Contrary to popular belief, braces and orthodontic care can actually be quite affordable. Many of our member orthodontists offer in-house, interest-free personalized payment plans so you can get the care you need. HSF/FSA funds or select dental insurance plans can also help you offset the cost of orthodontic care. Keep reading to learn more.
How much do braces cost?
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, no two patients are alike. Factors like the duration of treatment, the type of treatment, and the complexity of the situation all influence how much braces (or another type of treatment) will cost.
Only a thorough diagnostic exam with a qualified professional orthodontist can give you an accurate quote for your specific case, and prices will also vary from practice to practice. Many TAO orthodontists offer an initial consultation and exam at no cost, so you can get an accurate idea about the price without having to make a commitment.
But to give you a very general idea, the average cost of braces in Texas in 2025 is about $3,000-$8,000 and depends on a number of factors described above.
Different types of orthodontic treatment
Traditional Metal Braces
This is the most common type of braces and the one that has been around the longest. They are durable, effective, and are usually the most affordable option.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, with brackets fixed to the teeth connected by a wire. However, the brackets themselves are clear or tooth-colored, which makes them much more discreet than metal brackets. Ceramic braces tend to break more easily than other options, and they can also be more expensive.
Lingual Braces
If you choose lingual braces, the orthodontist fixes brackets to the back (lingual) side of your teeth rather than the front. Lingual braces are not visible on the front of your teeth, which make them a great option if you’re concerned about aesthetics, but they do not work for all patients and tend to be a more expensive option.
Clear Aligners
These transparent plastic trays are 3D-printed or thermomolded to a 3D-printed model of the patient’s teeth. Patients change their aligner trays every few weeks, and the trays apply gentle pressure to achieve the treatment goals. These are a very popular option that can be used for an increasingly wide variety of cases, but they still tend to be more expensive than metal brackets.
Payment options
Once you’ve gotten your initial evaluation and diagnosis from a qualified orthodontist, you can think about financing options.
Payment plans
There are two main types of payment plans for orthodontic treatment.
- In-House Payment Plans: These are payment plans run directly by the orthodontic practice. They work with you to determine the amount and frequency of payments, and are often interest-free.
- Third-Party Payment Plans: If in-house financing isn’t available or isn’t a good fit, you can also look into third-party options. Lenders like CareCredit and LendingClub offer options specifically for orthodontic treatment. With a third-party option, interest rates will vary, but you have access to extended payment periods and the possibility of immediate approval.
Dental insurance
Some dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic care. Children under 18 are more likely to have their braces covered by insurance, but you still have to check your policy for details.
Dental insurance companies most often offer partial coverage or discounts for orthodontic care, or the option to buy a special add-on policy.
HSA/FSA funds
Health Savings Plans (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be useful options for saving money for your family’s medical expenses while lowering your taxes. These funds come from pre-tax dollars that you contribute to the account, and then can be used for orthodontic treatment.
While HSA funds can roll over to the next year, FSAs usually have a “use it or lose it” policy. If you have unused funds in an FSA and it’s late in the year, now could be the perfect time to start orthodontic treatment.
Financial assistance programs
The American Association of Orthodontists, through their Gifted Smiles Program, provides financial assistance to eligible families who need orthodontic care for children under the age of 18.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Your child is 18 years old or younger.
- Your total family income is 200% of the poverty level or less.
- Your child receives regular dental care and has good oral hygiene.
- Your child is not currently in orthodontic treatment or in between phases of treatment.
- Your child has not received previous orthodontic treatment.
You can apply for assistance through their program on the AAO website.
There are also a few other well-known programs that offer financial assistance for orthodontic treatment, you can visit their websites for more information about eligibility.
Invest in your health
Many people think of braces and other treatments as optional, or purely aesthetic. That can make it hard to justify spending your hard-earned money on orthodontics. But remember that orthodontic treatment is a worthwhile investment in your health and the health of your children.
Well-aligned teeth and jaws can help with oral hygiene, sleep, jaw tension, chewing and digestion, clear speech, and self-esteem. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about improving overall health and well-being.
Take the first step and go for an initial consultation with a TAO orthodontist near you. You don’t need a referral from your dentist, and you can visit more than one to see which is the best fit for your family.
Money-saving questions to ask your orthodontist before starting treatment
- What part of the treatment is a priority? Can any part of the treatment be delayed? If you prioritize necessary treatment, you may be able to pay for your treatment in phases, and come back when you’ve been able to save up money for the rest of treatment.
- What’s included in the price? Does it cover retainers? Emergency visits? All appointments?
- Are there discounts? Some practices offer discounts for up-front payments, multiple family members getting treated at the same time, etc.
Great oral hygiene and following your orthodontist’s instructions for care of your braces or aligners can also go a long way to keeping costs down. Broken brackets or wires can delay or complicate treatment, which might mean extra costs.
Paying for braces and other orthodontic care can be an intimidating prospect, but there are financing options out there that can help make it a reality for you or your child.
Contact a TAO member orthodontist in your area and make an appointment today! Find one in our online directory.
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