How much do braces cost per month?

A $5,500 treatment on a 20-month in-house 0% plan costs $275/month. CareCredit's 26.99% APR applies retroactively if balance is not cleared within the promotional period.

Updated 2026

How much do braces cost in 2026?

Q: What is the cheapest type of braces?

Traditional metal braces are the most affordable fixed option at $3,000-$7,500. SmileDirectClub, which offered $1,950 plans, went bankrupt in December 2023 leaving 28,000 customers without support mid-treatment.

Q: Are braces covered by insurance?

Most employer dental plans cover $1,000-$3,000 as a lifetime orthodontic maximum, usually for patients under 19. Adults need a separate rider. FSA contributions up to $3,400 (2026 limit) can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

An honest, independent US cost guide. No practice affiliation, no appointment booking, no upsell. Just numbers, sources, and the decision support you actually need.

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2026 US price ladderavg

Click any bar for the full cost breakdown.

$0$6.5k$13k

US average: $5,000-$6,000 standard. Sources via methodology.

10-second answer

Metal$3,000-$7,500
Ceramic$4,000-$8,500
Invisalign$3,000-$8,000
Lingual$8,000-$13,000
Treatment time12-36 months
Insurance lifetime cap$1,000-$3,000
Adults vs kids+$500-$1,500

Real insurance math

A $6,500 quote, the honest version

Treatment cost$6,500

Less insurance lifetime max- $2,000

Less FSA (2026 limit)- $3,400

Out of pocket$1,100

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Cost Calculator

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Brace Type

State

Case Severity

Typical crowding, crossbite, 18-24 months

Expected Duration: 18 months

12 mo24 mo36 mo

Compare

Six brace types, side by side.

Best for: Budget-conscious, complex cases, children

Best for: Adults, professionals, mild-to-moderate cases

Medium

Damon / Self-Ligating

$4,000to$8,000

16-28 months

Best for: Patients wanting fewer adjustment visits

Best for: Mild-to-moderate crowding, compliant adults

Best for: Performers, high-visibility professionals

Best for: Minor cases only. Read SDC warning first.

Quick decision flow

Three questions, then a price.

The fastest path through the type catalog. Pick one answer in each column and follow the row to a starting estimate. Every endpoint links to the relevant deep guide.

When you have a quote in hand

Patient

Visibility

Budget

Best fit

Reality check

Cheap mail-order aligners are not a thing in 2026.

SmileDirectClub filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2023 and abruptly shut down in December 2023, leaving an estimated 28,000 customers mid-treatment with no support, refunds, or retainers. The New York Attorney General reached a $4.8M settlement in December 2024.

In 2026, legitimate orthodontic treatment starts at roughly $3,000 for metal braces under a licensed orthodontist. Prices significantly below this almost always involve compromises in supervision, materials, or provider credentials.

What happened to SmileDirectClub and which DTC aligners still operate

Common questions

What patients actually ask.

How much do braces cost without insurance?

Without insurance, metal braces typically cost $3,000-$7,500. Ceramic braces run $4,000-$8,500. Invisalign costs $3,000-$8,000 depending on complexity. Most orthodontists offer 0% in-house payment plans over 18-24 months, bringing typical monthly payments to $150-$375.

What is the cheapest type of braces?

Traditional metal braces at $3,000-$7,500 are the most affordable fixed option. Any price significantly below this carries patient safety risks. SmileDirectClub went bankrupt in December 2023, leaving thousands mid-treatment with no support.

Are braces covered by insurance?

Most employer dental plans cover $1,000-$3,000 lifetime for orthodontics, usually for patients under 19. Adults need a separate rider. Waiting periods of 6-12 months are common. FSA contributions up to $3,400 (2026 limit) can further reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Does Medicaid pay for braces?

Medicaid covers orthodontics for children under 21 when medically necessary, typically severe malocclusion or cleft palate. Adult Medicaid orthodontic coverage is essentially nonexistent in most states. See our insurance page for a state-by-state summary.

What is not included in a braces quote?

Commonly excluded: records fee ($150-$400), retainers ($150-$500 per arch), broken bracket repairs ($50-$100 each), lost retainer replacements ($150-$350), and any extractions required before treatment begins ($150-$300 per tooth).

See the full FAQ hub

Deep guides

Where most patients lose money.

Insurance

FSA/HSA math, Medicaid, CHIP, worked examples

Financing

CareCredit, in-house plans, third-party loans

Retainers

Initial and 30-year lifetime cost math

Negotiate

Scripts, second opinions, cash-pay discounts