Braces in Salinas, CA generally cost between about $3,000 and $7,000, based on the fees that Salinas-area orthodontists publish. Nationally, metal braces average about $6,343 and ceramic braces about $5,834, with individual fees running from roughly $2,500 to more than $11,000 depending on the case.
Those numbers are a starting point rather than a quote. Your own fee depends on the type of braces, how complex your case is and how long treatment takes, so two people at the same office can receive very different numbers.
This guide covers what drives the price of braces, how metal and ceramic braces compare, what a fee should include and how insurance and payment plans can lower what you pay each month.
Key Takeaways
- Most braces in Salinas cost between about $3,000 and $7,000, while national averages run about $6,343 for metal braces and $5,834 for ceramic braces.
- The cost of braces depends mainly on the type of braces, the complexity of your case and the length of treatment.
- National averages for metal and ceramic braces are close, but ceramic brackets can add to the fee when the same case is treated at the same office.
- A braces fee should spell out what it covers, including adjustment visits, emergency visits and retainers.
- Dental insurance, FSA or HSA funds, payment plans and CareCredit can all lower or spread out what you pay.
- A consultation with an orthodontist is the only way to get an exact fee for your case.
What Affects the Cost of Braces?
The biggest factors in the cost of braces are how much your teeth and bite need to change and how long that takes. Treatment costs are shaped by the type, complexity and duration of orthodontic treatment, and each factor below ties back to the clinical time and materials your treatment requires.
- Case complexity: Mild crowding or spacing usually takes less work to correct than a deep overbite, underbite or crossbite, which may need more adjustments and added appliances.
- Treatment length: Treatment can run from under a year for mild crowding to a couple of years for bite problems, and a longer plan means more visits.
- Type of braces: Metal brackets are often the more affordable choice, and tooth-colored ceramic brackets can add to the fee.
- Extra appliances or steps: Some cases need an expander, elastics or other appliances before or during braces, which can add to the total.
- What the fee includes: Some offices quote one fee that covers everything through retainers, while others bill some items separately.
Because these factors work together, a quote from a friend or an online average rarely matches what your own treatment will cost. A mild case in metal braces and a complex bite correction in ceramic braces are priced very differently, even at the same practice.
How Much Do Metal and Ceramic Braces Cost?
Metal braces average about $6,343 nationally and ceramic braces average about $5,834, but both cover a wide range of fees. Those averages blend simple and complex cases from offices across the country, which is why ceramic can look cheaper on paper even though tooth-colored brackets can add to the fee when the same case is treated at the same office.
| Type | National Average | National Range | Appearance | Often Chosen By |
| Metal braces | $6,343 | $2,500 to $10,000 | Visible stainless steel brackets | Children, teens and complex cases |
| Ceramic braces | $5,834 | $4,480 to $11,312 | Tooth-colored brackets that blend in | Adults and older teens who want a lower profile |
Locally, the fees that Salinas-area orthodontists publish mostly fall between about $3,000 and $7,000, which sits at or below the national averages above. Both types move teeth the same way, so the choice usually comes down to budget, appearance and how much care the brackets need, since ceramic can be more brittle than steel.
At my office, I offer both metal braces and ceramic braces, and ceramic brackets are especially popular with my adult patients. Braces and Invisalign are compared side by side in the broader breakdown of orthodontic treatment cost.
What Should a Braces Fee Include?
A braces fee should cover the full course of treatment, not just the brackets and wires. When you compare quotes, check that the plan covers consultations, braces, follow-up visits, retainers and emergency visits, since a lower number can leave some of those out. Ask each office to confirm these items before you start:
- Adjustment visits: Regular appointments to adjust wires and check progress make up most of your time in treatment.
- Emergency visits: A broken bracket or poking wire needs a quick fix, and some offices charge for unscheduled repairs.
- Retainers: Retainers protect your result after braces come off, so find out if the first set and any replacements are included.
- Extra appliances: Expanders, elastics and other appliances may be part of the quote or billed separately.
Knowing what is included makes it easier to compare orthodontic fees between offices on equal terms. My first consultation is complimentary, and I go over the treatment options that fit your case and what each one costs, so you have a full number before deciding anything.
How Can Insurance and Payment Plans Lower Your Cost?
Insurance and payment plans do not change the total fee for braces, but they can lower what you pay out of pocket or spread it into smaller monthly amounts. Many families combine more than one of these options.
- Dental insurance: Many plans include an orthodontic benefit, but coverage varies and some plans limit it to children and teens, so call your insurer before treatment begins.
- Medi-Cal Dental: Medi-Cal Dental may cover braces for children and teens whose bite problem meets the program’s criteria, while coverage for adults is very limited.
- FSA or HSA funds: Pre-tax health accounts can generally be used for braces, covering the portion your insurance does not pay.
- Payment plans and financing: Payment plans divide the fee into monthly amounts over the course of treatment, and financing such as CareCredit offers another way to spread the cost.
My office accepts CareCredit for braces. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so call my office to verify your benefits before your first visit. I speak Spanish as well as English, so you can go over your insurance questions in whichever language is easier.
Getting an Exact Braces Quote in Salinas
Most braces in Salinas cost between about $3,000 and $7,000, and where your fee lands comes down to the type of braces, the work your bite needs and how long treatment takes. Once you know what the fee covers and how insurance, FSA funds and payment plans fit in, the number becomes something you can plan around instead of a guess.
I have treated Salinas-area patients since 1987, and Monterey County Weekly readers have voted me Best Orthodontist every year from 2023 through 2026.
Call Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics at (831) 422-7424 or book online to schedule a complimentary consultation, and I will give you an exact fee for your treatment along with your payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do braces cost in Salinas, CA?
Braces in Salinas, CA usually cost between about $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the type of braces, how complex your case is and how long treatment takes. I give every patient an exact fee at a complimentary consultation.
What is the average cost of braces?
The average cost of braces is about $6,343 for metal braces and about $5,834 for ceramic braces nationally. Individual fees vary widely, from roughly $2,500 for a simple case to more than $11,000 for a complex one.
Is $6,000 a normal price for braces?
A $6,000 fee for braces is in line with national averages, which run about $6,343 for metal braces and $5,834 for ceramic braces. Whether it is a fair price for your case depends on how complex your treatment is and what the fee includes.
Are metal braces cheaper than ceramic braces?
Metal braces are often cheaper than ceramic braces for the same case, since tooth-colored ceramic brackets can add to the fee. National averages for the two are close, so ask for a quote on both.
Does dental insurance cover braces?
Dental insurance covers braces on some plans, but orthodontic benefits vary widely and are often limited to children and teens. Call your insurer before treatment to confirm your benefit amount, age limits and any waiting period.
Does Medi-Cal cover braces in California?
Medi-Cal may cover braces in California for children and teens whose bite problem meets the program’s medical necessity criteria. Coverage for adults is very limited, so call my office to check your plan before your visit.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for braces?
You can generally use your FSA or HSA to pay for braces, as long as the expense is not already paid by insurance. Check with your plan administrator for any limits on timing or amounts.
Do orthodontists in Salinas offer payment options for braces?
Many orthodontists in Salinas offer payment options for braces, and my office accepts CareCredit. Financing spreads the fee into monthly amounts so you do not have to pay it all at the start.
Does the cost of braces include retainers?
The cost of braces includes retainers at some offices but not at others. Ask whether the first set and any replacements are part of your quote before treatment begins.
Is it cheaper to get braces as a child or as an adult?
Braces are not always cheaper for a child than an adult, since the price depends mostly on how complex the case is. Some problems are easier to correct while a child’s jaw is still growing, which can keep treatment simpler.
