How much do braces cost?

Key Takeaways:

• Typical cost for under-18 orthodontic treatment is $6,000 and $7,000 for adults.
• Dental savings plans offer deep discounts (20%-25%) on the cost of orthodontics. Select dental savings plans can reduce the cost of braces by 39-48%.
• Dental insurance may have a separate, lifetime limit for orthodontia – often $1,500 for each eligible member of the plan. This does not reset at the end of the plan year.
• Dental insurance typically covers part of the costs of braces for children under the age of 18. Adult orthodontics coverage is typically not included in dental insurance.

Sometimes the purpose of orthodontic treatment is to produce a more attractive smile. But for many people, braces result in a healthier mouth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), orthodontic treatment helps to prevent:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Difficulty in speaking clearly
• Difficulty in chewing properly
• Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
• Jaw problems

What do braces cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies according to what type of braces are used and the complexity of the orthodontic issue. Treatment plans for kid’s braces tend to require less time to complete than those for adults, which can increase the cost of treatment.

• Metal braces (traditional braces) cost $3,000 – $7,000.
• Ceramic braces, which blend with the color of teeth with only a thin metal wire visible, cost $4,000 – $8,000.
• Invisalign® aligners, clear plastic devices that fit over teeth and can be removed temporarily when the wearer chooses, cost $4,000 – $7,400.
• Lingual braces, which are made of metal but are bonded to the inside surface of teeth making them virtually invisible when the wearer smiles, cost $8,000 – $10,000.

In addition to the prices above, there may be additional costs to prepare your teeth for braces. These treatments include X-rays, and may include fillings, cleanings, and – primarily for adults – extractions to open the space required for teeth to move into their desired new position.

Braces often need to be adjusted, typically once a month or so over a two-year period. Newer types of braces may require less frequent adjustments. After braces are removed, people will typically need to wear a retainer at night to keep your teeth from returning to their original position.

Dental insurance that covers braces

Dental insurance may partially cover the costs of braces for children under the age of 18. Adults are typically not covered, but a few insurance providers are now offering orthodontia benefits for plan members of every age.

Be aware that traditional dental insurance tends to offer extremely limited coverage for orthodontic treatment. Dental insurance typically covers orthodontics up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 (and often less – average maximum ranges from $500-$1,000) for each eligible member of the plan (but check plan details, as the policy may not cover multiple people). There may also be a waiting period of six months to a year after purchasing a plan before orthodontics coverage is available.

While this limited coverage can be a concern, insurance plan providers probably have negotiated lower rates with dentists/orthodontists in their networks. Even if the plan doesn’t cover much of the cost of braces, you may benefit from getting a lower rate overall. Check your policy details and ask your dentist about anything you don’t understand.

Dental savings plans for orthodontic treatment

Dental savings plans make braces affordable. Many of the plans on DentalPlans.com offer savings of 20%-25% on orthodontics.

Dental savings plans are often the best choice for reducing the cost of orthodontic treatment because unlike insurance, dental savings plans have no annual or lifetime limit. This is a significant advantage considering the cost of braces is much higher than the typical insurance cap of $1,000-$1,500.

And many dental savings plans do offer orthodontics savings to adults as well as children.

Affordable braces and dental care

In addition to helping you save on orthodontic care, dental savings plan can reduce the cost of most dental treatments, including other treatments associated with braces, as well as procedures that insurance may not cover, such as cosmetic care and dental implants.

Whether you want a dental savings plan that focuses on delivering significant savings on orthodontic treatment, or one that offers cost reductions on a wide range of dental treatments, you can find it at DentalPlans.com, the largest online marketplace for both dental savings plans and dental insurance.

Try our online dental plan finder to get a personalized plan recommendation on the spot. Or use our calculator below to see how much you can save on braces and more right now.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. 

All cost averages obtained from the DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.