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Braces can help improve the long-term health of your teeth and gums, your bite and make eating more comfortable. They also come in several options, including traditional metal braces and tooth-colored or clear ceramic lingual braces, which are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them virtually invisible clear aligners.
Continue reading to learn more about how they work and if insurance and financing can cover the cost.
What Are Dental Braces?
Dental braces are appliances used to correct crowded and misaligned teeth or jaws to create an even bite and improve your smile. Dental braces use brackets, bands and wires to apply small amounts of gentle pressure over time to slowly correct and straighten your teeth. They're permanent until your dentist removes them. The exception is clear aligners, which use removable trays to exert pressure on your teeth.
Types
The most common types of dental braces include:
- Ceramic. Brackets are either tooth-colored or clear.
- Clear aligners. These can be removed for brushing teeth and eating. They work more slowly than braces and treat milder issues.
- Lingual. Brackets are mounted on the backside of your teeth.
- Traditional metal. Brackets and wires are made of stainless steel and are the most visible type of braces.
Your dentist may also offer self-ligating braces with built-in clips to hold the wires, custom-fit braces or designer braces with designs like hearts or stars.
How Much Do Dental Braces Cost?
The national average cost* of dental braces ranges from $5,108 to $9,221, depending on the complexity and the length that the braces need to be worn, as well as insurance coverage.1
Average cost for dental braces by type
Here is a breakdown of the average cost* of different types of dental braces:1
| Type of brace | Average cost | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic braces | $5,834 | $4,480 to $11,312 |
| Clear aligners | $5,1082 | $1,800 to $8,1002 |
| Lingual braces | $9,221 | $7,321 to $17,411 |
| Metal braces | $6,3432 | $2,500 to $10,0002 |
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Average cost for dental braces by state/district
Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of metal braces by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.2 Prices do not include accessory gear or potential insurance coverage.
| State/District | Average cost of metal braces |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $5,280 |
| Alaska | $6,082 |
| Arizona | $6,724 |
| Arkansas | $6,043 |
| California | $6,087 |
| Colorado | $6,892 |
| Connecticut | $5,927 |
| Delaware | $5,946 |
| District of Columbia | $5,712 |
| Florida | $6,219 |
| Georgia | $5,786 |
| Hawaii | $6,969 |
| Idaho | $6,535 |
| Illinois | $6,309 |
| Indiana | $4,767 |
| Iowa | $6,129 |
| Kansas | $7,735 |
| Kentucky | $5,683 |
| Louisiana | $7,509 |
| Maine | $5,785 |
| Maryland | $6,278 |
| Massachusetts | $7,007 |
| Michigan | $7,193 |
| Minnesota | $6,090 |
| Mississippi | $6,362 |
| Missouri | $7,280 |
| Montana | $6,211 |
| Nebraska | $5,725 |
| Nevada | $8,350 |
| New Hampshire | $6,157 |
| New Jersey | $7,283 |
| New Mexico | $6,783 |
| New York | $5,807 |
| North Carolina | $6,716 |
| North Dakota | $6,592 |
| Ohio | $7,127 |
| Oklahoma | $6,940 |
| Oregon | $6,713 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,966 |
| Rhode Island | $6,481 |
| South Carolina | $6,127 |
| South Dakota | $6,670 |
| Tennessee | $5,901 |
| Texas | $6,504 |
| Utah | $5,853 |
| Vermont | $5,704 |
| Virginia | $6,151 |
| Washington | $6,370 |
| West Virginia | $6,069 |
| Wisconsin | $6,046 |
| Wyoming | $5,363 |
As you can see, average costs* can vary widely based on where you live.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Braces?
Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatments like dental braces, but this varies significantly from plan to plan. Children under 18 are more likely than adults to have their braces covered. If you're an adult, your dentist will likely need to show that the braces are medically necessary and that you're not just getting them for cosmetic reasons. Other plans only cover orthodontics if you buy an add-on policy.
Even if your braces are covered by your dental insurance policy, your plan may only pay for a percentage of the cost and not the whole thing. In addition, many dental policies have a yearly maximum amount they will cover. So if that's $1,000, for example, then you will have to cover any costs that year over $1,000.
Check with your plan provider to determine your specific benefits, including any deductible or copay requirements.
Dental Braces Procedure Overview
The procedure for getting your braces put on is simple but takes a couple of hours. The initial appointment is for dental records and diagnostics to see what course of treatment is best for your dental condition.
Once records are collected, an appointment is made to attach brackets to your teeth with bonding glue. Next, your orthodontist will thread wires through the brackets and secure the wires with small bands. The wires' tension helps gently move your teeth. Depending on your treatment, your dentist may add additional elastic bands for more pressure.
The use of clear aligners is a slightly different process but closely approximates the traditional orthodontic process outlined above.
You'll need to visit your orthodontist every four to 12 weeks for adjustments.
Possible side effects
For the first couple of days after your braces are put on, your mouth and jaw will likely feel sore. You may need to take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and eat softer foods until your teeth adjust.
While wearing your braces, you may encounter some issues that your dentist can help with, like your wires poking out or your braces rubbing against the inside of your teeth. Your dentist can make adjustments or even use orthodontic wax to help.
Recovery: Tips and timing
Most people need to wear their braces for one to two years, depending on their teeth. After you get your braces off, your dentist may recommend wearing a retainer for a certain period of time, depending on what issues are being treated.
How to Care for Dental Braces
Your dentist will likely recommend that, in addition to brushing your teeth as normal, you'll also use special instruments to help clean between your teeth, like a water flosser or interproximal brush.
To avoid damaging your braces, your dentist may recommend that you avoid hard candy, popcorn, nuts, crunchy uncooked vegetables, crispy pizza crust, hard rolls, ice or crunchy snacks like pretzels. You will also want to avoid biting directly into a whole apple or corn on the cob, as this can dislodge your brackets or bend your wires.
Are Braces Worth It?
Braces are typically worth the cost and the time. Not only could you have a more attractive smile, but other problems like jaw discomfort, pain or problems chewing food may be eliminated. Aligning the teeth correctly may help prevent uneven wear. Braces can help boost both your physical health and your confidence.
CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Braces
Whether you're investing in braces or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or orthodontist near you that accepts CareCredit to help get you on track to your perfect smile. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to orthodontics, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
**TAYLOR: PLEASE NOTE NEW SME REVIEWER AND AUTHOR FOR TOP AND BOTTOM FIELDS**
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Jorge Oaxaca, D.D.S.
Dr. Jorge Oaxaca is a partner and owner of  Oaxaca, Ong & Jensen in Seal Beach, California. He has a holistic approach to dentistry and a passion for technology, which has led him to practice progressive, cutting-edge computerized dentistry in his office to better serve his patients.
Author Bio
Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.
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