Orthodontic treatment with braces commonly costs between $3,000 and $10,000, and Invisalign generally costs more than traditional metal braces. Your price depends on the option you choose, how complex your case is, and how long treatment takes.
Two people can receive very different quotes and both can be fair, because age, case complexity, insurance coverage, and the type of appliance all shape the price. I can only give you an exact figure after examining your teeth and bite, which is why the consultation at my dental office in Salinas is complimentary. You leave with a real number for your own case before making any decision.
This guide covers what drives the price of braces and Invisalign, how dental insurance and FSA or HSA funds apply, and the payment options that help spread the cost out.
Key Takeaways
- Orthodontic treatment with braces commonly costs between $3,000 and $10,000. Your price depends on the option you choose, how complex your case is, and how long treatment takes.
- Metal braces are typically the most affordable option, while ceramic braces and Invisalign generally cost more.
- Many dental plans exclude orthodontic treatment or limit it to children. Plans that do cover it often set a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $2,000 per person and may add a waiting period, so check your benefits before your first visit.
- In-house payment plans usually combine a down payment with monthly installments and typically carry no interest. Financing through CareCredit is also available at my office for braces and Invisalign.
- Braces generally qualify as an eligible expense for FSA and HSA funds, and the 2026 FSA contribution limit is $3,400. Ask your plan administrator to confirm Invisalign eligibility.
- Children should have a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, and my consultation is complimentary, so you can get an exact figure for your own case before deciding.
What Affects the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment and Invisalign?
Three factors do most of the work in setting your price: the option you choose, the complexity of your case, and the length of treatment. These are the main drivers of cost, and your age, where you live, and your insurance coverage also play a role. That is why two people can leave the same office on the same day with different quotes, and both quotes can be fair.
- Case complexity: Mild crookedness can often be treated with any option, while more significant problems may call for traditional braces. A bigger correction usually means more work and more time in treatment.
- Type of treatment: Metal braces are typically the more affordable choice. Ceramic braces cost more because of the materials used, and clear aligners like Invisalign generally cost more than metal as well.
- Length of treatment: Braces often stay on for around two years. A longer timeline means more adjustment visits, which usually happen every 4 to 12 weeks.
- Timing of care: Starting in childhood can save money over the long run, since an orthodontist can catch developing issues before they need more extensive correction.
- What your quote includes: Ask for all-inclusive pricing and confirm whether retainers and follow-up visits are covered, so the number you agree to is the number you pay.
Whether you wear braces or Invisalign aligners, I personally review and track your progress at every visit, so any change to your plan happens when it is needed and not after treatment has drifted. Once you understand these factors, comparing the options I offer gets much easier.
How Do Braces and Invisalign Compare on Cost?
Metal braces are typically the most affordable of the three options I offer, while ceramic braces and Invisalign generally cost more. Where your case falls depends on its complexity and length, so the table shows how the options compare and not a fixed price.
| Option | Cost compared with metal braces | What to know |
| Metal braces | Typically the most affordable | The most common type, with brackets and wires that move teeth into place |
| Ceramic braces | Generally higher | Tooth-colored brackets are less noticeable but more fragile, which can mean extra repair costs |
| Invisalign (clear aligners) | Generally higher | A series of nearly invisible trays swapped every few weeks and worn at least 22 hours a day |
Your insurance can tip the balance as well, because some plans only cover traditional metal braces and treat ceramic braces and clear aligners as cosmetic.
As an Invisalign Certified Provider, I use the complimentary consultation at my Salinas office to match one of these three options to your case and give you the exact figure. Since coverage can change what you pay, the next step is understanding what your dental plan does and does not cover.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces and Invisalign?
Some dental plans help pay for orthodontic treatment, but many do not cover it at all, and many that do only cover children under 18. When a plan does include it, the insurer typically pays up to a lifetime maximum, often between $1,000 and $2,000 per person, and once that amount is reached the plan pays nothing more toward that person’s orthodontic care.
The fine print matters as much as the dollar amount. A plan can impose a waiting period, often six months or a year, before orthodontic benefits begin, and some only cover traditional metal braces, treating ceramic braces and clear aligners as cosmetic. The lifetime maximum is also truly lifelong, so a new plan from the same insurer years from now may not pay toward orthodontic care again.
What should you ask your insurance company?
Call the member services number on your insurance card, or look under “Orthodontic Benefits” in your online portal, and get answers to these questions:
- Does the plan cover orthodontic care for everyone on the policy, or only for children?
- What is the lifetime maximum per person?
- What percentage does the plan pay once your deductible is met?
- Is there a waiting period before orthodontic benefits start?
- Does the plan cover ceramic braces and Invisalign, or only metal braces?
- Does the plan pay only for in-network orthodontists?
- Does my orthodontist need to submit a preauthorization before treatment begins?
Does Medi-Cal cover braces?
Medi-Cal Dental lists orthodontics for teens ages 13 to 20 who qualify, while its covered services for adults ages 21 to 54 do not include orthodontic treatment. The qualifying criteria are not spelled out on those pages, so the most reliable way to find out whether your child qualifies is to call the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center at 1-800-322-6384.
Bring your insurance card and any plan details to your consultation, and I will go over what your benefit means for your out-of-pocket cost. If your plan covers little or nothing, payment plans and FSA or HSA funds can close much of the gap.
What Payment Plans and Financing Options Are Available?
Most families cover orthodontic costs with a mix of tools: an in-house payment plan, third-party financing, and pre-tax health accounts. Many orthodontic practices offer in-house payment plans with low or no interest, and they are usually the simplest place to start because you deal directly with the office.
In-house plans typically require a down payment, then spread the remaining balance across monthly installments, and they generally do not charge interest. At my office, payment arrangements are available, and I go over the options with you at your consultation so the plan fits your budget and your treatment timeline.
What about third-party financing?
If you prefer a longer repayment window, third-party financing can stretch payments over anywhere from a few months to several years. These options often have variable interest rates, and some offer promotional periods with reduced or no interest. Financing through CareCredit is available at my office for braces and Invisalign. Before you sign up with any lender, check the interest rate and calculate the total you will pay over the life of the plan, including what happens to interest if a promotional period ends before the balance is paid.
Can you use an FSA or HSA for braces and Invisalign?
Yes, you can pay for orthodontic treatment with pre-tax dollars from a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account. The IRS lists braces as an eligible dental expense, so they generally qualify, and it is worth asking your plan administrator to confirm that Invisalign is eligible under your specific account. The 2026 limit for employee contributions to a health FSA is $3,400, and it applies per employee. Your HR department can tell you how much you have elected and how to submit orthodontic payments.
Are there other ways to lower the cost?
It is worth asking about a few more options before you commit:
- Discounts: Some offices offer savings for paying upfront, for referrals, or when several family members are treated.
- Dental school clinics: Student dentists supervised by licensed faculty provide orthodontic care at a discounted price.
- Charitable programs: Several nonprofits provide orthodontic treatment to children under 18 at low or no cost.
Cost is only one side of the decision, and the other is timing, so the next question is when treatment should begin.
When Should You Start Orthodontic Treatment?
Children should have their first check-up with an orthodontist by age 7. At that age a child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which lets an orthodontist recognize developing problems in their earliest stages. A check-up at that age is an evaluation, and it does not mean treatment has to begin right away.
Early evaluation can also help your budget, since treatment during childhood can save money in the long run when an orthodontist catches an issue before it needs more extensive correction. Waiting does not close the door, though. As of 2020, one in three orthodontic patients was an adult, so treatment at any age is common.
I evaluate children, teens, and adults, and a first visit at any stage gives you a clear picture of where things stand and what your options would cost. With timing, coverage, and payment options in view, you have what you need to plan your next step.
How Can You Plan for the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment costs come down to the option you choose, the complexity of your case, and the length of treatment, and most families cover them by combining insurance benefits, FSA or HSA funds, and a payment plan. You do not need every piece in place before you start. Once you have a figure for your own case, you can build the rest of the plan around it.
Schedule Your Consultation
To get an exact cost for your own case, call Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics at (831) 422-7424 or book online to schedule your complimentary consultation. I have appointments available as early as 7:30am on Mondays and Tuesdays, and my team speaks English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Salinas, CA?
Orthodontic treatment in Salinas with braces commonly costs between $3,000 and $10,000, and Invisalign generally costs more than metal braces. I give you an exact figure for your case at your consultation at my Salinas office.
Does insurance cover braces and Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans cover braces and Invisalign, but many exclude orthodontic treatment or limit it to children. Plans that do include it often set a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $2,000 per person. In California, Medi-Cal Dental lists orthodontics for teens ages 13 to 20 who qualify, so call your insurer before your first visit to confirm your benefit.
Are payment plans available for braces and Invisalign in Salinas?
Yes, payment plans for braces and Invisalign are available at my Salinas office. In-house plans typically combine a down payment with monthly installments and usually carry no interest, and financing through CareCredit is also available.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for braces or Invisalign?
Yes, you can use FSA or HSA funds to pay for orthodontic treatment, and the IRS lists braces as an eligible dental expense. Ask your plan administrator to confirm that Invisalign qualifies, and keep in mind that the 2026 FSA contribution limit is $3,400.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Your child should see an orthodontist by age 7. That first visit is an evaluation and does not mean treatment starts right away, and it lets me spot developing issues early.
Are metal braces cheaper than Invisalign?
Yes, metal braces are typically the more affordable choice, while clear aligners like Invisalign generally cost more. The right option depends on your case, and some insurance plans only cover metal braces.
What happens if I do not treat misaligned teeth?
Leaving misaligned teeth untreated can lead to difficulty chewing, jaw pain, wear on the enamel, and teeth that are harder to keep clean. Not every case causes problems, so an exam is the best way to find out whether your bite needs treatment.
