Braces can be life-changing for your oral health, your confidence, and your long-term well-being. But with the average cost of braces ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 or more, affordability is a major hurdle. Fortunately, flexible braces payment plans can break the financial barrier, helping patients start treatment sooner and enabling providers to improve case acceptance and cash flow.

Whether you’re a dental or orthodontic practice looking to grow your business or a patient trying to manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, understanding your payment options is essential.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The total cost of braces varies depending on the type of braces, the complexity of your case, your location, and your treatment time. Here's a general pricing overview:

• Traditional Metal Braces typically range from $3,000 to $6,000. Traditional braces use stainless steel wires and metal brackets to guide teeth into alignment, and they’re one of the longest-lasting and most affordable options available.
• Ceramic Braces cost between $4,000 and $7,000. These are similar to metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets for a more discreet look.
• Lingual Braces usually range from $8,000 to $10,000+. These correct misalignment by attaching to the back of the teeth, which makes them invisible from the front. However, they tend to have a higher cost due to complexity.
• Invisalign / Clear Aligners range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the number of aligners needed and the length of the treatment plan. These are a popular choice for adults seeking a more aesthetic alternative to traditional braces.

While dental insurance plans may cover part of the braces’ cost, many patients still need to cover out-of-pocket costs — which is where flexible financing options and braces payment plans become essential.

What is a Braces Payment Plan?

A braces payment plan lets patients pay for their orthodontic treatment in installments rather than a lump sum. These plans may be offered directly through orthodontic offices (in-house financing) or via third-party financing providers. Payment terms, interest rates, and credit approval requirements vary, giving patients multiple ways to cover the cost of braces while staying on budget.

Why Braces Payment Plans Matter

Paying for braces in full can be a challenge for many families — especially when juggling other medical expenses, health insurance deductibles, or daily living costs. Braces payment plans offer a solution by spreading the overall cost over time, giving patients access to the care they need and allowing practices to streamline their billing and patient acquisition.

For Patients:

• Makes orthodontic treatment more affordable: Spreading costs into smaller monthly payments helps families stay within budget while still accessing quality dental care.
• Reduces upfront financial burden: Financing braces allows patients to avoid large upfront payments and begin treatment without delay, even if they haven’t saved the full amount.
• Increases flexibility of treatment options: Braces financing allows patients to choose Invisalign, ceramic braces, or lingual braces based on what’s best for them, not just what they can afford immediately.
• Supports better oral health outcomes: Early orthodontic care can prevent more serious issues like gum disease, overbite, underbite, or tooth decay later in life.

For Dental and Orthodontic Practices:

• Boosts treatment acceptance rates: Patients are more likely to say “yes” to a treatment plan when flexible financing plans are available.
• Improves cash flow and revenue: Practices can receive partial or full payment upfront through third-party orthodontic financing platforms.
• Enhances patient experience: Offering multiple payment options shows that your practice cares about accessibility and financial flexibility.
• Attracts more patients: Marketing braces payment plans helps draw in adults and family members who may have postponed treatment due to cost.

What’s Typically Included in a Braces Payment Plan?

Every patient has specific needs and braces payment plans should reflect that. Most are structured to cover the complete process from start to finish. Here's what’s usually included:

Initial Consultation

This first appointment assesses the patient’s orthodontic issues through a clinical exam, x-rays, and digital imaging. The orthodontist outlines potential treatment options, explains the expected treatment time, and provides a breakdown of the cost of treatment.

Custom Treatment Plan

Whether the patient chooses metal braces, clear aligners, or tooth-colored ceramic braces, the plan includes the design, creation, and fitting of the orthodontic appliances. The cost reflects the complexity of the case, age of the patient, and whether extractions or other procedures are required.

Adjustments and Monitoring Visits

Regular check-ups are included to tighten braces, monitor progress, and ensure that the misaligned teeth are shifting as intended. These visits are essential for optimal outcomes and are typically covered within the overall monthly installments.

Retainers

After the active treatment phase, retainers are necessary to maintain alignment and protect the investment. Most plans include at least one set of retainers, which can be either fixed or removable.

Follow-Up Care and Emergency Visits

Some orthodontic offices bundle post-treatment visits and basic repairs (e.g., a broken bracket or wire) into the cost of the braces. Be sure to ask during the initial consultation what’s included in your specific payment plan.

Types of Financing Options for Braces

When it comes to paying for braces, here are the main categories of financing to consider:

1. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Providers

BNPL lenders let patients split the cost of treatment into monthly installments, often with interest-free options and minimal credit approval barriers. These services offer fast applications and instant decisions, making them ideal for younger patients or those with limited credit history.

Note: Great for affordability, speed, and accessibility — especially with no hard credit checks that hurt credit score.

2. In-House Financing

Many orthodontist offices offer their own in-house payment plans. These typically require a down payment and regular monthly payments, sometimes with interest-free terms. Practices maintain full control, but also take on financial risk and administrative overhead.

Note: Personalized, but dependent on the practice’s policies and ability to manage billing.

3. Healthcare Credit Cards

Medical credit cards are designed for healthcare and dental care expenses, offering short-term interest-free financing. However, missed payments may trigger high interest rates retroactively. These options often require a strong credit history and involve a longer approval process.

4. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Patients can use pre-tax dollars from an FSA or HSA to pay for eligible medical expenses, including orthodontic treatment. This reduces the overall cost, but patients must manage reimbursements and adhere to their employer’s plan limits.

Note: Smart tax advantage if funds are available.

5. Dental Insurance Plans

Some insurance policies include orthodontic coverage for eligible in-network practices, especially for children. Patients should review their deductibles, lifetime maximums, and whether clear aligners or adult braces specifically are covered.

Note: Helpful if your insurance provider includes the cost of braces in your plan.

6. Medicaid (for Eligible Patients)

In some states, Medicaid may help cover the cost of orthodontic care for children or teens if medically necessary. Coverage varies, so it’s important to verify with your local Medicaid office.

Note: Critical resource for families with financial hardship.

7. Traditional Credit Cards or Personal Loans

While easy to access at banks and credit unions, these options often come with higher cost, high interest rates, and long-term financial risk. They’re usually a last resort for patients without other alternatives.

Note: Consider only after exploring more flexible or interest-free options.

What Makes a Braces Payment Plan Appealing to Patients?

When choosing how to finance their orthodontic treatment, most patients aren’t just comparing the cost of braces — they’re weighing the overall value, flexibility, and ease of the payment plan itself. Here are the key features that patients typically prioritize:

1. Low or No Down Payment

Many patients — especially those without substantial savings — prefer plans that require little to no down payment. This lowers the barrier to entry and allows them to begin braces treatment without significant upfront costs.

2. Interest-Free or Low-Interest Options

Patients are highly motivated by interest-free plans, particularly when the monthly payments are stretched over several months or even a year. If interest is charged, it needs to be transparent, reasonable, and clearly disclosed. Plans with unclear or high interest rates can be a dealbreaker.

3. Quick and Simple Approval Process

Lengthy applications, hard credit checks, or waiting periods can delay treatment. Patients value instant credit approval or soft credit pulls — especially younger adults or those with limited credit history.

4. Flexible Terms and Installments

Patients want installment plans that fit their financial situation. Whether that’s 3, 6, 12, or even 24 months, offering a range of terms lets them find the right balance between lower monthly installments and a manageable overall cost.

5. Transparency and Predictability

No one likes surprises — especially when it comes to medical expenses. Patients want to know exactly what’s included in the treatment plan, what their monthly payments will be, and whether the plan covers things like retainers, emergencies, or additional visits.

6. Compatibility with Insurance and Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Patients often look for payment options that work in conjunction with their insurance coverage, FSA, or HSA. Plans that are flexible enough to accommodate reimbursements or supplemental payments from insurance companies are more attractive and easier to commit to.

7. No Penalties for Early Payoff

Some patients may want to pay off their balance early if finances improve. They appreciate plans that allow this without hidden fees or early payoff penalties, especially when using third-party financing or in-house payment plans.

Offer Flexible Payment Plans With Cherry

No matter your budget, the right braces payment plan can help you or your patients access the care they need — whether that’s traditional braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners like Invisalign. For practices, offering modern financing plans means more starts, more smiles, and better patient relationships.

Want to offer flexible, interest-free options that your patients can actually afford? Join 40,000 medical providers who partner with Cherry to offer more treatment with flexible loans from 3-60 months, loan amounts up to $50k ($35k for dental), true 0% APR eligibility, and an 80%+ approval rate. Claim your complimentary demo and see how Cherry can transform your practice.