The Average Cost of Braces
The average cost of braces is $5,991 for the whole process. That’s about $250 per month for 24 months.
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Type of braces | Cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Metal | $2,750 to $7,000 |
| Ceramic | $3,000 to $6,500 |
| Invisalign | $3,250 to $8,250 |
| Lingual | $6,500 to $11,500 |
If you don't have insurance, metal or ceramic braces usually cost between $2,750 and $7,000.
The cost of braces with insurance is typically between $1,638 and $4,933 for the full process.
The cost for you will depend on your age, insurance plan and the type of braces you wear.
Average cost of braces in the U.S.
The average cost of braces in the U.S. is nearly $6,000, according to the American Dental Association. How much you pay will depend on the type of braces you select and the alignment issues of your teeth. Standard metal braces are the cheapest, while Invisalign and lingual braces are the most expensive.
Metal braces cost between $2,750 and $7,000.
Metal braces are the oldest and most common type of orthodontic treatment. They offer low-cost treatment and fast alignment of teeth. Their main drawback is the high visibility of the metal brackets and wires.
Ceramic braces cost between $3,000 and $6,500.
Ceramic braces have brackets whose color blends with teeth, making them less noticeable. However, ceramic is more brittle than metal and also tends to stain noticeably without proper care.
Clear braces such as Invisalign cost between $3,250 and $8,250.
Invisalign usually costs between $500 and $1,250 more than regular metal braces. That's about 18% more expensive across a typical two-year period. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic molds that fit over the teeth. They can be removed and replaced, which means they're more comfortable. The disadvantage is that it takes longer to straighten your teeth than with metal or ceramic braces. And Invisalign may not be an option if you have severe misalignment.
Lingual braces cost between $6,500 and $11,500.
Lingual braces are the most expensive. They're installed behind the teeth, which hides the brackets from view. They're more expensive because they're harder to install and adjust. The orthodontist also needs specialized training, so they are not as widely available.
Cost of braces for adults vs. kids
The average cost of braces for an adult is $6,139, and the cost of braces for kids averages $5,842.
How much are braces for adults and kids?
Age | Total cost of getting braces |
|---|---|
| Kids | $5,842 |
| Adults | $6,139 |
Adults pay 5% more for braces than children or adolescents, on average. That's a total difference of about $297.
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What else affects the cost of braces?
Braces have a wide range of costs, and how much you pay depends on:
- How long you'll wear the braces: Monthly appointments can add up to a large part of the total cost for braces. Most braces are worn for an average of 24 months, and the initial position of your teeth determines how long you need to wear them. The length of time also depends on the type of braces you select. Metal braces tend to align your teeth quicker than options that are less visible.
- Your location: Where you live affects how much you pay. Braces and orthodontic care generally cost less in smaller towns and cities than in metro areas such as New York or Los Angeles.
- Your orthodontist's rates: Orthodontist offices charge different amounts for appointments and materials. How much you pay varies based on the orthodontist you choose and their level of experience.
- How you care for your braces: If you break the brackets of your braces, you'll pay for extra appointments to repair the damage. To avoid damaging braces, follow your orthodontist's recommendations and avoid eating foods that are chewy, hard or sugary.
Most orthodontists offer free consultations, so you should visit as many different providers as you need to find a good price and a payment plan that works with your budget.
Why are braces so expensive?
Braces are so expensive because of the cost of the materials and because you need many appointments for placement, adjustments and repairs. They're also something you pay for once and get the benefits of for the rest of your life.
How much are braces with insurance?
The cost of braces with insurance averages between $1,638 and $4,933 for metal and ceramic types.
Type | Cost with insurance |
|---|---|
| Metal braces | $1,638 to $4,933 |
| Ceramic braces | $1,817 to $4,450 |
Based on two years of insurance benefits, assuming you've already met the plan's deductible.
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Insurance coverage for clear braces such as Invisalign is usually different than coverage for other types of braces. Some insurance plans don't cover clear braces at all. That's because they're more expensive, and they may be considered a cosmetic procedure. Check your policy for details about how your plan covers Invisalign.
Should you get dental insurance for braces?
If you need braces, it's nearly always worth it to get a dental insurance plan with orthodontic coverage.
You'll typically save between $500 and $1,400 on braces, after considering the cost of a plan.
- Typical insurance savings on braces: $1,113 to $2,067
- Typical cost of dental insurance: $25 per month, which is $600 for two years of coverage
- Net savings on braces by having insurance: $513 to $1,467
Plus, dental insurance covers standard cleanings and routine dental care, so you get other benefits beyond coverage for braces.
How does dental insurance cover braces and orthodontics?
If your dental plan covers braces, your insurance will usually give you a discount on your costs, up to a maximum amount that the insurance plan will pay.
Typical insurance coverage for braces is a 50% discount, up to a maximum of $1,500.
Exact coverage details vary by plan, company and location. For example, some insurance plans may cover 20% of the cost of braces, without a cap. Other plans may limit coverage to only children or certain types of braces.
How to choose the best dental plan for braces
When choosing an insurance plan for braces coverage, watch out for plans that have a lifetime maximum on orthodontia coverage.
This is usually in the fine print of the plan benefits, but it makes a big difference in your costs. For example, a $1,500 annual benefit cap means that you could save up to $3,000 over two years. If the plan has a $1,500 lifetime benefit cap, that's the most you could save on braces with that plan.
Insurance may cover medically necessary braces, even if you don't have coverage for orthodontics.
Sometimes, dental issues are severe enough to cause health issues such as jaw pain, grinding of teeth, greater chance of tooth decay or gum disease. In these cases, a dentist could say that braces are "medically necessary." This means your dental plan may cover your braces, even if it does not typically cover orthodontics.
Frequently asked questions
How much do braces cost?
The total cost of braces is $5,991, on average, according to the American Dental Association. So if you wore braces for 24 months, that would be about $250 per month.
What are the cheapest options for braces?
Traditional metal braces are usually the cheapest type of orthodontics to straighten your teeth. You could find options that cost less than $3,000, depending on the orthodontist you choose and the alignment of your teeth. Plus, many offices have monthly payment plans to make braces more affordable.
How do you get cheap braces?
The best way to get cheap braces is to use a dental or orthodontic insurance plan to help pay for standard metal braces, which are the cheapest type. The cost for braces after insurance is usually between $1,600 and $5,000. Also, you may be able to get free or low-cost braces through programs at dental schools, nonprofits, community health centers or Medicaid, if you qualify.
Is dental insurance worth it if you need braces?
Yes, it's nearly always worth it to get a dental insurance plan if you need braces. After considering the cost of a plan, buying dental insurance would save you around $500 to $1,400 if you need braces, while also giving you coverage for routine dental needs and cleanings.
How much are braces in California?
In California, braces cost an average of $5,678 for kids. For adults, braces are slightly cheaper at $5,577. That comes out to about $230 to $240 per month if you wear braces for two years. Typically, braces cost 3% to 6% more in California than the national average. However, the orthodontist you use and the issue with your teeth have a big impact on costs.
How much are braces in Florida?
Braces cost an average of $5,551 in Florida. That's about $231 per month across two years of wearing braces. However, you may be able to get cheap braces that cost less than $3,000 if you get the standard metal braces, use an orthodontist with low rates or don't need to wear braces for a long time.
Methodology
The average cost of braces for adults and children is based on an American Dental Association survey of dental fees, which compiles information from more than 1,000 dentists across the country. National rates are for orthodontists. Averages for California and Florida are based on regional rates of general practitioners.
The average costs of different types of braces and their costs after insurance are based on sample plans and information from health insurance companies including Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, MetLife and UnitedHealthcare. Your costs may differ.
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