Braces cost $3,680 to $9,650 in 2026
Pearl's May 2026 figures, built on ADA fee survey data, put comprehensive braces at $3,680 to $9,650, about $5,645 on average. Ceramic braces cost 20 to 30 percent more than metal, and lingual braces 50 to 100 percent more. Plans with ortho coverage usually pay 50 percent up to a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $3,000.
Cost by type
| Metal braces, full treatment | $3,680 to $9,650, about $5,645 (Pearl, May 2026). |
|---|---|
| Ceramic braces | 20 to 30 percent more, often $1,000 to $2,000 extra. |
| Lingual braces | 50 to 100 percent more than metal. |
| Insurance | Often 50 percent up to a $1,500 to $3,000 lifetime maximum. |
| Treatment length | Typically 12 to 30 months. |
What pushes a quote up
| Type of braces | Metal is cheapest. |
|---|---|
| Case complexity | Extractions, expanders and anchors add cost. |
| Orthodontist or dentist | Orthodontists usually charge more. |
| Length | Longer cases mean more visits. |
| Location | Big metro practices charge 30 to 50 percent more. |
Braces cost by region
| Lower cost states | $2,900 to $7,700. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $3,680 to $9,650. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $4,800 to $12,500. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. Pearl reports major metro orthodontic practices charge 30 to 50 percent more than smaller markets.
What the quote should include
Pearl lists what a complete braces quote usually covers: the consultation, X-rays and scans, placing the brackets, all wire changes, adjustment visits every 4 to 8 weeks, removal, and in most practices the first retainers.
Items often billed separately include extractions, replacement retainers, broken brackets from hard foods, and appliances such as expanders. Ask about each before you sign.
Most practices offer interest free in house payment plans, often with 20 to 25 percent down. Compare with Invisalign cost.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask what type of braces and why.
- Ask if retainers are included.
- Ask about extractions or expanders.
- Ask how long treatment will take.
- Ask about the payment plan.
Ways to pay less
- Choose metal over ceramic.
- Use your ortho benefit and an FSA or HSA.
- Take the in house payment plan.
- Get two orthodontist quotes.
Before you decide
This page covers prices only. It is not medical or dental advice. Talk to a licensed provider about what treatment you need, and ask for a written estimate and your insurer's pre-authorization before you start.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much do braces cost?
About $3,680 to $9,650, around $5,645 on average in 2026.
Are ceramic braces more expensive?
Yes, about 20 to 30 percent more than metal.
Does insurance cover braces?
Plans with ortho coverage often pay 50 percent up to a $1,500 to $3,000 lifetime maximum.
How long do braces take?
Typically 12 to 30 months.