6 min read · By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics · Costs & Insurance
Short answer: No, orthodontists do not all charge the same for braces. Prices swing based on the type of braces, your case, the office’s location and technology, and what is bundled into the quote. The trick to comparing offices is not finding the lowest number, it is finding out what each number actually includes.
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Why prices are not the same everywhere
If you have called two orthodontic offices and gotten two very different numbers, you are not imagining it. Braces are not a fixed-price product like a gallon of milk. Each office sets fees based on its own costs, technology, and the way it packages treatment. That is normal, and it is actually good news, because it means you can shop for the right fit instead of accepting one take-it-or-leave-it number.
The catch is that a lower price is not automatically a better deal, and a higher one is not automatically better care. What matters is understanding what sits behind the number.
What drives the difference
A handful of factors explain most of the gap between one quote and another:
| Factor | How it affects price |
|---|---|
| Type of braces | Metal is usually the most affordable. Clear or ceramic often costs more, though not always. |
| Case complexity | Longer, more involved cases take more chair time and cost more. |
| Location and overhead | Higher-rent areas carry higher overhead, which can lift prices. |
| Technology and expertise | Advanced tools like 3D imaging and custom aligners can raise the price. |
| What is included | A bundled fee versus itemized add-ons changes the total more than anything else. |
On the braces-type point, here is where offices differ in a way that matters. Many charge more for clear or ceramic braces than for metal. We price clear the same as metal, so choosing the more discreet option does not cost you extra. Clear aligners like Angel Aligners can sit at a different price point depending on the case.
How to compare quotes fairly
This is the part most people skip, and it is where the real money is. When you compare two offices, get both quotes down to the total cost of finishing treatment, then line them up. Ask each office directly:
- Does this price include diagnostic records, X-rays, and scans?
- Are all follow-up visits and adjustments included, or billed separately?
- Are retainers at the end included?
- Is there anything else that could be added later?
A headline price of $2,900 that adds fees for records, adjustments, and retainers can easily end up higher than a bundled $4,500. Once you have apples-to-apples totals, the comparison gets honest. Our guides to braces costs in Texas and costs without insurance can help you set expectations. The American Association of Orthodontists also has neutral guidance on what goes into treatment cost.
The one question that cuts through it all: “What is the total I will pay from today until my retainers, with nothing added later?” Any office should be able to answer that clearly.
What our price includes
We keep our pricing bundled and transparent on purpose, so the number you hear is the number you pay. Our fee covers:
- Diagnostic records, including X-rays, scans, and impressions
- Your full treatment with braces or aligners
- Every follow-up visit and adjustment along the way
- Retainers to hold your new smile in place
Most of our cases fall in the $3,200 to $6,500 range, with no hidden fees, and we offer in-house payment plans and financing to spread it out. You can estimate a monthly payment with our finance calculator before you ever come in.
Do not shop for the lowest quote. Shop for the clearest one. The office that tells you the full number up front is usually the one worth trusting.
Get a clear, no-surprises quote for braces.
Your consultation is free and includes a bundled price with everything spelled out. Compare us with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do all orthodontists charge the same for braces?
No. Fees vary from office to office based on the type of braces, the complexity of your case, location and overhead, the technology used, and, importantly, what is bundled into the quoted price. Two offices can list very different numbers and still be fairly priced once you see what each one includes.
Why is one orthodontist more expensive than another?
Usually it comes down to a mix of factors: a pricier zip code with higher overhead, more advanced technology, a more complex case, or simply a different way of packaging the fee. More expensive does not automatically mean better, and cheaper does not automatically mean a bargain once add-on charges appear.
Are clear or ceramic braces more expensive than metal?
At many offices, yes, clear and ceramic braces cost more than metal. At Elate we price clear braces the same as metal, so you can choose the look you want without a penalty for it.
What should I ask to compare two quotes fairly?
Ask what is included. One office may quote a low headline number, then bill separately for records, adjustments, and retainers, while another bundles all of it. Get both quotes down to the total cost of finishing treatment, then compare those numbers.
Does a higher price mean better orthodontic care?
Not necessarily. Price reflects overhead, technology, and packaging as much as skill. What matters more is the orthodontist’s training, experience with cases like yours, and results. Look at credentials and before-and-after work, not just the fee.
What is included in Elate’s price?
Our pricing is bundled and transparent. It covers diagnostic records like X-rays and scans, the treatment itself with braces or aligners, follow-up visits and adjustments, and retainers to hold your result. Most cases land in the $3,200 to $6,500 range with no hidden fees.
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
1,000+ five-star reviews · 3 offices (two in Frisco, one in The Colony) · D Magazine Best Dentist 2026 · Living Magazine Readers’ Choice 2026
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers’ Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers’ Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
Book a free consultation: 972.538.4343
Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Dr. Baharvand practices at Elate Orthodontics in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, where he and Dr. Julia Kang lead a team focused on airway-friendly, patient-first orthodontic care. Meet Dr. B.
