The two routes
Braces vs Invisalign
Both straighten teeth, but they work differently.
Traditional braces
- Metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth, connected by wires
- Gives the orthodontist the most control
- Well suited to complex bites, rotations, and severe misalignment
- Average about 18 to 24 months of treatment
Invisalign and clear aligners
- A series of clear, removable trays that gradually move teeth
- Nearly invisible and removable for eating and brushing
- Depend on wearing them 20 to 22 hours per day
- Often complete in 12 to 18 months for mild to moderate cases
The right choice depends on case complexity and the patient's discipline, not just appearance.
What it costs
How much do braces and Invisalign cost?
Costs vary widely by region, case complexity, and provider. The ranges below reflect 2025 and 2026 US pricing.
| Treatment | Typical US cost range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | $2,750 to $7,500 | Higher in major urban markets |
| Invisalign (adult) | $3,000 to $8,000+ | National average reported around $5,108 (CareCredit, March 2025) |
| Invisalign (teen) | From about $3,000 | Mild to moderate cases |
| Urban high-cost markets | $6,000 to $9,000 | Either treatment type |
| Rural or lower-cost markets | $3,000 to $5,000 | Either treatment type |
The cost gap between braces and aligners has narrowed, so price is rarely the deciding factor. For most people the bigger financial question is how much, if any, insurance will contribute.
The rules
How PPO dental insurance treats orthodontics
Orthodontics is handled very differently from cleanings, fillings, and crowns. A few rules show up again and again across the market.
A separate lifetime maximum, not the annual maximum. Most preventive and restorative care draws down your annual maximum (often $1,000 to $2,000 per year). Orthodontics usually has its own separate lifetime orthodontic maximum, commonly $1,000 to $3,000 per person. Once that lifetime amount is paid out, the plan contributes nothing further toward orthodontics, ever.
50% coinsurance. When orthodontics is covered, the plan typically pays 50% of the cost up to the lifetime cap. The insurer usually pays in installments: an initial amount when the appliance is placed, then periodic payments over the months of treatment.
Age limits. Coverage is most often limited to dependent children under 19. Some employer plans extend to age 26 if the child stays on the plan. Many plans exclude adult orthodontics entirely.
12-month waiting periods. Orthodontic benefits commonly carry a waiting period of 6 to 12 months, and some plans go up to 24 months. If treatment starts during the waiting period, the plan typically pays nothing, even after the period ends. Enroll first, wait out the period, then begin treatment.
Adult orthodontics is rare on individual PPOs. On individual (non-employer) PPO plans, adult orthodontic coverage is uncommon. Most individual plans that include any orthodontic benefit restrict it to dependent children.
Plan comparison
Orthodontic coverage across CoverCapy plans
Orthodontics is rare on individual PPOs, so the list of plans that cover it is short.
| Plan | Orthodontic coverage | Who is eligible | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Dental PPO Premium | Yes | Adults and children | 50% after a 12-month wait. The only adult orthodontic option. |
| Guardian Premier 2.0 | Yes | Dependents under 19 (children only) | 50% after a 12-month wait. |
| UnitedHealthcare | Not covered | n/a | n/a |
| Aetna | Not covered | n/a | n/a |
| Ameritas | Not covered | n/a | n/a |
| Mutual of Omaha | Not covered | n/a | n/a |
| Humana | Not covered | n/a | n/a |
If you are an adult who wants help paying for braces or Invisalign, Delta Dental PPO Premium is the plan to look at, since it is the only option in the lineup that covers adult orthodontics. For a child or teen, both Delta Dental PPO Premium and Guardian Premier 2.0 can apply, each at 50% after a 12-month wait.
Before you start
Tips before you start treatment
- Confirm the lifetime orthodontic maximum. Ask for the exact dollar figure and remember it is a lifetime, not annual, cap.
- Check age eligibility. Many plans cover only dependents under 19. If you are an adult, confirm in writing that adult orthodontics is included.
- Enroll before treatment starts. Because of the 12-month waiting period, beginning braces or aligners before your benefit is active usually means zero coverage for that course of treatment.
- Match the plan to the patient. A child or teen has more plan choices than an adult. Pick the plan around who is actually getting treatment.
- Get the percentage and payment schedule in writing. Coverage is typically 50% paid in installments, so confirm how and when the insurer pays.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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