontists offer interest-free payment plans, with a down payment of 10%-33% of the total cost plus monthly payments spread out over the period of time the braces will be in place (usually 18-24 months).
- ArchWired.com lists questions to ask[5] a prospective orthodontist.
- Search for local members of the American Association of Orthodontists[6] .
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
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My 15 years old daughter braces need your help
Amount: $4,400.00 Posted by: Kenia Salgado
From: Glendale, AZ
Posted On: August 31st, 2023 07:08AM
I need help with my daughter dental expenses she has braces and we were set up on payment plan due to financial hardship I am behind and I need help will you please take this matter in
First off I will like to introduce myself I am a mother of 6 kids I don’t have job because I’m uncitizen US and my boyfriend haven’t unemployed since one month have reason if any can help this matter due $360 for late for 2 month she had to have braces due I paid 200 dollars down after was placed on payment which I am currently behind due to my financial situation I am asking will you take my matter into consideration and please help me
No Insurance - 15 yr son Braces
Amount: $6,480.00 Posted by: MammaMia
From: Long Island, NY
Posted On: April 27th, 2021 05:04PM
Type of Braces: Metal
No downpayment; free consultation; had then installed same day and made 1st monthly payment of $270.00 agreement for 24 months but also covers 1-year retainer.
Expander & metal braces
Amount: $3,150.00 Posted by: Dtgooden
From: Kansas City, MO
Posted On: February 5th, 2019 05:02PM
Type of Braces: Metal
Kansas City, Mo. My first kid is halfway through the braces. The office is near The Plaza, which is our richer shopping district, and high-end housing. Office gives no-interest payments, but maybe just 12 months, which seems shorter than average. Friends have found sibling discounts that are 10% for 2nd, 20% 3rd, etc. I’m currently negotiating that as I think our fee is just above average and I’ve got two kids to go.
Braces for a 10 yr old-not using insurance
Amount: $6,719.00 Posted by: AprilP
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Posted On: July 13th, 2018 08:07AM
Type of Braces: Mental
Down payment- $500
Monthly cost -$186.00
Has to wear them 18-24 months.
I need help with my son dental expenses he has braces and we were set up on payment plan due to financial hardship I am behind and I need help will you please take this matter in to consideration.?
Amount: $4,400.00 Posted by: Tamika Miller
From: Mobile, AL
Posted On: November 13th, 2017 03:11PM
Type of Braces: Top and bottom metal braces
First off I will like to introduce myself I am a single mother of three unemployed due to my oldest son Condition he had CP,Hydocephalus,seizures,and wheelchair confined. My 13 year old son was told he had to have braces due to teeth that he didn't ever developed.I paid 400 dollars down after was placed on payment which I am currently behind due to my financial situation I am asking will you take my matter into consideration and please help me.
Phase 1
Amount: $3,800.00 Posted by: edwinL
From: Rochester Hills, MI
Posted On: September 20th, 2017 03:09AM
Type of Braces: Wire
Our treatment plan included:
Phase I orthodontics
Partial upper braces
Upper space maintainer following treatment
Lower space maintainer following treatment.
To correct:
Moderate upper and lower crowding
Lower teeth deviate to the right
Slightly deep overbite
Results
Moderate upper and lower crowding
Lower teeth deviate to the right
Upper teeth are flared forward
Slightly deep overbite
Phase 2 is slated at 5200
Orthodontist
Amount: $4,995.00 Posted by: Zet
From: San Diego, CA
Posted On: February 17th, 2017 12:02PM
Type of Braces: Phase I
Phase 1= Herps to widen the upper,plus the piece for the overbite= $4,995. Phase 2 $5,000, but, because we did Phase 1 with them, only $4,500 metal braces with rubber bands upper and lower.
However, after shopping around I found as low as $1999 - up to $6,800.
I did ask what's the difference? And one receptionist replied: "just like lawyers fees, one will charge $200 an hour another will $700 an hour
child with crossbite cost phase 2 & phase 2
Amount: $9,250.00 Posted by: Frustrated-ph1-ph2
From: Towson, MD
Posted On: January 7th, 2016 08:01AM
Type of Braces: metal
my child has been through phase 1 at a cost of 3,250. Pase 1 for a mild crossbite and palette expander and braces were on for 2 years starting 2011 with retainer on 1 year. Just visited Ortho and now saying phase 2 will cost 6,000. I was shocked because I thought phase 1 would have taking care of most of the correction and phase 2 would be same price (3,250) or less because of corrective work in phase 1. Care anyone share insight on this?
Cost of FastBraces
Amount: $4,600.00 Posted by: Sopfia
From: Vadnais Heights, MN
Posted On: October 23rd, 2015 04:10PM
Type of Braces: Fastbraces
They had the option of in office plan payment. I pay $400/mth. My teeth are bad but it will all be over in 12 months!
Cost
Amount: $4,300.00 Posted by: a user in Somerset, MA.
Posted On: October 1st, 2015 10:10PM
Type of Braces: Metal
I have two top teeth on top of my gums which bothered me, insurance said it was for cosmetic reasons so no help whatsoever. 500 down 160 a month for 24 months. Starting in beginning of November
Braces with expander treatment first
Amount: $4,200.00 Posted by: Marisa
From: Encino (los angeles), CA
Posted On: August 12th, 2015 11:08PM
Type of Braces: metal
Braces added a 2nd time as an adult
Amount: $3,300.00 Posted by: [email protected] From: Buford, GA
Posted On: August 12th, 2015 09:08AM
Type of Braces: Standard Metal
I had braces at 25, I wore my retainer for 1.5 years. Now I am 39 and noticed a big shift in my teeth. I went to Choice One dental, I used a 500 coupon and paid 3300.00. I can only wear them for 9 months due to a big event coming up. 960.00 down 371 a month. Oh, and I will have a prem retainer at the end of treatment.
Braces
Amount: $4,000.00 Posted by: Krysty Louidor
From: lauderhill, FL
Posted On: July 26th, 2015 02:07PM
Type of Braces: Metal
I need help paying for my kids braces
Adult Braces
Amount: $5,880.00 Posted by: Mel Mel
From: Bakersfield, CA
Posted On: June 29th, 2015 08:06PM
Type of Braces: Ceramic Braces
I highly recommend adults to get clear braces. Within 6 months, I hardily ever felt major oral pains throughout my treatment, no bands, and I had fewer appointments. Hardily anyone notices my braces. The cost covers all of my treatments. I am also seeing one of Bakersfield's top orthodontics. My orthodontist and his staff provide EXCELLENT customer service. I unfortunately do not have dental insurance so everything was paid out-of-pocket. My treatment length is 22 months and I am paying $210 monthly with no down payment.
Expensive but needed work
Amount: $1,800.00 Posted by: Customer in San Diego, CA
From: San Diego, CA
Posted On: March 31st, 2015 06:03AM
Type of Braces: metal-upper/lower
My girl needed braces and her former dentist would not do it, she was 12 yrs old already but we were told "she was too young" to have the braces placed on and her former dentist, Dr. Howard wanted to wait till she was at least 15, i asked Why?!? he said she was "too young", really?!?
Plus he would have charged me the 4500dlls to begin with the treatment, but the end cost would have depended on the severity of her teeth needs, which meant i could have paid a lot more than the 4500 initial quote, and this dentist did not have any payment plans available.
My insurance covers 1800 lifetime. I kept seeing my daughter's teeth worsen with time. We ended going to Western Dental to their Orthodontist department, not only did they started her braces right away, but they also charged me less, 3600 total and had a payment plan set up including all the visits or any complications that may need attention. After my insurance covered their part, my bill ended up being 1800.
help with paying for braces
Amount: $4,000.00 Posted by: Joan Lawton
From: Mentone, AL
Posted On: March 15th, 2015 05:03PM
Type of Braces: metal
My grandson was born with a cleft lip and needs braces. He is 13. Has Medicaid, but they do not cover braces. Where can I get help in paying for some of the cost???
Braces for only $2300 in NJ
Amount: $2,300.00 Posted by: Nicole Solomita
From: Branchburg, NJ
Posted On: October 10th, 2014 06:10AM
Type of Braces: Metal Braces
Hello, Braces that normally cost up to 7k only cost $2300 with Ameriplan. The retainer can be a separate cost of a few hundred dollars, depending on the orthodontist. The plan is a lifesaver! $19.95 per month and it saves everyone in the household up to 80% off dental/vision/RX and Chiropractic care. It does NOT cover braces already in progress. Best plan I ever got for the family. Happy to share details if it helps anyone.
Orthodontic experience
Amount: $7,200.00 Posted by: Joseph Carastro IV, DMD, MS
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Posted On: October 5th, 2014 05:10PM
Having just retired from an orthodontic career I offer the following comment. Early on, I worked at a low-fee practice and was told by an economically challenged parent (who had been very happy when the treatment started 6 months prior) that "I wished I had paid more and gone somewhere else". When I inquired why, the parent stated that while she was perfectly happy with the progress of the treatment she felt we were not doing a good job of taking care of the human being attached to the teeth (my words). I left the practice(and my good income) 6 weeks later. When I purchased a practice my fee structure was based on being able to provide a level of orthodontic and personal care that would obviate every having that conversation again. I also told my patients that at the end of treatment if they felt they had been overcharged to tell me why and how much and I would write them a check. That check never had to be written.
Braces 12 yr old son
Amount: $5,100.00 Posted by: LavenderBlue
From: Freehold, NJ
Posted On: September 26th, 2014 02:09PM
Type of Braces: Metal
Insurance will pay 2000. Try not to deal with a office accepting Horizon NJ Health /Medicaid. Your child may end up waiting over 30 minutes over the scheduled appointment because Medicaid pts. need to be seen first. These offices tend to over schedule also. Also, try to pick a orthodontist office where this is the only work that is done.
Cost of Comprehensive Treatment for 14 yr old
Amount: $6,095.00 Posted by: TexasT
From: Pearland, TX
Posted On: June 19th, 2014 01:06PM
Type of Braces: Metal
Consult & Records $225. Treatment, $5870, Ins. pays $1000, $974 down, $163 X 24 mos. Braces for 2 years, price includes two year while wearing braces and two additional years of follow up/maintenance. (includes all treatment, realignments, xrays and retainers) Teen has 4 upper teeth that will not drop down to push out baby teeth, beginning to fuse to pallet and 2 on the bottom that are not moving up. Braces, then oral surgeon to remove 4 teeth and place chains on 2 cuspids to pull down into proper position. (Oral surgeon not included in price of course)
6K is so ridiculous but when you consider that it is for 4 years of continuous treatment/correction I guess I can settle my shock a bit.
Daughter Getting braces
Amount: $5,360.00 Posted by: CMBand
From: Bloomsburg, PA
Posted On: June 12th, 2014 11:06AM
Type of Braces: Metal
My 10 year old daughter will start with a palate ex-pander which will cost $1050...then braces immediately after. I do not have insurance so we will be paying $1472 as a down payment and $108 monthly for 36 months.
Happy for son
Amount: $5,500.00 Posted by: Debbie Duran
From: Owings Mills, MD
Posted On: May 30th, 2014 09:05PM
Type of Braces: Traditional Metal
I am pleased. 5500 Total, $550 down, $198 per month for 25 months.Insurance paid $2000(Concordia Dental).
Grace braces
Amount: $0.00 Posted by: Gracieboo
From: 08859, NJ
Posted On: November 20th, 2013 05:11PM
Type of Braces: None
I don't have any because my parents said that a dentist must reccommend .
braces
Amount: $7,000.00 Posted by: diego perdomo
From: naples, FL
Posted On: October 9th, 2013 12:10PM
Type of Braces: metal
2 years metal braces 205 per month for 2 years 1600 first down payment xrays free
Braces
Amount: $4,500.00 Posted by: StacieNH
From: Bedford, NH
Posted On: September 26th, 2013 07:09AM
Type of Braces: Phase 1/ traditional
My 13 year old has straight foward braces and will have them for 2 years. Hers cost $6,500 insurance covered $2000 and I put $600 down. My monthly payment is $150 for Hera. My 8 year old has a palet expander and top braces for about 10 months. This phase 1 cost $4500 insurance covered $2000 and I put $600 down. His monthly payment is $60. If and when he requires phase two later on the insurance will not pay anything.
12 months with 2 years retainer
Amount: $2,004.00 Posted by: Patrice
From: Alexandria, VA
Posted On: June 6th, 2013 07:06AM
Type of Braces: Metal (Traditonal)
Involved in a terrible dog bit accident that cause for my jaw bone to be broken, front bottom teeth to be pushed inward and top teeth chipped and pushed in slightly. When I first went for my consult back in 2010 - I was quoted with $5,550.00 for 2 year treatment (includes everything) - no insurance BTW. In 2013, I was quoted with a new low price ($4,500)my new insurance through my job covers $1,500 of my full total price, I put down $1,000 during my records appointment and $167 per month for 12 months. $2,000 is WAYYYYY cheaper than paying $4,5000 anyday of the week!!!!
6 month braces
Amount: $3,500.00 Posted by: HCurtis24
From: Raleigh, NC
Posted On: May 6th, 2013 01:05PM
Type of Braces: 6 month braces
I went to Glenwood Smiles in Raleigh during their Summer Special so it was $3500 for braces. Their normal price is $4300
adult braces
Amount: $6,060.00 Posted by: LILY in NC
From: Denver, NC
Posted On: February 18th, 2013 01:02PM
Type of Braces: metal damon
30-36 months-get them when your younger! i'm 37 have never worn braces and just had them put in 1 week ago.No insurance. down payment of 2000 & monthly payments over 30 month period.x-rays wavier & office discounted 250. visits,retainer included.rnI chose to get them due to overbite,crowding & to make my smile fullier. I have impacted upper canine teeth that never came in (i still have my upper baby caninies lol) in about 9 months after orthodonist makes space i have to see the oral surgeon to have a "button" put on my impacted canines in my gums (ouch)and attached to upper brackets to pull! and if all goes well my baby teeth will fall out as my adult canines work there way in. not too bad , felt like i had canker sores on the 2nd day but now is ok, my lower teeth are bit achy though. Best decision I made. My son also has braces $4995 (22 mos to wear) insurance paid $2000-he has a small overbit & just need to be straighten.
Shop around!
Amount: $2,500.00 Posted by: chris1177
From: North San Diego, CA
Posted On: January 18th, 2013 01:01PM
Type of Braces: metal
My 13 year old daughter went today for her 2nd consultation. 1st consultation was in a more expensive neighborhood- wanted to charge $5200 (w/o insurance-$4000 with). I went to the next town up for consult- They charge $3500 for 18 mos braces. Big difference!
Getting braces in a couple weeks, no insurance coverage
Amount: $4,995.00 Posted by: 22 year old getting braces
From: Corona, CA
Posted On: January 5th, 2013 11:01AM
Type of Braces: Damon Clear
18-24 months treatment. $207/month. Over Bite, narrow smile. Clear on top with damon metal on bottom row
No insurance, but affordable payments
Amount: $4,980.00 Posted by: frugalcouple
From: Piedmont, SC
Posted On: October 10th, 2012 05:10AM
Type of Braces: Metal Top & Bottom
Total includes everything from x-rays, molds, records, retainer and retainer visits for 18 - 24 months. Had to provide min $800 down with 18 months of $227.00 payments. Daughter is 13.5 yrs with overcrowding & crossbite. Other quote was $5545 with upper jaw expander which we had hoped to avoid. Expensive smile, but deemed necessary for lifelong confidence. And trust me, she WILL be wearing that retainer to maintain her $5000 smile!
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