How Much Do Braces Cost?

Key takeaways

• There is no single price for braces, because the total depends on your teeth, the type of braces, and the length of treatment.
• Dental insurance may cover part of orthodontic care, so check your benefits before you begin.
• Extra steps such as extractions or retainers can change the total, so ask what a quote includes.
• Payment options such as CareCredit, in-house payment plans, and the Ultra Discounts plan can make treatment easier to fit into a budget.
• A dentist can look at your mouth and give a personalized quote.

How do the main types of braces compare?

How much do braces cost?

There is no single price for braces, because every smile needs a different plan. The total depends on the type of braces, how long your teeth need to move, and how much your plan covers. A dentist can give you a personalized quote after an exam.

That is why the numbers you find online can feel all over the place. Two people can both say they got braces and have very different treatment. One may need a short, simple plan, while another needs a longer one to correct a bite. Our team would rather give you a quote based on your own mouth than a guess that may not fit you.

The American Dental Association describes orthodontics as the area of dentistry focused on straightening teeth and correcting how the teeth and jaws fit together. Because it is a planned treatment with several visits, the cost is usually explained as one total for the whole plan, not visit by visit.

What affects how much braces cost?

The main factors are the type of braces, the length of treatment, and how complex your bite is. Your insurance and the way you choose to pay also shape what you spend out of pocket.

A dentist looks at these things when preparing a quote:

• Type of braces: metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners use different materials and different amounts of lab work.
• Length of treatment: a plan that takes longer usually means more adjustment visits.
• Number of teeth involved: moving a few teeth is different from correcting the whole bite.
• Your starting point: crowding, gaps, and bite problems each call for a different approach.
• Extra procedures: some people need other dental work before or during treatment.
• Retainers: keeping teeth in their new positions is part of the plan, so ask how it is handled.
• Insurance and financing: these change what you pay at each stage, not the treatment itself.

These are the questions a quote should answer, so you can see what is included.

How much do braces cost with insurance?

With insurance, your share of the cost depends on whether your plan includes orthodontic benefits and how much of treatment it covers. Some plans cover part of braces, some limit coverage by age, and some do not include orthodontics at all.

Our offices accept most major dental PPO plans, and our staff can help you understand your coverage and process claims. Bring your insurance card when you come in. We can look at your benefits and explain what your plan may cover before you decide on anything.

You may want to ask your plan or our team:

1. Does my plan include orthodontic coverage?
2. Is there a limit on how much it pays toward treatment?
3. Are there age limits or waiting periods?
4. Does the coverage apply to both braces and clear aligners?

If you do not have insurance, that is fine too. The Ultra Discounts plan is available for people without insurance, and we can talk through it with you at your visit. You can read more on our financial options page.

How much are braces for different types of braces?

Different types of braces are priced differently, but the right choice depends first on your teeth and your goals. Cost is one part of the decision, and comfort, appearance, and daily habits matter too.

Metal and clear braces

Traditional braces use brackets attached to the teeth, joined by a wire that is adjusted over time. Clear braces work the same way but use brackets that blend in with your teeth. You can learn more about both on our traditional and clear braces page. The American Dental Association notes that braces are fixed in place, which many people find helpful because they work around the clock.

Clear aligners

Aligners are a series of clear, removable trays. They suit some people well and others less so, especially those with more complex bite problems. They also depend on wearing them as directed. If you are weighing the two, our guide to Invisalign vs. braces explains the differences in plain terms.

How to compare quotes fairly

When you compare quotes from different offices, line up what each one includes. Ask whether the exam, records, follow-up visits, and retainers are part of the total. A quote that looks lower can leave out items that another quote includes.

Can extra treatment change how much braces cost?

Yes. Extra dental work can add to the total, and a dentist will tell you if you need any. Not everyone does, and it is better to know early than to be surprised later.

Work that sometimes comes up before or alongside braces includes:

• Extractions: if the mouth is crowded, a dentist may recommend removing one or more teeth to make room.
• Gum care: healthy gums matter for moving teeth, so gum disease may need to be treated first.
• Fillings or other repairs: cavities are usually treated before braces go on.
• Bone grafts: in some cases involving missing teeth or bone loss, extra procedures may be discussed.
• Cleanings: regular professional cleanings help keep teeth and gums healthy during treatment.

These steps are separate from the braces themselves, which is why a written quote that lists everything is so useful. Brushing matters too, and the American Dental Association offers simple brushing guidance for people wearing braces.

How can I pay for braces?

You can pay for braces with insurance, CareCredit, an in-house payment plan, or the Ultra Discounts plan if you do not have insurance. We also accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.

Many people feel that the total is the hardest part, so we keep the conversation open and clear. Our promise is no surprises when it comes to your bill. Here is how the main options work:

• Dental insurance: we accept most major dental PPO plans and can help you make the most of your benefits.
• CareCredit: you can get pre-approved for this financing option.
• In-house payment plans: these are no-credit-check, no-interest plans that spread payments out over time.
• Ultra Discounts: a plan for patients without insurance.

Whether you are cost-conscious, covered by insurance, or investing in a cosmetic change you have wanted for years, there is a way to approach it that fits your budget. Nobody here will judge how long you have waited.

How do I get a quote for braces?

Book an exam at any of our offices and ask for a personalized quote. Walk-ins are welcome, and our team can look at your teeth, talk through your options, and explain the costs in plain language.

You can visit us in Peoria, North Phoenix, or Metro in Phoenix. Our Mesa office is opening in December 2026. Our team also speaks Spanish, so you can ask questions in the language you are most comfortable with.

At your visit, expect to talk about what you want to change, what your teeth need, and which type of treatment makes sense. We can check your insurance, show you payment options, and put the quote in writing so you can take your time deciding. If you are curious about aligners, you can also read about Invisalign.

This article is general education and not a diagnosis. A dentist can examine your mouth and advise you on your own situation, including what treatment you may need and what it may cost.

Part of our Invisalign & braces articles.

Sources

1. Orthodontics, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
2. Braces, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
3. Brushing your teeth, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)