How much braces cost for kids and teens

Updated October 12, 2026.

Braces for children and teens usually cost $3,000 to $7,000 for metal braces before insurance. Children are more likely than adults to have orthodontic coverage, Medicaid covers braces that are medically necessary, and charity programs help some families pay nothing at all.

Price by type

Metal braces have the lowest price range. Ceramic braces cost more but are less noticeable, and some teens are suitable for clear aligners, which must be worn at least 22 hours a day to work (AAO). For younger children, designer brackets in shapes such as stars and hearts are an option, and they work just as well as standard brackets (AAO).

The first check-up at age 7

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7 (AAO). By then a child has enough permanent teeth for the orthodontist to spot problems with the teeth or jaws, some of which aren't obvious to parents. Besides looking in the mouth, orthodontists can use panoramic X-rays to check for missing, extra or impacted teeth (AAO).

The visit often costs nothing: many AAO orthodontists offer it at no cost, and you don't need a referral from your dentist (AAO). Most children won't need treatment at 7, but the orthodontist can monitor growth and recommend the right time to start, which the AAO says may help avoid more costly or invasive treatment later (AAO).

Early treatment and two-phase quotes

Some children have a first phase of treatment before all their adult teeth are in, then a second phase later. The AAO describes two common early treatments (AAO):

• Palatal expanders widen a narrow upper jaw to reduce crowding. They work best while a child is still growing, and in younger patients may reduce the need to remove teeth. Cleveland Clinic says children often start at 7 or 8, and the desired result usually takes 2 to 3 months (Cleveland Clinic).
• Early interceptive braces are a short time in braces to correct a problem early, such as an underbite, so the teeth and jaws keep growing correctly.

Ask whether a quote covers one phase or both, because two phases means two fees. Insurance may not stretch further: in Delta Dental of Virginia's plans, both phases together are limited to the one lifetime orthodontic maximum (Delta Dental of Virginia). We haven't found a reliable published price for expanders, so ask for it on the written quote.

How long children wear braces

Most people have braces for 12 to 24 months (AAO), with adjustment visits every 4 to 12 weeks. A child who had early treatment may need a shorter second phase, because the AAO says early intervention can make later treatment easier and possibly reduce the time in full braces (AAO). Afterward comes a retainer, typically for life (AAO).

Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid only covers braces when they are medically necessary, not for cosmetic reasons. States have some flexibility in how they decide that (National Health Law Program). Ask an orthodontist who accepts Medicaid to assess your child and submit the request. More in does Medicaid cover braces.

With family dental insurance

Children are the group insurance is most likely to help. The AAO says many dental plans include some orthodontic coverage for children under 18 (AAO), and dental coverage is an essential health benefit for children, so Marketplace coverage for anyone 18 or younger must make dental coverage available (HealthCare.gov). Check these points with your plan:

• The lifetime orthodontic maximum per child, and any age limit (AAO).
• Whether the orthodontist needs to be in network (AAO).
• What happens if coverage ends during treatment: in Delta Dental of Virginia's plans, insurance payments stop on the last day of coverage (Delta Dental of Virginia).

Where a plan pays, the benefit is usually much smaller than the price; in OrthoFi data for 2021, orthodontic coverage averaged $1,772 (Align, citing OrthoFi). See braces with insurance.

Programs that pay for children's braces

If money is the barrier, ask about charity programs. The AAO lists AAOF Gifted Smiles, Smiles Change Lives and Smile for a Lifetime, which provide orthodontic treatment to children under 18 at low or no cost (AAO). Some orthodontists also offer practice-specific discounts for families who meet certain criteria (AAO).

Paying for a child's braces

• Ask about a discount for several children in treatment, or for paying in full (AAO).
• Use an interest-free in-house plan, typically 12 to 24 months (AAO).
• Set aside FSA money at open enrollment; the 2025 limit is $3,300 (IRS Publication 969).

Questions to ask at the consultation

• Does my child need treatment now, later, or just monitoring?
• Is this one phase or two, and what does each phase cost?
• What does the fee include: records, every visit, repairs and retainers?
• How will our insurance pay, and will you send the claims?
• Do you offer an interest-free plan, or a discount for siblings or paying in full?
• If an expander is needed, how long will my child wear it, and is it included in the price?
• Will you monitor my child's growth if treatment isn't needed yet, and is there a charge for those visits?

At the first visit the orthodontist reviews your child's history, takes records such as X-rays, explains the options and then presents the cost, payment options and insurance coverage (AAO).

Choosing who treats your child

Most braces are placed by orthodontists, though some general dentists offer them too (Cleveland Clinic). Orthodontists are dentists who have completed two to three more years of training in an accredited orthodontic residency (AAO). The AAO says the skill of the person providing treatment matters far more than the type of appliance (AAO), so when you compare quotes, compare who will be doing the work as well as the price.

Helping your child look after braces

Broken brackets mean extra visits, and some practices charge for repairs. The AAO advises avoiding hard, sticky, crunchy and chewy foods, and choosing water over carbonated drinks, flavored waters and sports drinks, whose acids and sugars harm tooth enamel (AAO). Brushing and flossing around the brackets every day keeps teeth and gums healthy during treatment.