Watching your child feel left out of photos because of crooked teeth—or seeing a teenager hide their smile—really pulls at my heart. And when I meet adults who’ve always dreamed of straight teeth but worry about the cost, I understand. Braces can truly transform lives, but the worry over price shouldn’t stand in the way. If you’re searching for how much braces cost, you’re in the right place.
I’ve guided families and adults through every cost question—insurance, treatment type, payment help—until they feel clear and hopeful. In this guide, I’ll break down costs by age, brace type, insurance, and smart ways to manage payment. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to make your smile work for your budget.
How Much Do Braces Cost by Age Group & Type?
Here’s a clear breakdown of typical costs based on age, brace type, and insurance coverage:
| Age Group | Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Lingual Braces | Clear Aligners | Insurance? |
| Kids (6–12) | $3,000–7,000 | $4,000–8,000 | $8,000–13,000 | $3,000–8,000 | ✅ ~50% up to $1.5–3.5k |
| Teens (13–18) | $3,000–7,000 | $4,000–8,000 | $8,000–13,000 | $3,000–8,000 | ✅ ~50% up to $1.5–3.5k |
| Adults (19+) | $3,000–7,000 | $4,000–8,500 | $8,000–13,000 | $3,000–8,000 | Varies |
Why Insurance Makes a Big Difference
Insurance often treats braces for kids and teens as “medically necessary,” covering around 25–50% with lifetime caps typically between $1,500–3,500. But for adults, braces are usually categorised as cosmetic, so coverage is rare or minimal, leaving most adults to pay the full cost.
What Influences the Final Cost
The cost estimates in the comparison table are base prices, but several things can change your final bill:
- Treatment duration & complexity: Cases like crowding or bite correction often take 18–36 months, sometimes longer for adults.
- Technology & techniques used: Digital scanners, 3D imaging, and modern bracket systems can improve results but add to the cost.
- Provider experience & location: Specialist clinics in larger cities may charge 10–20% more.
- Appliance type & material: Metal is simpler, ceramic is discreet, lingual is hidden—all with stepped-up customisation and pricing.
- Extra treatments: X‑rays, extractions, expanders, or jaw surgery add $75–3,000+.
- Aftercare costs: Retainers cost about $150–600 per arch after braces are removed.
- Compliance & upkeep: Breaking brackets or losing aligners adds repair/replacement costs.
- Financing or discounts: In-house plans, HSA/FSA, and upfront payments lower what comes out of your wallet.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Knowing the timeline helps you see the value behind the cost:
- Typical treatment: 18–24 months for most cases across all ages.
- Kids & teens: Often move faster—18–24 months—thanks to growing jaws.
- Adults: May take 24–36 months due to denser bone and slower tooth movement.
- Different appliances: Metal might finish in 18–24 months; ceramic slightly slower (18–36 months); lingual 24–36 months; aligners 12–18 months for mild-to-moderate issues.
The Real Value Beyond Price
Braces aren’t just cosmetic—they help your smile function better:
- Oral health benefits: Straighter teeth are easier to brush, reducing cavities and gum disease.
- Crunching bite issues: Correcting overbite, underbite, or crossbite can ease jaw strain and improve chewing.
- Confidence boosts: Adults undergoing braces often report major confidence gains—even in professional life.
- Speech improvement: Fixing alignment can help with articulation.
- Long-term cost savings: Preventing dental problems now can save thousands in future treatment.
Payment Plans That Ease the Load
Braces shouldn’t drain your bank. Here are ways to make them manageable:
- 0% financing over 18–36 months reduces the upfront burden.
- Prepayment discounts save you 5–10% with a lump sum.
- HSA & FSA use: Use tax-free funds to reduce the actual cost.
- CareCredit & lenders for flexible monthly payments.
- Dental savings programs can cut prices by 10–60%.
Together, these options make a big treatment feel much more doable.
Real-World Scenarios
- Kid + insurance: Ceramic braces at $6,000 → insurer pays $3,000 → family owes $3,000 → about $125/month for 24 months.
- Teen, no insurance: Metal braces for $5,500 → you’d pay $230/month over 24 months.
- Adult with Invisalign: Total $7,000 → $700 down + $420/month for 15 months, possibly using HSA/FSA to save on taxes.
Get to Know the Eagle Rock Team!
At Eagle Rock Orthodontics in Glendale, Highland Park, Los Angeles and Pasadena, we believe that everyone deserves a confident, healthy smile—regardless of budget. Since 2005, we’ve helped kids, teens, and adults pick the right braces—metal, ceramic, lingual, or clear aligners—based on your lifestyle and finances.
We support you by:
- Clarifying insurance benefits,
- Setting up 0% interest payment plans,
- Maximising HSA/FSA,
- Offering upfront, clear pricing.
From your first consultation through long-term retainer care, our team is with you every step. Book your free consultation today. Let’s make your dream smile a reality—without financial stress.