How Much do Braces Cost in California?
Braces cost between $6,500 and $10,000 in California. National average braces costs around $6,000, according to the American Dental Association’s latest survey on dental fees. Adult braces are among the most expensive in the state due to the high cost of living and taxes.
Area | Cost in California | National Average |
Urban | $6,500 – $10,000 | $5,000 |
Suburban | $5,500 – $8,000 | $5,500 |
Rural | $4,500 – $7,000 | $4,000 |
Braces Types
There are now more options than just metal brackets in orthodontics, as the technology has advanced significantly over the past couple of decades. There are lingual braces that sit behind your teeth and blend in with your teeth, or ceramic braces that blend in with your teeth. The disadvantages of each are that they’re more costly than traditional braces. Lingual braces cost between $8,000 and $12,000, Invisalign costs in California are between $3000- $7000, while ceramic braces cost up to $8,000
Type of braces | Before insurance | After insurance |
Metal braces | $3,000 to $7,500 | $1,500 to $3,750 |
Ceramic braces | $2,000 to $8,500 | $1,000 to $4,750 |
Invisalign braces | $3,000 to $7,000 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
Lingual braces | $5,000 to $13,000 | $3,500 to $9,250 |
Why are Braces Expensive?
Not only are you paying for the intricate mechanisms of the braces themselves that help move your teeth, you are also paying for:
· The supplies used on your mouth each time you sit in the chair
· The costs of the sterilization equipment
· The time spent in a laboratory
· Supplies and products that are used during treatment
Costs related to labourÂ
Putting it another way, you are not just paying for the materials used, but also paying for the orthodontist’s knowledge as well as helping to cover some of the costs that are involved in running an orthodontic office.
It is also important to consider:
Working hours of the orthodontist. A thorough diagnosis, a thoughtful treatment plan, and effective implementation are all included.
Time spent working by the dental assistant
The person who schedules appointments at the front desk
· The auxiliary staff responsible for cleaning up and breaking down the patient’s room after they leave so that the area is ready for the next patient.
Due to its labor-intensive nature, orthodontics is expensive.
After reviewing all these factors, it makes a little more sense to ask yourself why are braces so expensive when considering all of them instead of simply taking a look at the little wire pieces and thinking that’s where most of your money goes. A beautiful, straight smile is expensive because of factors such as labor costs, materials, and the intricate mechanisms in the braces themselves, as well as the dentist visits. But it’s all worth it for your perfect smile.
The region
There is a high cost associated with braces in California. You should also be aware that prices may vary depending on where you are seeking the services. Technically, urban areas are more expensive than suburban areas, which in turn are more expensive than rural areas.
Braces prices are also determined by orthodontic experience and local competition. You are more likely to find a place with a lower price when there are more orthodontic clinics in your area, as they are all competing for more clients.
How Can I Make Braces Less Expensive?
Keep your finances under control with these strategies
- Consider getting a second opinion.
- Invest in dental insurance.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.
- Invest in tax-exempt savings accounts.
- Take advantage of no-interest financing.
- A dental school can provide you with services.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for financial assistance.
- Make sure your braces are properly cared for.
In a Nutshell
You can expect braces to cost significantly more if you live in a certain place, need them long-term, and choose the right type of braces. It is common for prices to fall between $3,000 and $10,000, but they can go higher or lower.
Children are at least partially covered by most insurance companies when it comes to braces, but adults are not covered at all.
Find the best rated orthodontist in your area by visiting our reviews page.
How Much do Braces Cost in California?

Perry heads up a dynamic marketing team that has help the leading orthodontic practices in the USA 10X their business for over a decade. He’s a tea connoisseur, avid reader, traveling and grower of exotic fruits in his permaculture food forest.
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