Braces are pricey. As adults we understand this but we also may realize that not getting braces may prove to be more costly in the long term. As children we didn’t understand such concepts as price or bill or even insurance. All we knew was we would look hideous while we had to wear braces.

Then as we grow up we start to understand money and how much things cost and how much we get paid. When it is time to have children of our own we start cringing at the thought of having to pay for braces and if you had braces as a child then your children will more than likely need braces too.

There are many factors that go into how much braces will cost that only your orthodontist will be able to explain at a consultation visit. Because every individual is different, all our needs are different too and thus the cost of each treatment will vary.

Braces are expensive but how expensive?

I want to take the time to look at how much do braces cost on average throughout the main regions of America. These include the West, Mid West, South, and North East Regions and how they compare with orthodontic treatments for children, teenagers, and adults. This way we can look at what areas cost the most or the least when it comes to getting braces.

                                 Children           Teenagers            Adults  

West:                      $8,183                  $8,695                  $9,452

Mid West:            $6,949                  $7,384                  $8,026

South:                    $6,578                  $6,991                  $7,608

North East:         $10,526               $11,185                $12,157

What we can take from the data gathered is that the North East region is the most expensive when it comes to orthodontics and the South is the least expensive. This trend seems to follow that either cost, east or west, will cost more overall than the rest of the United States.

In particular New York turned out to be one the most expensive states for braces starting at about $15,000 for children and going up to almost $18,000 for adults. One of the least expensive states was Louisiana with treatments starting at about $6,200 and going up to only about $7,200 for adults.

These figures are averages and the actual cost of your treatment may vary based on your specific needs and if you want those little extra conveniences like heart shaped brackets. The type of dental appliance such as ceramic braces, metal or clear braces and how long they need to be worn will change the price.

The cost of braces can be very expensive but the long-term health benefits and confidence you or your children will get should far outweigh the short-term cost.