Braces in Australia typically cost between $6,000 and $16,000 for a full course of treatment, depending on the type of braces and how complex your case is. Traditional metal braces sit at the lower end, ceramic braces cost a little more, and hidden lingual braces sit at the top. This guide explains what drives the price of braces, how the main options compare, and the questions worth asking before you commit. It uses general market ranges rather than any single clinic's fees.
Key takeaways
- Metal braces generally range from about $6,000 to $9,000, ceramic braces from about $6,500 to $10,000, and lingual (hidden) braces from about $11,000 to $16,000.
- Most treatment plans run 12 to 30 months. Longer, more complex cases cost more.
- Many practices offer payment plans, often around $200 to $400 a month, so you do not need the full amount upfront.
- A written quote after an in-person assessment is the only way to know your real cost. Online ranges are a guide.
- The fee usually bundles records, fitting, adjustments, removal and a first set of retainers, but always confirm what is included.
What braces cost by type
The type of appliance is the single biggest factor in the price. The table below shows typical Australian ranges in 2026. Your own quote may fall outside these figures depending on the practice and the complexity of your bite.
| Type | Typical range (AU) | Usual treatment time | Often suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | $6,000 to $9,000 | 18 to 24 months | Most cases, all ages, tighter budgets |
| Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces | $6,500 to $10,000 | 18 to 24 months | Adults wanting a lower-profile look |
| Lingual (behind the teeth) | $11,000 to $16,000 | 18 to 30 months | People who want braces fully hidden |
| Clear aligners | $6,000 to $9,000+ | 6 to 24 months | Mild to moderate crowding or spacing |
Clear aligners are not braces in the traditional sense, but people often weigh them against braces on price, so they are included for comparison. You can read more in our guides to clear aligners versus Invisalign and braces versus aligners for adults.
What actually drives the price
Two people can be quoted very different fees for the same type of braces. The main reasons are:
- Case complexity. Closing a small gap is quicker and cheaper than correcting a deep overbite, a crossbite or significant crowding. More tooth movement means more appointments and a longer plan.
- Treatment time. A 12-month plan involves fewer adjustment visits than a 30-month plan, and that shows up in the fee.
- Who provides it. A specialist orthodontist generally charges more than a general dentist offering orthodontics. The right choice depends on the difficulty of your case.
- Location. Metropolitan practices typically charge more than regional ones.
- Extras. Additional records, some retainers, or replacing lost or broken appliances may sit outside the headline quote.
If crooked teeth are your main concern, our overview of how to straighten crooked teeth walks through the options before you narrow down to braces.
What is usually included in the fee
Most orthodontic quotes are for the whole journey rather than per visit. A typical all-inclusive fee covers the initial records and X-rays, fitting the braces, all the routine adjustment appointments, removing the braces at the end, and a first set of retainers. What often sits outside the quote is a lost or broken retainer down the track, treatment for tooth decay that appears during the plan, and any specialist referrals. Ask for the inclusions in writing so there are no surprises.
What insurance and Medicare cover
Orthodontics is considered a major dental service, so it is not part of basic extras cover. If you hold private health insurance with orthodontic cover, you may be able to claim a set amount each year up to a lifetime limit, which can take a useful slice off the total but rarely covers it in full. Waiting periods usually apply, often around 12 months, so joining just before treatment does not help. Medicare does not fund routine orthodontics, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover braces either. Our guide to what health insurance actually covers explains how annual and lifetime limits work.
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is this an all-inclusive fee, and what specifically is not covered?
- How many months is the plan, and what happens if it runs over?
- What retainers are included, and what do replacements cost?
- Are payment plans interest-free, and what is the deposit?
- Who will see me at each visit, a specialist or a general dentist?
Frequently asked questions
Are metal or ceramic braces cheaper?
Metal braces are usually the most affordable option. Ceramic braces cost a little more because the tooth-coloured brackets are a premium material, but they are less visible.
Do braces cost more than Invisalign?
They can be similar. Simple aligner cases may cost less than braces, while complex aligner cases can cost more. See our Invisalign cost guide for a direct comparison.
Can I pay braces off monthly?
Most practices offer payment plans, commonly around $200 to $400 a month after a deposit. Terms vary, so ask whether the plan is interest-free.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Teeth can be moved at almost any age as long as the gums and bone are healthy. Our article on adult braces covers what changes with age.
Will I need a retainer afterwards?
Yes. Teeth naturally drift back without one. A first set is usually included, and wearing them as directed protects your result. Read more in our guide to retainer types and how long to wear them.
The bottom line
Braces are a considered investment, and the fair price depends on your teeth, not a web page. The best next step is an in-person assessment and a written, itemised quote so you can compare like with like. To ask about a consultation or a written quote, visit our current offers page. This article is general information and not a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist or orthodontist.
