Braces for kids typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 for traditional metal brackets, though the final price depends on the type of braces, the complexity of your child’s case, and where you live. That range covers the full course of treatment, which usually runs 18 to 24 months. But the sticker price is just one piece of the puzzle. Insurance, payment plans, and even non-profit programs can bring the out-of-pocket cost down significantly.
Cost by Type of Braces
The style of braces you choose is the single biggest factor in what you’ll pay. Traditional metal braces remain the most affordable and most common option for children, falling in that $3,000 to $7,000 range. They’re also the most versatile, capable of correcting everything from mild crowding to complex bite issues.
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend in more than metal. They work the same way but cost $3,000 to $6,000, which overlaps with metal pricing on the low end but can run higher depending on the orthodontist. They’re popular with older kids and teens who care about appearance, though the brackets are slightly more fragile.
Lingual braces sit on the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible. That cosmetic advantage comes at a steep premium: $8,000 to $10,000. They also require specialized training to place and adjust, so fewer orthodontists offer them.
Clear aligners like Invisalign typically cost $3,000 to $7,000, putting them in the same ballpark as metal braces for many cases. More complex treatment can push the price closer to $9,000. Aligners work well for teens with mild to moderate alignment issues, but they require discipline since the trays need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day.
Phase 1 Treatment for Younger Kids
Some children need early intervention before all their permanent teeth come in, typically between ages 6 and 10. Called Phase 1 or interceptive orthodontics, this addresses problems like crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw growth issues that are easier to correct while the bones are still developing. Phase 1 treatment usually lasts 9 to 12 months and often involves a palate expander, partial braces, or both.
Phase 1 generally costs $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the appliances used and the length of treatment. The catch is that most kids who go through Phase 1 will still need a second round of braces (Phase 2) once their permanent teeth are in. That means two separate bills, though some orthodontists offer bundled pricing if you commit to both phases upfront.
What Insurance Actually Covers
Most dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits set a lifetime maximum, meaning a fixed dollar amount they’ll pay toward braces over your child’s entire childhood. This cap commonly falls between $1,000 and $2,000. TRICARE, for example, sets its orthodontic lifetime maximum at $1,750 per person. Once that amount is used, there’s no additional coverage regardless of how much treatment remains.
Insurance also typically requires that treatment be deemed medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic, and many plans only cover children under 18. If your employer offers a choice of dental plans during open enrollment, compare the orthodontic lifetime maximums and any waiting periods before benefits kick in. Some plans require 12 to 24 months of enrollment before they’ll cover orthodontic work.
A flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) can help with whatever insurance doesn’t cover. Both let you pay with pre-tax dollars, which effectively saves you 20 to 35 percent depending on your tax bracket.
Medicaid Coverage for Children
Medicaid covers orthodontic treatment for children when it’s considered medically necessary, but the bar is higher than most families expect. State programs use standardized scoring systems to measure how severe a child’s dental misalignment is. Only cases that meet a certain severity threshold qualify. A child with moderate crowding or slightly crooked teeth will almost certainly be denied, while a child with a cleft palate, severe overbite affecting chewing, or other functional problems has a much stronger case.
Each state sets its own criteria and uses its own screening tools, so eligibility varies depending on where you live. If your child’s orthodontist believes the case qualifies, they’ll submit documentation and measurements for review. The process can take several weeks, and denials can sometimes be appealed.
Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Most orthodontic offices offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment, often with no interest. A typical setup involves a down payment of $500 to $1,000 followed by monthly payments. Ask about this before your child’s consultation since the terms vary widely between practices.
Third-party financing through companies like CareCredit is another option. These credit cards offer promotional financing periods, sometimes with no interest if you pay the balance within a set timeframe. If you don’t pay it off in time, interest charges can be steep, so read the terms carefully.
For families with lower incomes, the non-profit organization Smiles Change Lives connects children with orthodontists who provide treatment at a reduced cost. Applicants pay a $30 application fee, and families accepted into the program pay $650 toward treatment, a fraction of the typical price. Eligibility is based on household income and varies by location.
Costs That Come After Braces
The bill doesn’t end when the braces come off. Nearly every child will need a retainer to keep teeth from shifting back, and the first set is usually included in the original treatment cost. Replacements are not. Kids lose retainers, step on them, or let the dog chew them, and replacements come out of your pocket.
Clear plastic retainers (the most common type for kids) cost $100 to $300 per set to replace. Hawley retainers, the classic wire-and-acrylic style, run $150 to $300 each. Permanent bonded retainers, which are glued behind the teeth and stay in place long-term, cost $250 to $500 if they need repair or replacement.
Your child will also need periodic orthodontic checkups after treatment to make sure the retainer fits properly and teeth are staying in position. Some offices include a year of follow-up visits in the treatment fee, while others charge separately. Ask about post-treatment costs before signing a contract so you know exactly what’s included.
Why Prices Vary So Much
Geography plays a major role. Orthodontic treatment in a large metro area with high overhead costs can run 30 to 50 percent more than the same treatment in a smaller city or rural area. The orthodontist’s experience level, the number of office visits required, and whether your child needs additional appliances like expanders or rubber bands all affect the final number.
Treatment complexity matters most of all. A straightforward case of mild crowding that takes 12 months will land on the lower end of any price range. A child with a significant overbite, impacted teeth, or jaw alignment issues requiring 24 or more months of treatment will be closer to the top. The best way to get an accurate number is to schedule consultations with two or three orthodontists, since most offer free initial evaluations. Compare not just the quoted price but what’s included: X-rays, retainers, follow-up visits, and any potential fees for broken brackets or missed appointments.