Braces for a 13-year-old typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the type of braces and the complexity of your child’s case. That’s for the most common option, traditional metal braces. Other types run higher, and several factors can push the final number up or down.
Thirteen is actually one of the most common ages to start orthodontic treatment. Most baby teeth are gone, the adult teeth are in, and the jaw is still growing, which makes teeth easier to move. That growth advantage is one reason treatment for teens costs less than it does for adults, where fees run 20 to 25 percent higher on average.
Cost by Type of Braces
The type of braces you choose is the single biggest factor in the total price. Here’s what each option typically runs for a standard 18- to 24-month treatment plan:
- Traditional metal braces: $3,000 to $6,000. These are the most affordable option and still the most popular for teens. They use stainless steel brackets and wires, and today’s versions are smaller and less noticeable than what you might remember.
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 to $7,500. These work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in. The brackets are more fragile and can stain, which is worth considering for a 13-year-old.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign Teen): $3,500 to $8,000. Removable trays that are nearly invisible. They require discipline since your teen needs to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day and keep track of them. Many orthodontists now offer these for teens, though they’re not ideal for every case.
- Lingual braces: $8,000 to $12,000 or more. These are placed on the back of the teeth, making them completely hidden. They’re the most expensive option and less commonly used for teens.
Most 13-year-olds end up in traditional metal braces. They handle complex corrections well, they’re durable enough for active kids, and the cost is the lowest of any option.
What Drives the Final Price
Two kids the same age can get the same type of braces and end up with very different bills. The biggest variable is how much work the teeth and jaw need. A child with mild crowding might finish treatment in 12 months, while one with a significant overbite, crossbite, or severe spacing could need up to three years. Longer treatment means more office visits, more adjustments, and a higher total cost.
Where you live matters too. Orthodontists in large metropolitan areas charge more than those in smaller cities or rural areas, largely because their overhead costs (rent, staff, supplies) are higher. The difference can easily be $1,000 or more for the same treatment. If you live near a city border, it can be worth getting quotes from practices in neighboring areas.
The orthodontist’s experience level also plays a role. More established practitioners tend to charge higher fees. That said, a newer orthodontist has the same training and may offer more competitive pricing, so cost alone isn’t a measure of quality.
How Long Treatment Takes
For most teenagers, braces stay on for 18 to 24 months. Some teens with minor alignment issues finish in as little as 12 months, while more complex cases can stretch to three years. Your orthodontist will give you an estimated timeline at the initial consultation, though the actual duration depends partly on how well your teen follows instructions: wearing rubber bands as directed, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and showing up for adjustment appointments on time.
Treatment length directly affects what you pay. Many orthodontic offices structure their fees around the expected number of months, so a case that wraps up early may cost less than one that runs long. Ask upfront whether the quoted fee covers the full treatment regardless of how long it takes, or whether extended treatment adds to the bill.
What Insurance Typically Covers
If your dental plan includes orthodontic benefits, it will usually cover a portion of the cost, but that portion has a hard cap. A common lifetime orthodontic maximum is $1,500 per person. That’s a one-time benefit: once it’s used, it doesn’t reset each year. On a $5,000 treatment, $1,500 in coverage still leaves you responsible for $3,500.
Not all dental plans include orthodontics at all. Lower-tier plans often exclude it entirely. Before scheduling a consultation, call your insurance company and ask three specific questions: Does the plan cover orthodontics for dependents? What is the lifetime maximum? And is there a waiting period before coverage kicks in? Some plans require 12 months of enrollment before orthodontic benefits become active.
If you have coverage through two parents’ plans, you may be able to coordinate benefits and get reimbursement from both, which can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Medicaid and State Programs
Medicaid covers braces for children in most states, but only when the orthodontic need is classified as medically necessary. Cosmetic straightening, like fixing mildly crooked teeth, typically doesn’t qualify. Cases involving severe crowding, significant bite problems that affect chewing or speaking, or conditions like cleft palate are more likely to be approved. Each state sets its own criteria for what counts as medically necessary, so eligibility varies. Your child’s dentist or orthodontist can tell you whether the case is likely to meet your state’s threshold.
Paying Without Full Insurance Coverage
Most orthodontic offices offer in-house payment plans that spread the cost over the length of treatment, often with no interest. A typical structure involves a down payment of $500 to $1,000 followed by monthly payments. Some offices offer a discount of 5 to 10 percent if you pay the full amount upfront.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) through your employer, orthodontic treatment for your child is an eligible expense. You can use these accounts to pay the down payment, monthly installments, and even the initial consultation and diagnostic fees like X-rays and molds. Since FSA and HSA contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, this effectively saves you 20 to 30 percent on every dollar you route through the account, depending on your tax bracket.
One important detail: FSA funds typically must be used within the plan year (with a small grace period), so if treatment spans two calendar years, you’ll want to plan your contributions accordingly. HSA funds, by contrast, roll over indefinitely.
Costs That Come After Braces
The bill doesn’t end the day the braces come off. Your child will need a retainer to keep the teeth from shifting back, and retainer costs are sometimes included in the original treatment fee but sometimes billed separately. If they’re separate, expect to pay $200 to $300 for a clear plastic retainer, $250 to $350 for a traditional wire-and-acrylic (Hawley) retainer, or $350 to $550 for a permanent retainer bonded behind the teeth.
Replacement is where retainer costs can add up. Teens lose them, step on them, or wrap them in a napkin at lunch and throw them away. Each replacement costs the same as the original. A permanent retainer avoids the lost-retainer problem, though it requires more careful flossing and can occasionally break loose and need repair. Ask your orthodontist which type they recommend and whether at least one set of retainers is included in the treatment quote.
Getting the Best Value
Most orthodontists offer free initial consultations, so getting two or three quotes costs nothing but time. When comparing prices, make sure you’re comparing the same scope of treatment. Ask each office exactly what’s included in the quoted fee: diagnostic records, all adjustment visits, emergency visits for broken brackets, retainers, and any follow-up appointments after the braces come off.
Dental schools with orthodontic residency programs are another option. Treatment is provided by dentists completing their orthodontic specialty training, supervised by experienced faculty. Fees are often 30 to 50 percent lower than private practice. The tradeoff is that appointments may take longer and scheduling can be less flexible.
Starting treatment at 13 rather than waiting until later in the teen years can sometimes mean a shorter, less expensive course of treatment, since the jaw is still actively growing and teeth tend to respond faster. If your child’s dentist has been recommending an orthodontic evaluation, this is a good age to act on it.