The cost of orthodontics in the USA: what is the average price of treatment in 2026?

Many people ask themselves as they start the process of looking for reputable orthodontic and dental specialists, “How much is orthodontic treatment going to cost?”

Costs can vary wildly, with several factors influencing the average cost of orthodontic treatment. With that in mind, the basics considered, here is the estimated average cost of orthodontic treatment in the USA.

Orthodontic treatment cost without insurance

The average costs for different orthodontic treatments without insurance are as follows:

• Traditional metal braces: between $3,000 and $7,000.
• Lingual braces: between $8,000 and $13,000.
  
• Clear braces: between $4,000 and $8,500.
  
• Clear aligners: between $3,500 and $6,000.
  

Looking for orthodontic treatment in the USA

Orthodontics is one of the most sought-after dental treatments in the US, and for good reason. Having teeth that are properly aligned with a correct bite and without gaps or overcrowding is not just for aesthetic purposes; it can have a huge impact on our overall oral health.

When people start to think about orthodontic treatment, they may have doubts and questions, or be hesitant to move forward until they’ve considered all options. One of the most frequent questions or concerns is the cost of orthodontics and knowing the different options available for straightening their teeth.

Cost factors for dental work

If you are wondering about the price of the various types of orthodontics, the first thing you should know is that the cost can depend on several factors. We will explain each of these factors in detail and discuss the reason for the range in price for each orthodontic treatment.

Types of orthodontics

One of the factors that influences the cost of orthodontic treatment in the USA is the type of treatment chosen - whether that be traditional metal braces, lingual braces, clear braces or clear aligners. 

Additionally, the orthodontist’s technique for placing each device can also influence the cost. For example, it is a lot easier to fit traditional metal brackets than it is to fit lingual brackets. Placing the latter is more challenging, so lingual braces are therefore more costly than traditional braces.

Orthodontic equipment

Another factor that can influence the final price of orthodontic treatment is the equipment used. Most would assume that dental clinics use digital technology for diagnosis and orthodontic treatment plans, as well as for monitoring treatment. In those cases, you might imagine that treatment would be more expensive than a provider that doesn't use the same type of equipment.

Orthodontic technology

Some clinics, like Impress, offer 3D scans and CBCT X-rays of the entire oral cavity to obtain a more in-depth analysis of the patient’s specific case and, therefore, a more precise diagnosis. Furthermore, some clinics offer a video simulation so patients can see how their treatment will progress and what their results will look like before they invest in orthodontic treatment.

Clinic locations

The location of an orthodontic clinic can actually carry more of a cost than you think. Some cities are more expensive than others, which can mean that the cost of orthodontic treatment may vary according to the clinic’s location in the USA. Additionally, doctors may have different prices for orthodontic treatments according to their experience and expertise.

Orthodontic treatment duration

Not all orthodontic patients have the same needs, and the complexity of cases varies greatly from patient to patient. With cases that are more complex than others, the treatment will likely take longer and will require additional follow-ups with a doctor and additional materials, all of which can increase the cost of orthodontics.

Furthermore, some cases may require additional dental treatments or pre-orthodontic treatments such as extractions, surgery, implants or fillings; all of which can increase the final price.

Children's orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontic treatments are performed exclusively on children or pre-teens. This type of orthodontics is used to correct or guide poor growth in the jawbones and teeth. Before the bones are fully formed, preventative action is taken to avoid any further complications with the teeth and jaw in the future.

Teen orthodontics

As teenagers are still growing and developing, orthodontic treatments for adolescents (starting from 12-14 years old) tend to be a little more complex and therefore expensive, as they require a more in-depth assessment. Their treatment also requires close monitoring to ensure that it’s progressing as it should be.

Adult orthodontics cost

Finally, we’ll discuss the cost of orthodontics for adults. As adult teeth are already fully formed, it’s unlikely that adults will require the same intensive monitoring and clinic check-ups as teenagers would, which can lower the overall price of the orthodontic treatment.

Can I use, HSA or FSA?

If you have a dental insurance provider that has orthodontic coverage and/or you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be eligible to access the dental benefits to cover some of the costs of your orthodontic treatment.

Does every orthodontist accept insurance?

Not all dental insurance providers provide orthodontic coverage, so you should ensure that your plan includes this. Additionally, they may have a limit to the amount you can spend on orthodontic treatments, so you should check with your insurance provider about what orthodontic costs are eligible for coverage.

Financing orthodontic treatment

While orthodontic treatment is important for our oral health, for many patients, financing their treatment can be a great concern. That’s why many orthodontic clinics offer different payment plans to make their treatments more accessible.

There are several different options on the market for financing orthodontic treatment. With most treatments, you can usually pay upfront or in monthly installments. At Impress, we have financing plans so that you can pay your aligner costs in a way that suits you best.

Orthodontic treatments at Impress

At Impress, we offer orthodontic treatment using clear aligners for adults, children and teenagers, designed to correct even the most complex cases. During your complimentary consultation with us, your doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan, personalized to you.

The price of this orthodontic treatment is fixed, meaning no hidden fees or surprises. If you’re curious about how to finance your orthodontic treatment with our payment plans, or if you have any questions about insurance or HSA coverage, you can reach out to our care team, who can advise you.

You can book your complimentary consultation with our expert doctors at your nearest Impress clinic by scheduling your appointment online or by calling us at tel:+18884901421.