How Much Do Braces Cost?
Updated March 2026
Metal braces run $3,000-$7,000. Invisalign $3,000-$8,000. Lingual braces up to $13,000. Treatment takes 12 to 36 months. Here is exactly what to expect and how to pay less.
Traditional metal braces: $3,000-$7,000. Ceramic (tooth-colored): $4,000-$8,000. Lingual (behind the teeth): $8,000-$13,000. Invisalign/clear aligners: $3,000-$8,000. Treatment takes 12 to 36 months depending on case complexity. Most dental insurance plans cover $1,000-$2,000 as a lifetime orthodontic benefit.
Cost by Type of Braces
Each type has a different price, appearance, and set of trade-offs. Here is what you actually need to know before you pick one.
Metal Braces
$3,000 - $7,000The workhorse of orthodontics. If you have a complex case or need the most predictable outcome, metal braces remain the first recommendation from most orthodontists.
Advantages
- +Most effective for complex cases and severe crowding
- +Fastest results when misalignment is significant
- +Less expensive than other options
- +No risk of losing them (unlike aligners)
- +Works well for all ages including young children
Drawbacks
- -Most visible option
- -Can cause minor irritation to cheeks early on
- -Food restrictions (no hard/sticky foods)
- -Requires careful brushing around brackets
Ceramic Braces
$4,000 - $8,000A solid middle ground. You get the reliability of fixed braces with considerably less visibility. Popular with older teens and adults.
Advantages
- +Tooth-colored or clear brackets, far less visible than metal
- +Same effectiveness as metal braces
- +Good for adults who want a lower profile
- +Brackets bond well and stay put
Drawbacks
- -Slightly more fragile than metal brackets
- -Can stain if you drink lots of coffee, tea, or red wine
- -Cost is $500-$1,500 more than metal
- -The wire is still often metal-colored
Lingual Braces
$8,000 - $13,000For people who absolutely cannot have visible braces for professional or personal reasons. Expect to pay a significant premium and to work harder at cleaning.
Advantages
- +Completely invisible from the front
- +Fixed (not removable), so compliance is not a factor
- +Can treat most cases including complex ones
Drawbacks
- -Most expensive option by far
- -Difficult to clean, requires extra effort
- -Can cause tongue irritation, especially early on
- -Affects speech more than other types
- -Not all orthodontists are trained to fit them
- -Adjustments take longer
Invisalign / Clear Aligners
$3,000 - $8,000The most popular choice for adults and older teens who have mild to moderate cases. The 22-hours-per-day rule is non-negotiable. If you know you will take them out regularly, traditional braces will likely give you better results.
Advantages
- +Nearly invisible when worn
- +Removable for eating, brushing, and special occasions
- +Comfortable, no sharp brackets or wires
- +Easy to maintain oral hygiene
- +Typically fewer in-office visits
Drawbacks
- -Must be worn 22 hours a day or results suffer
- -Not suitable for severe misalignment or complex bite issues
- -Discipline required, easy to skip wearing
- -Aligners can be lost (replacement costs $50-$200 per tray)
- -Some cases require attachments (small tooth-colored bumps)
Self-Ligating / Damon Braces
$4,000 - $8,000A variation on fixed braces. The reduced adjustment schedule appeals to busy adults. Evidence for the speed claims is not as strong as marketing suggests, but patient experience is generally positive.
Advantages
- +No elastic ties, which can reduce friction
- +Fewer adjustment appointments than traditional metal
- +Some patients find them more comfortable
- +Manufacturers claim slightly faster treatment times
Drawbacks
- -Higher cost than standard metal braces
- -Clinical evidence on speed claims is mixed
- -Still visible (though brackets are slightly lower profile)
- -Not universally available
What Makes Braces More or Less Expensive?
The type of braces is only one part of the price. These factors can add or subtract thousands from your final bill.
Severity of misalignment
Major factorMild crowding or a small gap might be corrected in 12 months. Severe crowding, significant overbite, or crossbite can take 30-36 months. More time in treatment almost always means more appointments and higher total cost. An orthodontist will grade your case at the initial consultation.
Your location
Major factorOrthodontic prices in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other major metros typically run 30-50% higher than in rural areas or smaller cities in the Midwest and South. The same treatment plan can vary by $2,000+ based purely on zip code.
Orthodontist vs. general dentist
Moderate factorA board-certified orthodontist has completed 2-3 additional years of specialist training beyond dental school. They typically charge more than a general dentist offering orthodontic services. For complex cases, the specialist is usually worth the extra cost. For straightforward Invisalign cases, a general dentist may be fine.
Treatment length
Moderate factorA 12-month treatment costs less than a 36-month treatment even with the same type of braces. More adjustment appointments, more retainer check-ins, and longer wear of appliances all add up. Some plans charge a flat fee regardless of duration; others bill per appointment.
Retainers after treatment
Often overlookedRetainers are not always included in the quoted price. Fixed retainers (a wire bonded behind your teeth) cost $150-$500 per arch. Removable Hawley retainers are $150-$300 each. Clear plastic retainers are $100-$200 each. You will need to replace removable retainers every 1-3 years if worn regularly.
X-rays and records
Often overlookedInitial orthodontic records including panoramic X-rays, cephalometric X-rays, photos, and study models typically cost $150-$400. Some orthodontists bundle this into their quote; others bill separately. Always ask what is included in the stated price.
Insurance and Payment Options
Most people do not pay the full sticker price out of pocket. Here are the realistic ways to reduce what you pay.
Dental Insurance
Many dental insurance plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit of $1,000-$2,000. This is a one-time benefit, not a per-year allowance. Once used, it is gone.
Children are more commonly covered than adults. Some plans only cover treatment that starts before age 18 or 19. Read the fine print carefully, as waiting periods of 12-24 months often apply to new policies.
Always confirm whether your chosen orthodontist is in-network. Out-of-network providers may still be covered but at a reduced reimbursement rate, leaving you with a larger balance.
FSA and HSA
Orthodontic treatment qualifies as a medical expense for both Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Paying with pre-tax dollars effectively reduces cost by your marginal tax rate, which is typically a 22-32% saving.
FSA funds must be used within the plan year (with a small grace period). HSA funds roll over indefinitely. If your treatment spans multiple years, plan contributions accordingly.
Some orthodontists will bill in installments timed to match your FSA calendar, which lets you maximize pre-tax contributions each year.
In-Office Payment Plans
The vast majority of orthodontists offer monthly payment plans, often at 0% interest. A typical structure: pay a down payment of $500-$1,000 upfront, then $100-$300/month for the duration of treatment.
On a $5,000 treatment with $500 down, you might pay $160/month over 28 months. This is generally straightforward to set up at your first appointment.
Ask specifically: is there a discount for paying in full upfront? Many practices offer 3-5% off for lump-sum payment. On a $6,000 case that is $180-$300 back in your pocket.
Other Ways to Reduce Costs
- +Dental school clinics offer treatment at 30-50% below market rates. Treatment is performed by supervised residents. Wait times for appointments are longer, and treatment may take slightly more time overall.
- +Discount dental plans (not insurance) cost $100-$200/year and provide 10-20% reductions at participating providers. Worth checking if no insurance is available.
- +Get multiple consultations. Initial consultations are typically free. Quotes can vary by $1,000-$2,000 for the same treatment. Three consultations is a reasonable benchmark.
- +Consider location. An orthodontist 20 miles outside the city center may charge $1,500 less for identical treatment. If you can handle the travel, it can be worth it.
Braces for Adults
Adults now account for roughly 1 in 4 orthodontic patients in the US. The cost is the same, but there are a few important differences.
Same price, longer treatment
Adults pay the same $3,000-$7,000 range as children for metal braces, and similarly for other types. However, adult bone is denser and less responsive to orthodontic pressure, which can extend treatment by several months. A case that takes 18 months in a teenager might take 22-24 months in a 40-year-old.
Invisalign preference
The majority of adults choosing orthodontic treatment today opt for Invisalign or ceramic braces. The discretion matters in professional settings. Invisalign at $3,000-$8,000 is the most common adult choice, especially for mild to moderate cases. Adults tend to comply with the 22-hours-per-day requirement better than teenagers.
Employer benefits
Some employers include orthodontic coverage in their dental plans. This is worth checking even if you have had dental insurance for years and never used it. Look in your benefits portal under dental coverage or call your HR department. Orthodontic lifetime maximums of $1,500-$2,500 do appear in some employer plans.
Gum health matters more
Orthodontists will want to confirm your gums are healthy before starting treatment. Adults with gum disease (periodontitis) may need to complete periodontal treatment first. This can add cost and delay the start of orthodontic treatment by 3-6 months.
Relapse is real
Adult teeth are more likely to shift back after treatment than teenage teeth. Wearing your retainer indefinitely (or at least nightly) is genuinely important. Budget for retainer replacements every few years: $100-$500 depending on type. Some adults opt for a fixed retainer bonded behind the front teeth.
Is it worth it financially?
Beyond aesthetics, correctly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which reduces long-term dental costs. Studies consistently link poor alignment with higher rates of decay and gum disease. A $5,000 orthodontic investment that prevents $8,000 in future dental work is a sound one. Ask your orthodontist to walk through the functional benefits of treatment for your specific case.
Braces Cost in the UK
The UK has a fundamentally different system for orthodontics. NHS treatment is available, but access is not universal.
Children and teenagers under 18 are assessed using the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). This is a scale of 1 to 5. Only children scoring grade 3 or above (sometimes grade 4 in practice, depending on local NHS funding) qualify for free NHS braces.
Roughly half of children assessed do not meet the threshold. This means parents with children who have mild crowding may find NHS treatment is not offered, even if the issue is visually apparent.
NHS waiting lists typically run 12-24 months. In some areas waits exceed 2 years. Treatment itself then takes another 18-24 months, meaning children who are assessed at 12 may not finish treatment until 15 or 16.
NHS orthodontic treatment is usually fixed metal braces. Ceramic or Invisalign is not offered on the NHS.
Private orthodontic treatment in the UK typically costs £2,000-£6,000 depending on case complexity and the type of appliance chosen. London prices sit at the top of this range.
- •Metal braces: £2,000-£3,500
- •Ceramic braces: £2,500-£4,500
- •Invisalign: £2,500-£6,000
- •Lingual braces: £4,000-£10,000
Private treatment can begin within weeks rather than waiting over a year. Monthly payment plans are common, typically around £80-£200/month.
Private dental insurance in the UK rarely covers orthodontics at any meaningful level. It is almost always an out-of-pocket expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost without insurance?
Without insurance, plan on $3,000-$7,000 for metal braces, $4,000-$8,000 for ceramic, $3,000-$8,000 for Invisalign, and $8,000-$13,000 for lingual braces. These are US averages. Prices in major metro areas run 30-50% higher. Most orthodontists offer 0% interest payment plans so you are not paying the full amount upfront.
Does dental insurance cover braces?
Many dental insurance plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit of $1,000-$2,000. This is a one-time benefit, not an annual allowance, and it is used up permanently once claimed. Coverage is more common for children than adults. Check whether your plan covers your specific brace type, as some plans only cover traditional metal braces and will not contribute toward Invisalign.
How much are braces for adults?
Adults pay the same base price as children: $3,000-$7,000 for metal, $4,000-$8,000 for ceramic, $3,000-$8,000 for Invisalign. Adult treatment can run a few months longer due to bone density, which may increase the total. Many adults choose Invisalign or ceramic braces for professional reasons. Some employer dental plans include orthodontic coverage worth checking.
How much do braces cost in the UK?
In the UK, NHS braces are free for children under 18 who score grade 3 or above on the IOTN assessment scale. NHS waiting lists run 12-24 months, sometimes longer. Children who do not qualify, adults, or those who cannot wait typically go private: £2,000-£6,000 for metal or ceramic braces, £2,500-£6,000 for Invisalign, and £4,000-£10,000 for lingual braces.
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