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The cost of braces depends on numerous factors, including the brace type that you go for, where you live, and the current state of your dental health.
To help you prepare a budget for your orthodontic care, we run through each of these factors in detail and provide you with a ballpark figure you can use to work out how much braces cost on average.
How much do braces cost?
There are numerous factors that influence the price of braces, including the type of brace you go for, where you get the treatment, and whether or not you have insurance that covers this type of dental work.
But as a ballpark figure, you can expect braces to cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000. Join us as we take a look at the different types of braces and how much they typically cost.
An overview of the different types of braces and rough costs
|
Brace type |
Description |
Rough cost |
|
Metal braces |
Metal brackets and wire to realign your teeth over a period of several months or even years. |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
Ceramic braces |
Similar to metal braces, but they are clear and less noticeable. They typically perform the same function. |
$3,500 - $7,000 |
|
Invisalign braces |
Clear plastic braces that fit over your teeth. They are created with a mold of your teeth and are removable. |
$5,000+ |
|
Lingual braces |
Attached to the backside of your teeth instead of the front. They perform the same function as normal braces. |
$5,000 - $10,000 |
Factors that can affect the price of braces
When considering the cost of braces, numerous factors will affect how much you end up paying, so you need to think about your own circumstances. The following factors will likely come into play and will determine how much you pay for braces:
Brace type
The first and most obvious factor to consider is the type of braces that you go for. As you can see from our table above, metal braces tend to be the cheapest option for most people, while lingual braces and Invisalign tend to be the most expensive.
Dental health
The price of the braces will also be influenced by the current state and health of your teeth. For instance, if you need expensive dental work done to replace or fix any of your teeth before you can wear braces, this will significantly increase the price of the procedure.
Insurance
Some insurance policies include dental and orthodontic work, but not all. In the United States, for instance, it's common for kids' dental work to be covered, but adult braces are not usually included. You should read through the terms of your insurance policy carefully before opting for any treatment.
Location
The country you live in will have a big impact on the price you end up paying for any orthodontic care, and braces are no exception. Some people travel abroad for cheaper dental work elsewhere, which can be a viable option if you live in a country where dental treatment is prohibitively expensive.
Time
The amount of time you need to wear braces will also affect the price you are quoted. If you only need them for a relatively short period of time, braces will be cheaper than if you need to wear them and have them adjusted over a period of several years.
Reputation of orthodontist
If you need to wear braces, it makes sense to consult one of the best orthodontists in your area, though doing so comes at a premium. You need to weigh up the reputation of the orthodontist with your available budget before deciding where to proceed with the treatment.
How much do braces cost with insurance?
This depends on several things. In our research, we found that many adult insurance policies don't cover braces as standard. Therefore, you usually can't pay for braces with your insurance, unless you have a specific provision for orthodontic care.
However, if braces are deemed essential for children (18 and under), the work is often available at least in part on insurance, with some parents able to claim up to 50% of the overall cost. Note that not all types of braces are available on insurance, so speak to your policy provider before deciding which to go for.
The verdict: The general price of braces
As so many factors can influence the price of braces, it's quite difficult to speculate about a general price. But after doing some research, we have found that most orthodontic treatment and braces fall in the bracket of $3,000 to $10,000.
If you're looking for cheap and cheerful braces that get the job done, opt for metal braces, as they are the cheapest option no matter your age or where you get the work done.
FAQ
Q1: How much do children's braces cost?
Wondering how much do braces cost for kids? In most cases, they cost a similar price to braces for adults. If you're happy with metal braces, you can probably budget around $3,000 for your child's braces.
Q2: How much do braces cost in Texas?
For adults without insurance, the average cost of braces in Texas is around $5,000.
Q3: How much do braces cost in California?
Like Texas, the average cost of braces for adults without insurance is around $5,000.
Q4: How much do braces cost in Mexico?
Braces are cheaper in Mexico than they are in the United States. If you travel to Tijuana, you can get the same work done for about 50% of the price, which is a viable option if you're looking to save money on your orthodontic treatment
