How much do braces cost?
Metal or ceramic braces typically cost about $5,000-$5,500 in the US; lingual braces reach $13,000 and clear aligners average ~$5,700.
Key takeaways
- Metal braces average about $5,350 and range roughly $1,800-$8,500 (DentalPlans cites $3,000-$7,000).
- Ceramic braces average about $5,500, ranging $2,000-$10,000.
- Clear aligners average about $5,700 ($1,100-$9,500); DentalPlans lists $3,500-$8,500.
- Lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces are priciest at about $8,000-$13,000 (avg ~$12,000).
- Insurance may cover $1,000-$3,000 when medically necessary; retainers add $100-$500.
In the US in 2026, traditional metal braces typically cost about $5,350 (roughly $1,800-$8,500), ceramic braces about $5,500 ($2,000-$10,000), and clear aligners about $5,700. Lingual braces are the most expensive at about $8,000-$13,000.
The single biggest cost decision with braces is the type you choose, followed by how complex your case is. Metal and ceramic braces sit close together in price, clear aligners overlap with them, and lingual braces stand apart at the top. The ranges below come from the two cited references and reflect US pricing current as of the verified date; where the two sources report different spreads, both are shown so you can see the full picture.
Braces by type
The bracket material and where it sits on your teeth largely decide the price. Metal is the most affordable and most common. Ceramic uses tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in more naturally, for a modest premium. Self-ligating braces use brackets that hold the wire without elastic ties. Clear aligners are removable transparent trays. Lingual braces mount on the back surfaces of the teeth, which makes them nearly invisible but the hardest to place and adjust, and therefore the priciest.
Cost snapshot
| Type | Typical range (US, 2026) | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Metal (traditional) | $1,800-$8,500 (DentalPlans: $3,000-$7,000) | ~$5,350 |
| Ceramic | $2,000-$10,000 (DentalPlans: $4,000-$8,000) | ~$5,500 |
| Self-ligating | $2,500-$8,000 | ~$5,500 |
| Clear aligners | $1,100-$9,500 (DentalPlans: $3,500-$8,500) | ~$5,700 |
| Lingual (behind the teeth) | $5,000-$13,000 (DentalPlans: $8,000-$13,000) | ~$12,000 |
Averages and wide ranges are from Authority Dental; the narrower type ranges in parentheses are from DentalPlans (2026 US data). Direct-to-consumer at-home aligners, aimed at very minor cosmetic corrections, are cheaper still at roughly $1,500-$2,500 per DentalPlans, but they are not a substitute for in-office treatment of complex cases.
Add-on costs to budget
The headline price rarely covers everything. Expect separate charges that can include an initial consultation ($50-$200, sometimes free), a professional cleaning ($70-$250), routine check-up visits ($100-$300 each), dental X-rays ($25-$350) and retainers after treatment ($100-$500). More involved cases may also need appliances such as expanders or arches, which run $500-$3,000 or more. Adding these up is the only reliable way to compare two quotes fairly.
What moves the price
- Type of braces: metal is cheapest, lingual most expensive; ceramic and clear aligners sit in between.
- Case complexity: more crowding, bite problems or longer treatment raise the cost.
- Age: adult treatment often costs about 20-25% more than for children or teens.
- Provider and region: orthodontists and big-city practices charge more than general dentists or rural offices; state metal-braces averages have ranged from about $4,767 to $8,350.
- Extras: consultation ($50-$200), X-rays ($25-$350), appliances and retainers ($100-$500) may be billed separately.
Insurance and financing
Dental insurance usually helps only when braces are medically necessary, and many plans cap orthodontic coverage or exclude adults. When covered, plans commonly pay $1,000-$3,000, leaving patients responsible for the rest. Discount dental plans and in-office payment plans are common alternatives, and treating children before all permanent teeth erupt can sometimes shorten and simplify a case.
How to compare quotes
Because braces are billed as a full course of care, the fairest comparison lines up total treatment cost plus the add-ons above, not just the monthly payment. Ask each office whether the quote is all-inclusive, how long treatment is expected to take, and whether X-rays, adjustments and retainers are counted in. The same misalignment treated with metal versus lingual braces can differ by many thousands of dollars, so the type you pick is usually the biggest lever on price.
Prices vary by provider, region and insurance and are current as of the verified date. This is general cost information, not dental advice — consult a licensed dentist for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How much do metal braces cost?
Metal braces average about $5,350 in the US in 2026, with ranges reported from roughly $1,800-$8,500 (Authority Dental) or $3,000-$7,000 (DentalPlans).
Are ceramic braces more expensive than metal?
Usually a little. Ceramic braces average about $5,500 and range $2,000-$10,000, versus about $5,350 for metal, because the tooth-colored brackets cost more.
How much do clear aligners cost?
Clear aligners average about $5,700 in the US, with reported ranges of $1,100-$9,500 (Authority Dental) and $3,500-$8,500 (DentalPlans), depending on complexity.
Why are lingual braces so expensive?
Lingual braces mount on the back of the teeth and are harder to place and adjust, so they average about $12,000 and run roughly $8,000-$13,000.
Does insurance cover braces?
Often only when medically necessary. When covered, plans commonly pay $1,000-$3,000, and many exclude adults or cap orthodontic benefits. Check your specific plan.
What extra costs come with braces?
Budget for consultation ($50-$200), X-rays ($25-$350) and retainers ($100-$500), which may be billed separately. Prices vary and are current as of the verified date.
