Braces
Expect to pay $130-$10,000 for braces at a typical dental office, or $120-$2,630 through discount programs and dental schools.
Orthodontic braces straighten teeth and correct bite problems using brackets, wires, and periodic adjustments.
Sources: CDT benchmark database, state Medicaid fee schedules, and providers’ published rates. Re-verified monthly. Nothing on this page is a quote.
Typical Price Range
$130-$10,000
Based on CDT code database
Discount Programs & Dental Schools
$120-$2,630
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated ranges based on dental_cdt_prices database (127 CDT codes), ADA fee surveys, FAIR Health. Actual prices vary by location, dentist, and complexity. Always verify pricing before scheduling.
Detailed Price Comparison by CDT Code
Prices from 8 related CDT codes in our database.
| CDT Code | Procedure | Cash Price | Insurer Allowed* | Dental School | FQHC Range | Medicaid (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D8680 | Removable Retainer | $130-$475 | $215-$335 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D8670 | Bonded Retainer (Fixed) | $175-$600 | $275-$428 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D8020 | Limited Orthodontic Treatment - Child | $1,500-$5,000 | $2,338-$3,660 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D8040 | Limited Orthodontic Treatment - Adolescent | $1,600-$5,400 | $2,492-$3,900 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D8010 | Limited Orthodontic Treatment - Adult | $1,750-$5,800 | $2,728-$4,268 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D8999 | Clear Aligner Therapy (Custom) | $2,500-$8,500 | $3,892-$6,092 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D8090 | Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment - Child | $2,750-$9,200 | $4,282-$6,700 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
| D8080 | Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment - Adult | $3,000-$10,000 | $4,670-$7,310 | FairPass | FairPass | FairPass |
*Estimated range insurers typically allow for this procedure (50th-80th percentile), modeled from published fee-survey data. Individual plan rates vary. Medicaid rates come from published state fee schedules and generally apply only to enrolled Medicaid members at participating providers.
Paying With Insurance vs. Paying Cash
Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Knowing how plans actually pay for braces helps you pick the cheaper route.
If you have insurance
Insurer-allowed amount*
Your plan negotiates the fee down to the allowed amount, then typically pays 50-80% of basic work and 50% of major work, until you hit your annual maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000). You pay the rest.
If you pay cash
Negotiable cash price
Many offices discount 10-30% for payment in full at time of service, but you have to ask. Dental schools and FQHC clinics go lower. No waiting periods, no annual maximum.
Third option
Dental savings plan
Not insurance: an annual fee ($80-$200) buys access to pre-negotiated discounts of 15-40% at network dentists. No waiting periods or maximums, often the best fit for major work.
Rule of thumb: for cleanings and checkups, cash is often cheaper than carrying a plan. For a single big procedure, a plan’s $1,000-$2,000 annual maximum usually covers only part of the bill. Compare the insurer-allowed column against a negotiated cash or dental-school price before assuming insurance wins. Watch for 6-12 month waiting periods on new plans.
Dentists Who Publish Their Braces Prices
Real prices these providers advertise on their own websites. Publishing prices is a transparency signal. Use them as negotiation leverage even if you go elsewhere.
Diamond Braces
OrthodontistNew York, NY
Comprehensive braces (up to 24 months)
$5,200 (12-month cases $3,200)
Limestone Hills Orthodontics
OrthodontistAustin, TX
Metal braces
From $4,000 (ceramic $4,600)
Post Falls Orthodontics
OrthodontistPost Falls, ID
Metal braces
$3,995 (clear braces $4,394)
Sun Orthodontist
OrthodontistMiami, FL
Braces (full treatment)
$1,900-$4,295 (from $88/month)
Unique Orthodontics
OrthodontistFresno, CA
Traditional metal braces
$3,000-$7,000
Prices are collected from each provider’s public website on the date shown and can change at any time. “From” prices usually exclude exams, imaging, or add-ons, so confirm the full treatment cost in writing before scheduling.
What's Included
- Consultation & Records
- Brackets & Wires
- Adjustment Visits
- Retainers (often separate)
Recovery Time
18-30 months total treatment
Braces FAQs
How much do braces cost without insurance?
Comprehensive adult braces cost $3,000-$10,000; treatment for children and teens runs $2,750-$9,200. Limited treatment (fixing a few teeth) costs $1,500-$5,800. Dental school orthodontic clinics charge 30-50% less, and many orthodontists offer no-interest monthly payment plans.
Does dental insurance cover braces?
Many dental plans exclude adult orthodontics entirely. Plans with orthodontic benefits typically cover 50% up to a separate lifetime maximum of $1,000-$3,000, a fraction of total cost. Medicaid covers braces for children in many states when medically necessary.
Are payment plans available for braces?
Almost all orthodontists offer in-house payment plans: a down payment of $250-$1,000, then monthly payments over the treatment period, usually interest-free. Asking for a paid-in-full discount (often 3-7%) is also common and frequently granted.
Where to Get Braces for Less
Dental Schools
50-70% savings at 66 accredited schools
Community Clinics
Sliding-scale fees at FQHCs
Compare All Prices
CDT codes, Medicaid, discount plans
Plain-English answer: how to negotiate a dental bill
Step-by-step playbook with JAMA 2023 success rates and IRS 501(r) charity-care rules.