Can I get braces if I'm poor?

Asked by: Elinore Keeling  |  Last update: September 11, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (51 votes)

If your family has a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or a state-sponsored low-income insurance program. These programs can provide free braces for your children.

How to get braces if you don't have money?

There are places and programs that will help you get braces for free or cheaper. Look up the smile for a lifetime foundation. You can also call local orthodontists and see if they know any programs. Also, many dental schools offer low cost treatment compared to a regular office.

Who is not eligible for braces?

If you have gum disease, missing teeth or periodontitis, it may not be advisable to have braces. Mild cases of gum disease can be treated, but it's best to book in with your orthodontist to find out more about this and how they can help, as well as any changes you need to do.

What is the lowest you can pay for braces?

The average cost of braces is $5000. However, the cost can range from $3000 to $10000 depending on the severity of your dental problem and the type of braces you choose. Monthly, it could be anything from $80 to $650.

How to fix teeth if you can't afford braces?

The following are seven ways you may be able to straighten your teeth without braces.
  1. Retainers. In most cases, you receive retainers after using braces. ...
  2. Veneers. ...
  3. Invisalign® ...
  4. Dental Bonding. ...
  5. Dental Crowns. ...
  6. Palatal Expanders. ...
  7. Explore Your Options to Straighten Your Smile.

If I Have Missing Teeth, Can I Still Get Braces? | Hillam Orthodontics

44 related questions found

What if I am too poor to get braces?

If your family has a low income, you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), or a state-sponsored low-income insurance program. These programs can provide free braces for your children.

What is the cheapest price for braces?

The cost range for braces can vary greatly for each type:
  • Metal braces (traditional braces): $3,000 - 7,000.
  • Ceramic braces: $4,000 - 8,000.
  • Lingual braces: $8,000 - 10,000.
  • Invisalign: $4,000 - 7,400.

Can people get braces for free?

NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under the age of 18 with a clear health need for treatment. But because of high demand, there can be a long waiting list. A rating system called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is used to assess eligibility for NHS treatment.

What happens if you can't afford your braces?

Talk to your orthodontist about payment options

They may offer adjusted payment plans, discounts, or other options if insurance was helping cover the cost and is no longer available.

Are braces free with insurance?

Braces are typically covered by dental insurance, but there can be exceptions. In some cases, medical insurance might cover braces if they are deemed medically necessary. This means braces are needed to correct a problem that affects your overall health, not just the appearance of your teeth.

What disqualifies you from braces?

Gum disease. Oral cancer. Certain medications such as high blood pressure meds, antihistamines, or anti-depressants. Other chronic diseases.

When is it too late for braces?

But teeth continue to shift as we age, so there's never a time when braces won't work. Braces adjust teeth by putting pressure on them, and this pressure works even after bones have stopped growing. It takes longer to straighten teeth in adults because bones are more solid. Still, braces are effective at any age.

Why do people get denied for braces?

2. Orthodontics. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, many payers deny coverage due to the cost and complexity of the procedure. Orthodontic treatment is often considered cosmetic in nature, and many insurance plans do not provide coverage for it.

Can the government pay for your braces?

Many times, Medicaid covers dental care and orthodontic services, like braces, when they are deemed medically necessary for your child. Medicaid will typically cover children 21 and under with orthodontic needs, that are deemed medically necessary.

How much do braces cost each month?

The total cost of braces is $5,991, on average, according to the American Dental Association. So if you wore braces for 24 months, that would be about $250 per month.

Can you just ask for braces?

No. Most orthodontists don't require a dental referral.

How to get braces with no money?

Five Ways to Pay for Braces
  1. Organize a Payment Plan. Most people don't pay for their braces in one lump payment. ...
  2. Contact Your Insurance Company. If you have health insurance, then contact your company and find out what's covered under your plan. ...
  3. Join a Dental Plan. ...
  4. Investigate Government Programs. ...
  5. Dental Charities.

Do braces have to be paid in full?

If you haven't budgeted or saved for braces, there are a number of ways to pay, including payment plans and loans. Payment plans: Some orthodontists offer payment plans that allow you to pay off the cost in regular installments.

How low can braces cost?

The cost of braces will change based on a few factors. As we have explored, the kinds and costs of teeth alignment solutions vary significantly. Whether you go with traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners, teeth straightening can cost anywhere from $1,895 to more than $10,000.

What happens if you can't afford braces?

Talk with your orthodontist about setting up a payment plan to help spread the cost out over a longer period of time. Other options are the use of an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account) to help afford orthodontic procedures, such as metal braces or Invisalign.

What is the age limit for braces?

Regardless of your age, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Age is rarely a deciding factor for orthodontic treatment. While your orthodontist will consider many variables when developing your customized treatment plan, it can be as successful for adults as it is for adolescents.

What is cheaper than braces?

Average cost: $6000

Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional braces due to its inconspicuous nature and comparable cost, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 in the US. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign to the same extent as braces, and payment plans are often available.

Do insurances cover braces?

Typically, orthodontic treatment like braces is covered because it's considered a medically necessary procedure to correct dental issues. However, there may be certain restrictions or limitations, so it's essential to understand your plan's details.

Why is getting braces so expensive?

The material costs of braces is expensive

Clear braces cost more to fabricate than metal braces because the material is harder to obtain, and the process is more labor-intensive. Whenever a product costs more to make, the cost is passed on to the consumer, in this case, the patient.

How long do braces stay on?

Average Wear Time for Braces

Traditional metal braces: Patients typically wear traditional metal braces for 12-36 months, with an average duration of around 24 months.