Key Insights
- Braces in Australia typically cost between $6,000 and $9,000 for a full course of treatment, depending on the type and how complex the case is.
- Medicare generally does not cover orthodontic treatment for adults. A limited child benefit may apply in specific cases — covered in detail below.
- Ceramic and lingual braces usually cost $1,500–$3,000 more than traditional metal braces.
- Payment plans such as Afterpay, Zip, and the National Dental Plan can spread the total cost into weekly or fortnightly instalments.
- For some minor alignment cases, an alternative like the Inman Aligner can cost less than full braces.
Braces in Australia typically cost between $6,000 and $9,000 for a full course of treatment. The exact price depends on the type of braces you choose, how complex your case is, and how long treatment takes. Below is a full breakdown, including what Medicare will and won't cover, and why orthodontic treatment costs what it does in Australia.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Australia?
The price depends mainly on the type of braces:
|
Braces Type |
Typical Cost (AUD) |
|
Traditional metal braces |
$6,000 – $8,000 |
|
Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces |
$7,000 – $9,000 |
|
Lingual braces (behind the teeth) |
$9,000 – $12,000 |
|
Inman Aligner (minor cases only) |
$2,500 – $4,500 |
Metal braces remain the most affordable option and are often the fastest for correcting significant alignment issues. Ceramic braces cost more because the brackets are less visible but need more careful handling. Lingual braces sit at the top of the price range because they're custom-made and require specialist placement.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Australia With Medicare?
For most people, Medicare does not cover braces. Orthodontic treatment falls outside Medicare's general dental exclusions, which apply to both children and adults in almost all cases.
The one exception is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides eligible families with capped dental benefits for children aged 0–17. However, CDBS is intended for general and preventive dental work — it does not extend to full orthodontic treatment like braces, and any benefit used elsewhere reduces what's left for other dental care.
In practice, this means most patients — children and adults alike — need to budget for braces as an out-of-pocket cost, supported by a private health fund extras policy or a payment plan.
Why Are Braces So Expensive in Australia?
Several factors combine to set the price of orthodontic treatment:
- Specialist involvement. Many braces cases involve a qualified orthodontist, whose training and expertise add to the fee.
- Treatment length. Most courses run 12–24 months, with a paid check-up every 4–6 weeks throughout.
- Custom materials. Brackets, wires, and retainers are fitted specifically to each patient's teeth, not mass-produced.
- Ongoing monitoring. The cost covers the entire treatment journey, not just the initial fitting — including adjustments and the final retainer phase.
None of this means the price is fixed. Getting a written quote after an in-person assessment is the only reliable way to know your actual cost, since case complexity affects price more than any other single factor.
How Can You Make Braces More Affordable?
A few practical options can reduce the amount you pay upfront:
- Payment plans. Providers offering payment plans such as Afterpay, Zip, or the National Dental Plan let you spread the cost over weekly or fortnightly instalments rather than paying in full at the start.
- Health fund extras cover. Many private health funds offer a set annual or lifetime orthodontic benefit — check your policy before treatment starts, not after.
- Consider your case complexity. For minor alignment issues only, a shorter treatment like the Inman Aligner can be a faster and lower-cost option than full braces.
- Ask for a written quote first. A proper in-person assessment avoids surprise costs partway through treatment.
How My Smile Doctors Approaches Orthodontic Pricing in Parramatta
We've treated Parramatta patients for over 23 years, and the most common source of frustration we hear about braces isn't the price itself — it's not knowing the price until partway through treatment. Our approach is to assess your case in person and provide a written quote before anything is fitted, so the number you're told at the start is the number you pay.
This sits alongside our full range of general and cosmetic dentistry services, so patients considering braces can also ask about alternatives like the Inman Aligner or cosmetic options in the same visit, rather than being referred elsewhere for a second opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do braces hurt when they're first put on? A: Most patients feel pressure or mild soreness for 2–3 days after braces are fitted or adjusted, not sharp pain. Soft foods and a saline rinse usually help. If pain is severe or lasts longer than a week, it's worth getting checked in case something needs adjusting.
Q: How long do braces take to work in Australia? A: Most courses of treatment run 12–24 months, depending on how much movement is needed. Minor cases can finish sooner; more complex bite corrections can take longer. Your orthodontist will give you a realistic timeframe after an initial assessment.
Q: Is Invisalign cheaper than braces in Australia? A: Not usually — Invisalign and similar clear aligners often cost a similar amount to ceramic braces, sometimes more, because of the custom-made aligner trays. The right choice depends more on your case complexity and lifestyle than price alone.
Q: Can adults get braces on Medicare in Australia? A: No. Medicare does not cover orthodontic treatment for adults under any general scheme. The only Medicare-linked benefit, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, applies to eligible children and doesn't cover full braces treatment either.
Q: What happens if I stop paying for my braces halfway through treatment? A: This depends on your provider's payment terms, but treatment is usually paused if payments stop, since ongoing adjustments are part of what you're paying for. This is exactly why getting a clear, written cost breakdown before starting matters — ask about this directly before you begin.
The Bottom Line
Braces in Australia typically cost $6,000–$9,000, Medicare won't cover the cost for the vast majority of patients, and the price mainly comes down to the type of braces and how complex your case is. A written quote after an in-person assessment, paired with a payment plan if needed, is the most reliable way to plan for the cost. You can find more cost breakdowns like this on our dental blog. If you'd like a personal quote, book a consultation with My Smile Doctors in Parramatta.
Written by My Smile Doctors, Parramatta Dental Clinic