| We may receive compensation from partners at no additional cost to you. Read our disclosure for details. |
You’re never too old to get the perfect smile! That being said, if you want to know about the cost of braces without insurance we did the research in 12 large states to give you an idea.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the factors that influence orthodontic procedures like braces and guide you through the benefits of dental insurance to help you decide if it’s worth it.
We compiled a price list to give you an idea of what braces cost in several large cities. Additionally, we’ll introduce you to several top-rated dental insurance plans that cover orthodontia.
If you’re looking for individual or supplemental dental insurance we’ve got you covered. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the insight you need to get that beautiful smile and save money too!
How to know if you need braces
Braces are orthodontic devices designed to straighten and align teeth, providing individuals with a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Composed of brackets, wires, and bands, braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to guide teeth into their correct positions over time.
You might seek braces for a number of reasons, beyond the desire for a straighter smile. For many, it’s a matter of improving oral health.
Misaligned teeth can lead to difficulties in proper oral hygiene, as they may be harder to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Furthermore, orthodontic treatment can address bite issues, such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite, which can cause discomfort, difficulty in chewing, and even speech problems.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to treat the problems when they’re young and will consider braces later in life.
What’s the cost of braces without insurance?
The best time for braces is usually at a younger age when the jaw and facial bones are most flexible. In general, braces cost less when you’re younger.
However, with advances in technology, materials, and techniques, millions of adults have chosen braces as the most effective way to a straighter, more beautiful smile.
On average, braces cost $3,000-$5,000 on the low end and can go up to $10,000.
The price can jump higher if you get ceramic or lingual braces and is determined by where you live and the dentist you choose.
Here are some figures on what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket without coverage:
- Traditional metal braces: $3,000 – $7,000
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 – $8,000
- Lingual braces: $8,000 – $10,000
- Invisalign: $4,000 – $7,000
Now, depending on the plan you choose, having dental insurance can save you a few thousand dollars.
For example, our dental plans will pay 50% of the bill up to a maximum. Each plan pays different benefit amounts, but you can lower the cost of braces with insurance significantly.
To answer how much braces cost with insurance, you’d probably pay more like $2,000 for traditional metal braces if you shop around for the right plan.
Cost of braces for adults
| ZIP | City | State | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32301 | Tallahassee | Florida | $5,000-$6,500 |
| 30303 | Atlanta | Georgia | $4,800-$7,000 |
| 40601 | Frankfort | Kentucky | $5,600-$6,500 |
| 70802 | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | $5,500-$6,500 |
| 21401 | Annapolis | Maryland | $5,200-$6,700 |
| 27601 | Raleigh | North Carolina | $5,500-$6,800 |
Cost of braces for adolescents
| ZIP | City | State | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29217 | Columbia | South Carolina | $5,000-$7,000 |
| 37219 | Nashville | Tennessee | $5,000-$6,000 |
| 78701 | Austin | Texas | $5,000-$7,000 |
| 23219 | Richmond | Virginia | $3,000-$5,000 |
| 20009 | Washington | District of Columbia | $5,000-$7,000 |
| 97203 | Portland | Oregon | $5,000-$7,500 |
Save money on braces with private insurance
Most health insurance plans don’t pay for orthodontic treatment for people over 18 years old, but they may cover children. It’s best to check with your insurance company.
If you don’t have insurance or determine braces are not covered, you can purchase individual dental insurance on your own.
Unlike ACA Marketplace health plans that are only available during Open Enrollment, private dental insurance is available all year long.
Which dental insurance covers braces?
Dental insurance typically includes exams and checkups and can help lower your costs for more expensive work, but not all plans cover orthodontics.
All three of our dental partners: Ameritas, Delta Dental and Cigna cover braces.
When comparing dental plans, be sure to ask about waiting periods, the percentage they cover, and any maximum caps — there is usually a limit to what the insurance provider will pay each year and that’s usually around $1,000-$3,000.
Note: Once you have dental insurance, it’s a good idea to keep the same plan during any major treatment. If you cancel and start a new plan down the road some things may not be covered if the insurance company considers it to be a pre-existing condition. Canceling coverage after treatment is the main reason insurance companies require waiting periods.
With dental insurance, you can usually visit any dentist or orthodontist you like and save money, but staying in the network will give you member advantages.
If you determine your braces will cost $7,000 then dental insurance might be worth considering.
Also, having dental insurance encourages routine visits, prevention and detection to avoid major health issues and costly bills down the road.
Find a dentist for braces near you.
Before you purchase a dental plan, you should search the provider network. If your preferred dentist is in the network, great! If not, be sure the dentist or specialist you choose is conveniently located to where you live.
You could also use a free service like Zocdoc to find an orthodontist near you.
Get an instant quote
We made it easy to get affordable individual dental insurance in minutes. Start an instant quote with no obligation and pay no broker fees when you purchase a plan online.
UnitedHealthcare
From one of the best known names in healthcare, affordable solutions to protect your important assets. Their large network is widely accepted throughout the country.
UnitedHealthcare dental plans provide flexible options for basic and major dental services with no age limit, no waiting period, Day 1 coverage and increasing benefits.
Preventive, basic and major services covered. Annual maximums from $1,000-$3,000.
Popular plans: DentalWise 1000, DentalWise Max 1000 (covers vision & hearing) and DentalWise Max 2000 & DentalWise Max 3000 cover implants.
Hearing is available in many states.
Online quoting and enrollment are available in licensed states. Contact us for assistance or if your state is not listed:
DC, FL, GA, MD, MS, NC, PA, TN, TX, VA.
- DentalWise 1000
- DentalWise Max 1000 (vision & hearing)
- DentalWise Max 2000 (covers implants with an additional $1,500 benefit!)
- DentalWise Max 3000 (covers implants with an additional $1,500 benefit!)
Always read the policy, exclusions & limitations or contact us for free assistance.
Ameritas
Ameritas dental insurance plans feature next-day coverage, no enrollment fees with increasing benefits.
You can add vision and hearing in many states.
There are no waiting periods for all dental services and no enrollment fees when you sign-up online.
Preventive visits, such as dental exams and cleanings, are covered up to 100%.
Fillings and extractions are covered in Basic services. Crowns, implants, dentures and even teeth whitening are covered in select plans.
Online quoting and enrollment.
Additional benefits and options are available such as vision, LASIK, orthodontia, or hearing. Check your ZIP Code for availability.
Always read the policy, exclusions & limitations or contact us for free assistance
- PrimeStar Lite
- PrimeStar Boost
- PrimeStar Complete
- Annual maximums from $1,500-$3,000
- Increasing benefits
- Child orthodontia
RELATED PRODUCTS:
- Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Power Toothbrush ($40-$50)
- Oral-B iO Series 5 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush ($100-$120)
*The Dental Care Cost Estimator provides an estimate and does not guarantee the exact fees for dental procedures, what dental benefits your plan will cover, or your out-of-pocket costs. Estimates should not be construed as financial or medical advice. For more detailed information on your dental care costs, please consult your dentist or your Delta Dental agent.
Information is meant to be accurate and educational and not intended to be legal, medical or financial advice. Be sure to do your own research and contact a professional for help. Our site is free to use, but we may receive a commission from our partners & advertisers at no additional cost to you. Read our disclosure for more information.