For many kids’ braces are a necessary, although inconvenient, part of the orthodontic journey.
From crowded teeth to overbites and underbites, there are a number of reasons why your child might need braces. Knowing how much kids’ braces cost helps you know what to expect, and how you can financially plan.
If you’re worried about the cost of braces for kids, Ortho Co. can help. We offer flexible interest-free payment plans so that a dream smile is accessible and stress free.
We’re not just your Sydney orthodontist, we’re your dedicated partners in creating a smile that truly reflects your unique personality.
We understand your life is busy, which is why we offer appointment times designed to seamlessly fit into your schedule.
For now, let’s look at why kids need braces, what the process looks like, and what is the average cost of braces for kids.
When do kids need braces?
In most cases, early orthodontic intervention won’t be necessary.
For braces, it’s best to wait until your child’s full set of adult teeth have come in, which will usually happen around 12 to 13 years old.
That being said, it’s worth taking children aged 8 to 10 to see a kids orthodontist so that their teeth can be assessed, and treatment can be recommended if needed.
This can also help with the all-important question of how much are braces for kids, as more warning helps families to financially plan.
Braces may be recommended earlier than the teenage years if all of your child’s adult teeth have come in early, or if developing problems, like protruding front teeth or impacted teeth, need to be addressed.
Contrary to popular belief, getting braces as an adult isn’t necessarily more expensive than getting braces as a child.
The cost of braces for kids will depend on the condition of the teeth, and the level of correction needed.
For this reason, the price will vary, and isn’t based on age.
However, it is usually more tolerable to have braces as a child. Not only will many of their peers have braces too, but it gets it out of the way early so they can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile as soon as possible.
Signs your child might need braces
Sometimes it’s clear that a child needs orthodontic care, and sometimes it’s less obvious. Here are some things to look out for :
- Overjet (when the top front teeth stick out too far over the bottom teeth) or an underbite (when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth)
- Crossbite (when some top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth)
- Open bite (when the top and bottom front teeth don’t touch, even when the mouth is closed)
- Shifting jaw, which can present as a clicking noise, or you might notice the jaw moves unevenly when they open or close their mouth or when smiling
- Crowded teeth, with teeth that overlap, twist, or are bunched together
- Gaps between teeth, especially if they’re wide or affect speech
- Mouth breathing, which is often linked to jaw development issues
- Thumb sucking or dummy use past the age of 4 or 5, this can affect tooth alignment
- Speech difficulties, which might include lisping or trouble pronouncing certain sounds
- Early or late loss of baby teeth, as the timing can affect how adult teeth come in
- Trouble chewing or biting, as well as discomfort or avoidance of certain foods
- Teeth that don’t come together properly—even if they look straight, the bite may be misaligned
What to expect during the braces process
At the initial consultation, your specialist orthodontist will look at jaw alignment, bite issues, and tooth crowding or gaps.
Following this assessment, your orthodontist will recommend the best type of teeth braces for kids.
Types of braces for kids teeth can include metal, ceramic, or Invisalign.
At this stage, your orthodontist will also give an estimate of how long treatment will take. In most cases, this will be 18-24 months.
This is also when you will receive a quote. Braces can be a big investment, and it’s very common to use a payment plan in order to make it more manageable.
The next appointment will be to have the braces attached. This appointment will take about one hour, and involves cleaning and drying the teeth, gluing small brackets to each tooth, placing wires through the brackets, and then adding small rubber bands to hold it all together.
This is likely to be uncomfortable (but shouldn’t be painful) and your child may complain of pressure or tightness.
From that point on, every 6-8 weeks, your child will need to return for adjustments, including tightening the wires, replacing bands, and generally checking on the progress made.
Every time an adjustment is made, your child may feel some sensitivity. Our specialist orthodontists welcome you to each appointment to chat and discuss your child’s progress.
We believe clear, open communication helps the smile process go more smoothly.
At the end of the treatment period, we will remove the braces, and your child will transition to a retainer.
How often they need to wear the retainer will depend on your orthodontist’s recommendation, but it will often be every night at first, followed by 1-2 nights a week for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight.
We offer a 2 year after care service to ensure you retain your straight teeth. This final step is key in maintaining their new smile.
How much are braces in Australia for kids
There are a few different types of braces for kids’ teeth, which inevitably impacts cost.
The most affordable braces for kids are usually traditional metal braces, but the biggest factor which determines the price you’ll pay is the level of intervention required.
The following table is only a guide to the average cost of braces for kids, and exact prices will vary.
So, how much do braces cost for kids :
| Type of braces | Kids’ braces cost | Notes |
| Traditional metal braces | $7,000 – $9,000 | Most common option |
| Ceramic braces | $7,800 – $10,000+ | Less visible than metal, slightly more expensive, we only stain-resistant DAMON clear braces |
| Lingual braces | $9,500 – $15,000+ | Attached to the back of the teeth, very discreet but often more costly. |
| Clear aligners (like Invisalign) | $5,500 – $8,500 | Removable and discreet. |
| Early interceptive treatment | $3,000 – $4,000 | For younger children with developing teeth, may be followed by full braces later. |
Oral hygiene tips for kids with braces
Braces for kids cost a big chunk of money, and are a big investment for you as a parent. Braces are also a time investment for your child.
Before you begin the braces process, you want to be sure that your child is responsible enough to take care of their teeth.
Here are some ways your child can take special care of their teeth, and make sure the cost of kids’ braces is worthwhile for everyone :
1. Brush twice a day :
Food easily gets stuck in brackets and wires, so it’s important to brush after breakfast and before bed.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush, and brush for 4 minutes at a 45° angle to reach around brackets and along the gumline.
2. Floss daily :
This can be tricky with braces, but it’s still important to clean between teeth. You can use orthodontic flossers, floss threaders, or interdental brushes.
Water flossers can also help flush out food particles and plaque.
3. Rinse with fluoride mouthwash :
A fluoride rinse helps strengthen enamel and prevent decay around brackets. Use once a day, ideally at night, and don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards.
4. Limit sugary or sticky foods :
Sugary, chewy, or crunchy snacks can cause decay and damage braces. You should avoid lollies, caramel, chewing gum, hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and ice, and fizzy drinks—even sugar-free, as they’re still acidic.
5. Keep regular appointments :
Go to all scheduled orthodontic check-ups and continue seeing the general dentist every 6 months for cleaning and monitoring.
6. Orthodontic Care Kit for School :
Pack a small kit with travel toothbrush and toothpaste, floss or flossers, interdental brush, and wax for poking wires. We provide a complimentary braces care kit when you get your braces fitted with Ortho Co.
Choosing the right orthodontist for your child
Choosing the right orthodontist for your child can seem like a daunting task, especially if you didn’t need braces yourself, and haven’t had much to do with orthodontists.
You should look for a specialist that both you and your child feel comfortable with. You’ll be in and out of these offices a lot, and you want it to be as relaxing an experience as possible.
The right orthodontist will be able to give you expert advice not only on braces cost for kids, but also on the right braces age for kids, and any other treatment options you should consider.
As a trusted parramatta orthodontist and kids orthodontist in Sydney, we make the braces journey easier on everyone. With flexible payment plans, modern technology, and a friendly expert team who genuinely cares, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.
Whether it’s their first consultation or final retainer check, your child is in good hands with Ortho Co.
Book your first appointment today, and we’ll take care of the rest.
