How Much Does Braces & Orthodontics Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Braces & Orthodontics Include?
Braces straighten teeth and correct bite issues over 12-36 months. Options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign.
The national average cost for braces & orthodontics is $5,000 per treatment. Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $8,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Type
Metal braces: $3,000-$6,000. Ceramic: $4,000-$7,000. Lingual: $6,000-$10,000. Invisalign: $3,500-$8,000
Duration
Longer treatment (24-36 months) costs more than shorter cases
Complexity
Severe crowding or bite issues require more work and cost more
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Type of braces
- ✓Severity of alignment issues
- ✓Treatment duration
- ✓Orthodontist experience
- ✓Location
- ✓Insurance coverage
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Check if orthodontic coverage is included in your dental plan
- 2.Ask about payment plans — most orthodontists offer 0% financing
- 3.Consider dental school clinics for reduced rates
- 4.Traditional metal braces are the most affordable option
Braces & Orthodontics Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,460 | $4,100 | $6,560 |
| Alaska | $3,840 | $6,400 | $10,240 |
| Arizona | $2,850 | $4,750 | $7,600 |
| Arkansas | $2,400 | $4,000 | $6,400 |
| California | $4,050 | $6,750 | $10,800 |
| Colorado | $3,240 | $5,400 | $8,640 |
| Connecticut | $3,660 | $6,100 | $9,760 |
| Delaware | $3,150 | $5,250 | $8,400 |
| Florida | $2,940 | $4,900 | $7,840 |
| Georgia | $2,700 | $4,500 | $7,200 |
| Hawaii | $4,260 | $7,100 | $11,360 |
| Idaho | $2,760 | $4,600 | $7,360 |
| Illinois | $3,150 | $5,250 | $8,400 |
| Indiana | $2,640 | $4,400 | $7,040 |
| Iowa | $2,580 | $4,300 | $6,880 |
| Kansas | $2,550 | $4,250 | $6,800 |
| Kentucky | $2,520 | $4,200 | $6,720 |
| Louisiana | $2,610 | $4,350 | $6,960 |
| Maine | $3,060 | $5,100 | $8,160 |
| Maryland | $3,450 | $5,750 | $9,200 |
| Massachusetts | $3,900 | $6,500 | $10,400 |
| Michigan | $2,760 | $4,600 | $7,360 |
| Minnesota | $3,060 | $5,100 | $8,160 |
| Mississippi | $2,340 | $3,900 | $6,240 |
| Missouri | $2,610 | $4,350 | $6,960 |
| Montana | $2,850 | $4,750 | $7,600 |
| Nebraska | $2,640 | $4,400 | $7,040 |
| Nevada | $3,060 | $5,100 | $8,160 |
| New Hampshire | $3,360 | $5,600 | $8,960 |
| New Jersey | $3,750 | $6,250 | $10,000 |
| New Mexico | $2,700 | $4,500 | $7,200 |
| New York | $3,960 | $6,600 | $10,560 |
| North Carolina | $2,700 | $4,500 | $7,200 |
| North Dakota | $2,700 | $4,500 | $7,200 |
| Ohio | $2,700 | $4,500 | $7,200 |
| Oklahoma | $2,490 | $4,150 | $6,640 |
| Oregon | $3,300 | $5,500 | $8,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,060 | $5,100 | $8,160 |
| Rhode Island | $3,450 | $5,750 | $9,200 |
| South Carolina | $2,610 | $4,350 | $6,960 |
| South Dakota | $2,550 | $4,250 | $6,800 |
| Tennessee | $2,580 | $4,300 | $6,880 |
| Texas | $2,790 | $4,650 | $7,440 |
| Utah | $2,850 | $4,750 | $7,600 |
| Vermont | $3,240 | $5,400 | $8,640 |
| Virginia | $3,150 | $5,250 | $8,400 |
| Washington | $3,450 | $5,750 | $9,200 |
| West Virginia | $2,400 | $4,000 | $6,400 |
| Wisconsin | $2,820 | $4,700 | $7,520 |
| Wyoming | $2,760 | $4,600 | $7,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do braces take?
Average treatment is 18-24 months. Simple cases can be 12 months. Complex cases may take 30-36 months.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
They're similar in cost. Invisalign averages $3,500-$8,000 vs $3,000-$6,000 for metal braces.