What teen braces cost by type
The averages below are for a full course of treatment once most adult teeth are in. What you pay out of pocket is that fee minus whatever lifetime maximum the plan actually pays. Metal is the number most families start with.
Clear aligners
$5,108
Typical range $1,800–$8,100. About 12–18 months.
Ceramic braces
$5,834
Typical range $4,480–$11,312. About 18–24 months.
Metal braces
$6,343
Typical range $2,500–$10,000. About 12–24 months.
Lingual braces
$9,221
Typical range $7,321–$17,411. About 18–36 months.
Does insurance cover braces for teens?
More often than for adults. Many plans that cover orthodontics pay about half the fee, up to a lifetime maximum, and often only for dependents under 19. In a 2021 sample of insured patients, the average benefit was $1,772. 92% of that sample qualified for up to $3,000.
On a $6,343 metal fee, a $1,772 benefit leaves the family paying $4,571. A lower lifetime maximum pays less.
How is Invisalign Teen different?
- Invisalign Teen includes color dots that fade with wear, so the office can see whether trays are being worn. Daily wear is still about 22 hours.
- The teen product also includes tabs for incoming second molars and up to six replacement aligners if a tray is lost or broken. Those features are part of the product, not a separate teen fee.
When do teenagers start braces?
The teen years are a common window because adult teeth are in and some growth can still be guided. Age 7 is the first checkup, not the start of full braces. If there was early treatment, the later phase usually starts when most adult teeth are in. Many teenagers skip the early phase and start one full course.
If most baby teeth are still present, start with the kids cost page.
Guides families use next
Questions parents ask
Teen treatment averages $5,108 for clear aligners, $5,834 for ceramic, $6,343 for metal, and $9,221 for lingual. There is no separate Invisalign Teen list price. What usually changes for teens is insurance, not the appliance fee.
More often than for adults. Many plans that cover orthodontics pay about half the fee, up to a lifetime maximum, and often only for dependents under 19. In a 2021 sample of insured patients, the average benefit was $1,772.
The teen years are a common window because adult teeth are in and some growth can still be guided. Age 7 is the first checkup, not the start of full braces. Many teenagers start one full course once most adult teeth are in.
Invisalign Teen includes color dots that fade with wear, tabs for incoming second molars, and up to six replacement aligners if a tray is lost or broken. Those features are part of the product, not a separate teen fee. Daily wear is still about 22 hours.
Phase 2 is the later course after early (Phase 1) treatment. It usually starts when most adult teeth are in. Many teenagers never had Phase 1 and start one full course instead. The fee is still the full-treatment average.
Full metal treatment commonly runs 12–24 months. Aligner trays are typically worn one week each. Some growth can still be guided in this window, which is why the teen years are a common time to start.
Yes, for the uninsured portion, when the teen is an eligible dependent on the account. Braces, clear aligners, retainers, and follow-up visits are eligible. The IRS lists braces under dental treatment.
Sources
These figures come from published studies and professional groups. We do not sell treatment or set fees. Use them to read an office quote against a national baseline.
- 1.American Association of Orthodontists, Family Orthodontic Health Guide Teen smiles are in a prime window because permanent teeth are in place and growth can still be guided. Age 7 is the checkup, not the start of comprehensive braces.
- 2.American Association of Orthodontists, Six Facts About Two-Phase Treatment Phase 2 generally begins when most or all permanent teeth are in. For many children, a single comprehensive phase is still the right path.
- 3.Align Technology, Invisalign Teen Built-in color compliance indicators track daily wear. Align does not publish a teen-specific fee. Costs vary by location and case complexity.
- 4.Align Technology, Invisalign Teen product definition (July 29, 2008) Compliance indicators fade over the wear period. Up to six free individual-arch replacement aligners for loss or breakage. Eruption tabs to leave space for erupting second molars. Also cites the 2006 AAO member survey: patients age 12–17 were more than half of U.S. case starts that year.
- 5.FAIR Health, Paying for Orthodontics Adult orthodontic care is usually not covered. Plans that cover it may limit benefits to dependents under 19. Typical structure: about 50% up to a lifetime maximum.
- 6.American Association of Orthodontists, Clear Aligners Each tray typically worn 1 week, at least 22 hours a day. Plans that cover orthodontics usually cover braces and aligners equally.