Braces cost calculator
Estimate what a course of braces will cost you after any insurance or rebate.
A full course of braces in Australia typically costs $6,000–9,000, with most patients paying around $7,500 (research to 7 Sept 2026). The fee usually covers fitting, all adjustment visits and removal, with retainers afterwards sometimes charged separately. Medicare does not cover orthodontics for adults or children, so extras cover is the only rebate.
Braces cost at a glance
Private-practice fees in local currency. The calculator below starts at the typical figure for the selected country. Select a row to switch country.
- Total before rebate
- $7,900
What affects the cost
- How severe the crowding or bite problem is and how long treatment will take.
- The type of braces: metal, ceramic or lingual, with lingual the most expensive.
- Whether a specialist orthodontist or a general dentist provides treatment.
- Whether extractions or other preparatory work are needed before the braces go on.
- Whether retainers and follow-up visits are included in the fee.
- Whether one or both arches are treated.
How this is calculated
- Total = courses (usually 1) × fee + retainers after treatment.
- Out-of-pocket = total − insurance or rebate.
- Ranges come from fees published by private practices in each country (research to 7 Sept 2026). An examination and written treatment plan are needed for an exact fee.
Insurance and rebates in Australia
There is no Medicare rebate for braces, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule excludes orthodontics. Extras policies with orthodontic cover usually apply a twelve-month waiting period and pay up to an annual or lifetime limit per person, commonly one to three thousand dollars, which is a fraction of the fee. Some insurers let you claim in stages across policy years, so ask how the benefit is paid.
Frequently asked questions
Why do ceramic or lingual braces cost more than metal?
Ceramic brackets are less visible but cost more to make and can break more easily; lingual braces sit behind the teeth and are custom-made, which adds lab cost and chair time. Metal braces are the cheapest and usually the fastest.
Do children need braces before adult teeth are through?
Sometimes an early phase of treatment is advised around age 7 to 10 for bite problems, followed by full braces later. Two phases cost more in total, so ask whether waiting for one phase is a reasonable option.
Are retainers included in the price?
Often the first set is, but not always, and replacements are almost always extra. Retainers are needed for life to keep the result, so budget for them.
What happens if I break a bracket?
Most practices include a small number of repairs in the fee and charge for extra ones. Ask how breakages are handled before you sign.
Is it cheaper to see a general dentist than an orthodontist?
Sometimes, but orthodontists complete extra specialist training and handle complex cases daily. For anything beyond mild crowding, a specialist quote is worth getting even if it is higher.
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Ranges researched to 7 Sept 2026. Last updated 18 Sept 2026. See our methodology.