How Much Do Braces Cost Per Month Without Insurance?

It’s difficult to estimate how much your child’s braces will cost per month. The average cost for braces treatment without insurance is between $3,000 and $7,000. The monthly payment amount will depend on the type of braces, the duration of treatment, and the duration of the payment plan.

For a precise quote on the cost of braces without insurance for your child, schedule a consultation with a Kool Smiles Kids Club partner dentist.

How Much Do Braces Cost a Month?

The cost per month of your child’s braces will depend on:

• • The type of braces. Traditional metal braces are typically the least costly option. Lingual braces usually cost the most. (More on that in a bit.)

• • The length of treatment. Some issues take longer to correct. With a longer treatment time comes more maintenance and adjustment appointments. Each appointment may carry its own cost.
  • Insurance coverage. Some insurance policies will cover all or part of the cost of braces for children.
  • Your child’s other dental needs. If the dentist recommends additional procedures, like cleanings or cavity fillings, the cost will rise.
  • The duration of the payment plan. Any amount paid out over a longer time will cost less per month than the same amount paid over a shorter period of time.

Kool Smiles’ Partner Dentists Have Payment Options for Braces With or Without Insurance

At Kool Smiles, we have a large network of partner dentists who are welcoming new patients – with and without insurance. Kool Smiles’ partner dentists aim to provide top-quality care for all children, and they make dental care accessible by:

• • • Accepting cash, credit, and debit (for families who are uninsured or underinsured).
    • Accepting Medicaid, TRICARE, CHIP (formerly SCHIP), and most major insurance plans.
    • Accepting CareCredit – a healthcare credit card that allows patients to pay for their procedures over time instead of paying the full cost out-of-pocket upfront.
    • Offering an 18-month traditional metal braces treatment at an affordable price.

If you are insured, it’s important to note that your coverage may not extend to your child’s braces treatment. If your child’s braces treatment isn’t medically necessary (i.e., if it’s for cosmetic reasons), then it’s unlikely that your insurance provider will help with the cost.

Why Might My Child Need Braces?

There are several reasons that your child may need braces:

• • • Cosmetic reasons
    • Crowded teeth
    • An under or overbite
    • A jaw joint disorder or unusual jaw position

In many cases, braces are medically necessary. An issue with teeth alignment or jaw position, if neglected, can lead to serious problems, like:

• • • Gum disease
    • Tooth decay
    • An increased risk of facial-impact injuries
    • Jaw pain
    • Headaches and ear pain
    • Difficulties eating and speaking

Braces are costly, but in cases where they’re medically necessary, opting to forgo treatment can lead to more serious, more costly issues in the future.

Cost of Metal Braces Vs. Other Types of Braces

Traditional metal braces are the least costly type of braces. As we touched on earlier, metal braces usually cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Other options include:

• • • Ceramic braces ($4,000 to $8,000), which are tooth-colored. They’re less noticeable than traditional braces, but they’re not quite as durable. Ceramic braces may work faster than the other common, subtle option – invisible aligners.
    • Invisalign ($4,000 to $7,000) treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually move the teeth closer and closer to the target position. Aligners are truly clear, so they’re difficult to detect in everyday situations. They’re removed for eating and drinking, so they may not be a great option for younger children who may not be responsible enough to care for them. The treatment time is typically between one and three years.
    • Lingual braces ($8,000 to $10,000) are placed behind the teeth. They carry many of the same benefits as traditional metal braces, but they’re more difficult to clean and require more adjustments.

Traditional metal braces are the most cost-efficient option for families without insurance, but if you’d like to know more about each type, consult your local Kool Smiles partner dentist.

Additional Procedures and Costs Associated with Braces

In preparing your child’s braces treatment and aftercare, the dentist may recommend additional procedures. Each additional procedure may carry its own cost. Common add-ons include:

• • • Initial cleanings or fillings before fitting the braces.
    • X-rays to check the biting position development of the teeth.
    • Plaster model/dental cast to further assess bite alignment.
    • Possible tooth extraction to combat overcrowding.
    • Jaw surgeries for extremely severe cases.
    • Retainers to keep the teeth in their new positions after treatment.

Your dentist or orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan to suit your child’s unique needs.

Q&A: The Cost of Braces Without Insurance

At what age do teenagers usually get braces?

Children typically get braces between the ages of 10 and 14. The rates at which children lose their baby teeth and get their permanent teeth vary, so some children get braces earlier or later than average.

How long do braces take to straighten teeth?

The duration of treatment depends on the severity of misalignment and the type of braces you choose. Treatment with fixed braces typically takes between 12 and 24 months, while treatment with invisible aligners usually takes between 12 and 36 months.

Keep in mind that a removable retainer may be required when the treatment is complete.

How often should follow-up or adjustment appointments be made?

Your dentist can offer a precise answer, but you should expect to schedule adjustment appointments every few weeks. The adjustments are a necessary part of treatment with braces as they keep the teeth moving toward their target positions.

The number of adjustments depends on the type of braces. Expect more adjustments with lingual braces.

How do I know if Medicaid will pay for braces or if I will have to pay for the cost of braces without insurance?

Medicaid coverage varies from state-to-state. However, children’s dental care is covered under Medicaid as a federal mandate, as long as it’s medically necessary.

Kool Smiles’ partner dentists welcome patients with and without Medicaid.

Are discount programs available for braces if I don’t have insurance?

In some cases, discount programs may be available. Speak with a team member at your local Kool Smiles Kids Club partner clinic about discount programs and payment options.

What if my local Kool Smiles partner dentist does not have an on-site orthodontist?

If your child needs to see an orthodontist, a Kool Smiles partner dentist will gladly refer you to a great orthodontist in your area