Braces for a 13-year-old typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 for traditional metal brackets, though the final price depends on the type of braces, where you live, and how complex the alignment issues are. The good news: treating a teenager is generally less expensive than treating an adult, because a 13-year-old’s jaw is still growing and teeth move more easily, which usually means a shorter treatment time.
Cost by Type of Braces
The style of braces you choose is the single biggest factor in what you’ll pay. Here’s how the main options compare as of 2025-2026 national averages:
- Metal braces: $3,000 to $7,000. These are the most common choice for teens and the most affordable. They’re also the most effective for complex cases.
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 to $8,500. These use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in more, which matters to some 13-year-olds. They work the same way as metal but cost more because the materials are pricier.
- Lingual braces: $8,000 to $10,000 or more. These are placed on the back of the teeth, so they’re essentially invisible. They require specialized skills to install and adjust, which drives up the price significantly.
- Clear aligners (Invisalign): $3,500 to $7,000. Invisalign makes a teen-specific product with compliance indicators that help parents confirm their kid is actually wearing the trays. Not every case qualifies for aligners, especially if your child needs significant bite correction.
Most 13-year-olds end up in metal or ceramic braces. Your orthodontist will recommend what works best based on the specific issues being corrected.
Why Teen Braces Often Cost Less Than Adult Braces
Age 13 is actually a sweet spot for orthodontic treatment. At this age, most or all of the permanent teeth have come in, but the jaw is still developing. That combination means teeth respond to braces more quickly than they would in an adult whose jaw is fully set. Shorter treatment time translates directly to a lower bill, since orthodontic fees are partly based on how many months you’ll be in the chair for adjustments. A typical teen treatment runs 18 to 24 months, while adults often need 24 to 36 months for similar corrections.
Costs Beyond the Braces Themselves
The quoted price for braces usually covers the brackets, wires, and regular adjustment visits. But a few other costs can catch parents off guard.
The initial consultation is free at many orthodontic offices. If X-rays aren’t included, expect to pay $75 to $150 for those. A full diagnostic workup with digital scans, photos, and analysis can run $300 to nearly $1,000 if you decide not to proceed with treatment at that office, though most practices fold these costs into the overall treatment fee if you move forward.
Retainers are the other expense to plan for. After braces come off, your child will need a retainer to keep teeth in their new position. Many orthodontists include the first set of retainers in the treatment price, but some charge separately. Clear plastic retainers cost $100 to $300 each, wire-and-acrylic (Hawley) retainers run $150 to $300 each, and permanent retainers bonded behind the teeth cost $250 to $500 to install. Teenagers lose things, so budget for at least one replacement. A lost clear retainer costs $100 to $300 to replace, and a broken Hawley retainer costs $150 to $300 for a new one.
How Location Affects the Price
Where you live can shift the total cost considerably. Orthodontists in major metropolitan areas charge 25% to 50% more than practices in smaller cities and rural areas. A set of metal braces that costs $3,500 in a mid-sized Midwestern city might run $5,000 or more in New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. If you live near the boundary between a high-cost city and a more affordable suburb, it’s worth getting quotes from offices in both areas.
What Insurance Typically Covers
Dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits for dependents will offset some of the cost, but rarely all of it. Most plans cover around 50% of orthodontic treatment for children, up to a lifetime maximum. That lifetime cap is the key number to look for on your plan, and it’s often disappointingly low. Many plans set it at $1,000 to $2,000, meaning even with 50% coverage, the plan pays out only up to that cap. On a $5,000 treatment, a $1,500 lifetime max means insurance covers $1,500 and you pay the remaining $3,500.
Some plans offer only a discount (often around 25%) rather than actual coverage. Check your specific plan documents before assuming orthodontics is covered, and confirm that your child’s age qualifies. Many plans limit orthodontic benefits to children between ages 7 and 18.
Ways to Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
HSA and FSA Accounts
Orthodontic expenses qualify as medical expenses under IRS rules, which means you can pay with pre-tax dollars from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Since braces are paid over time, you can spread FSA contributions across the months of treatment. If you pay with a credit card, the IRS counts the expense in the year you make the charge, not when you pay off the balance. Using pre-tax dollars effectively saves you whatever your marginal tax rate is, often 22% to 32% for families in common brackets.
In-Office Payment Plans
Most orthodontic offices offer monthly payment plans that let you spread the cost over the length of treatment. Many of these are interest-free, requiring a down payment (often $500 to $1,000) followed by monthly installments. Third-party financing through companies like CareCredit is another option. These services often have promotional periods with no interest, but standard rates kick in afterward and can be steep depending on your credit history. If you can manage the in-office plan, it’s almost always the better deal.
Assistance Programs
If your household income is limited, the nonprofit Smiles Change Lives connects families with orthodontists who provide treatment at a reduced cost. There’s a $30 application fee, and if approved, families pay $650 toward the program. Eligibility is based on financial guidelines that vary by location. Some dental schools also offer orthodontic treatment performed by supervised residents at 30% to 50% below private practice rates, though appointments may take longer and availability is limited.
Getting the Best Value
Get quotes from at least two or three orthodontists. Prices for the same treatment can vary by $1,000 or more within the same city. When comparing, make sure each quote covers the same items: ask whether retainers, X-rays, emergency visits for broken brackets, and post-treatment follow-ups are included or billed separately. The cheapest upfront quote isn’t always the cheapest total cost if retainers and extra visits are add-ons.
Also ask about the specific treatment timeline. A quote of $4,500 for 18 months of treatment is a different value than $4,000 for 28 months, especially when you factor in the extra office visits and time your teen spends in braces. Most 13-year-olds are eager to get them off as quickly as possible, so efficiency matters for more than just the bill.