If you’re told that it’s time for braces, your first thought may be “How much does it cost to get braces?” Braces often cost thousands of dollars, and the price can vary depending on the level of dental realignment, whether it’s pediatric or adult, and what appliances the orthodontist recommends. 

Your second thought is likely to be “How can I pay for braces?” There are a few options for braces financing that will depend on your overall financial situation. From dental insurance to orthodontist payment plans, credit cards, and personal loans—we’ll cover the basics of each option and help you decide which one works best for you. 

Table of contents

How much do braces cost?

The price of braces depends on many factors, including treatment complexity, age, appliance type, and treatment length. Here are some of the different treatment types and cost ranges.1

  • Standard metal braces: $3,000 to $7,000. This is a traditional type of braces.
  • Ceramic braces: $4,000 to $8,500. These are a less-visible option using tooth-colored or clear brackets that are adhered to the front of the teeth, which makes them a bit pricier.
  • Lingual braces: $8,000 to $10,000. Like ceramic braces, these cost more since they are an unobtrusive option that attach to the back side of the teeth.
  • Clear aligners: $3,500 to $7,500. These are nearly invisible and are removable. Prices vary by brand and they can take longer to show results which can lead to higher costs.

How can you pay for braces?

If your insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost and you haven’t saved money for braces, there are several ways to pay, including braces payment plans and loans.

Orthodontist payment plans

Some orthodontists offer payment plans that allow you to pay off the cost in regular installments.

Pros:

  • Can be tailored to fit your budget.
  • Cost is spread over several months or years.

Cons:

  • Could come with higher interest rates than that of a personal loan or other payment option.

Credit cards

You could use your credit card and pay for braces through your regular credit card payments.

Pros:

  • Your orthodontist may offer a discounted price to pay in full.

Cons:

  • If you take longer to pay off your credit card balance, higher interest rates may cancel out any discount the orthodontist offered.

HSAs and FSAs

A Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer might help pay for braces. Both allow you to use pre-tax dollars for some healthcare expenses. Check with your employer or benefits administrator about your options and coverage.

Pros:

  • Using these accounts can offer tax advantages, reducing the overall cost.

Cons:

  • Could have restrictions and federal limits that change annually.

Personal loan

Healthcare costs are one of many common reasons borrowers apply for a personal loan. Taking out a personal loan to finance braces is useful if you’re looking for fast funding, predictable payments, and rates that can be lower than credit cards.

Pros:

  • By receiving a lump-sum payment, you could take advantage of any discount offered by the orthodontist for paying up front.
  • You may also save money on interest compared to other payment options, like a credit card.
  • You’ll know when your loan is due to be paid in full.

Cons:

  • You could increase your overall debt.
  • Missed payments can negatively impact your credit score.

To choose a repayment term and find out what your monthly loan payment would be, you can use our personal loan calculator.

With a Discover® personal loan, for example, you could get a lump sum that allows you to enjoy the orthodontist’s discount for up-front payment. You’ll also have one set regular monthly payment that you can plan for. Plus, our flexible options let you find the repayment plan that fits your budget.

3 ways to lower the cost of braces

If you’re looking to reduce the impact of braces on your wallet, there are a few possibilities you might want to consider.

 1. Provider discounts

Some orthodontists may offer discounts for patients who pay the entire bill up front.

2. Tax-free savings accounts

A Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer might help you lower your out-of-pocket costs. 

 3. Alternative providers

To save money, you might also be able to complete some procedures at a dental school or dental society for a discounted rate. While it may seem unusual to trust this procedure to a student, the work is generally done under the supervision of a licensed orthodontist.

Does dental insurance pay for braces?

While some dental insurance may provide benefits for orthodontia, coverage varies by policy. Insurance may provide a fixed amount or partial coverage. Even partial coverage still leaves you to pay for the rest.

If you are considering braces for yourself or someone in your family, you will want to check your current policy. Look for factors that could affect your coverage, like waiting periods, age limits, annual or lifetime orthodontic maximums, and supplemental coverage requirements.

If orthodontia is not included, you may want to compare plans during the next open enrollment period. Coverage may require a supplemental fee. Some insurance plans require you to have been enrolled for orthodontia coverage for a period of time before the benefits kick in. Review your insurance policy carefully before making any plans.

Which payment option is best for you?

Like the orthodontic work itself, how you pay for braces is highly personalized. It depends on your own financial circumstances and the details of your insurance coverage. You should start by looking at a few things: your upfront savings, your monthly budget (to determine what size payments you can afford), interest costs, insurance coverage, and treatment timeline.

Investigate all your options closely before making any decisions. From payment plans, to credit cards to personal loans, there are quite a few options when it comes to paying for braces. If a personal loan feels right for you, we have a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. 

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