Orthodontic Treatment Cost in St. Louis
It’s a totally fair question, and we’re not going to dance around it. The truth is, the cost of orthodontic treatment depends on a lot of factors that are unique to you. That’s why no blog post, Google search, or online calculator can give you an exact number. But what we can do is give you a realistic idea of what to expect so you feel more prepared when you come in for your free consultation.
Across the country, orthodontic treatment generally falls somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000. That’s a wide range, and there’s a reason for that. A simple case that only needs minor tooth movement is going to cost a lot less than a complex case that involves correcting a bite issue over two years.
Here’s a general idea of what you might see nationally:
Important: These are national averages and they’re meant to give you a ballpark, not a quote. Every smile is different, and the only way to know what your treatment will actually cost is to come in and let us take a look. That’s exactly why we offer a complimentary consultation at every one of our offices. No commitment, no pressure, just real answers.
This is something a lot of people don’t realize: orthodontists and general dentists are not the same thing. Every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist. After completing dental school, orthodontists go through an additional two to three years of specialized residency training focused entirely on how to move teeth and align bites. It’s a big difference.
At Bankhead & Firth Orthodontics, our doctors are board-certified orthodontic specialists. That means they’ve gone above and beyond their residency training to earn certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, which involves rigorous exams and case reviews. It’s a level of expertise that not all providers pursue, and it shows in the quality of care and the results you get.
You might notice that some general dentists offer braces or Invisalign at their office. If you’re comparing prices and see a different quote from a general dentist, it’s worth understanding that the training behind the treatment is very different. Orthodontists spend every single day doing this work. It’s all we do, and that focused experience matters, especially with more complex cases. When it comes to something as important as your smile, seeing a specialist is always a smart move.
You might be wondering why the price range is so wide. At our office, it really comes down to two main factors: the complexity of your case and how long your treatment takes.
The bottom line? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But when you come in for a consultation, we give you a clear, upfront breakdown of what your specific treatment will cost. No surprises.
Here’s something that makes us a little different. At Bankhead & Firth Orthodontics, we’ve made the decision to price all of our treatment options the same. That means braces and Invisalign are the same cost for the same case.
Why? Because we don’t want cost to be the reason you choose one option over another. We want you to pick the treatment that’s the best fit for your lifestyle, your comfort, and your goals, not the one that happens to be cheaper. Your decision should be about what’s right for your smile, not your wallet.
The only time the price might differ between braces and Invisalign is if switching from one to the other changes the complexity of your case. For example, if a particular bite correction would require more aligners or a longer treatment time with Invisalign than it would with braces, that could affect the overall cost. But in most cases, you’re looking at the same investment either way.
If you’re a parent, you might hear us mention something called two-phase treatment. This is when a child benefits from an early round of orthodontic work (Phase 1) while they still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, followed by a second round (Phase 2) once all of their adult teeth have come in.
Phase 1 is usually shorter and more focused, addressing things like a narrow jaw, a crossbite, or creating room for permanent teeth to come in properly. Phase 2 comes later and is the more comprehensive treatment to get everything lined up.
When it comes to cost, two-phase treatment does mean two separate fees. However, each phase individually tends to cost less than a single comprehensive treatment would. Think of it as two smaller investments instead of one larger one. Not every child needs two phases, and some kids do great waiting and starting with one full round of treatment when they’re older. We’ll always recommend the path that makes the most sense for your child and we’ll be upfront about what that looks like financially.
In many cases, yes! If your dental insurance plan includes orthodontic benefits, it will typically cover a portion of your treatment. Most plans with orthodontic coverage will pay somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000 toward your total cost, and many cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces.
At Bankhead & Firth Orthodontics, we work with all insurance companies. Our team will help you understand exactly what your plan covers and make sure every dollar of your benefit gets applied to your treatment. We handle the paperwork so you don’t have to stress about it.
Don’t have orthodontic insurance? That’s okay too. Plenty of our patients don’t, and we have options to make sure cost isn’t what stands between you and a great smile.
We believe everyone deserves a smile they love, and that cost should never be the thing that holds you back. That’s why we do everything we can to keep treatment as affordable as possible.
Here’s how we help:
When you add it all up, most families find that orthodontic treatment is much more affordable than they expected. We’ll work with you to find a plan that fits.
We hear this question a lot, and we get it. Orthodontic treatment is a real investment. But here’s the thing: a healthy, straight smile isn’t just about looks. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to brush and floss, which means fewer cavities and less gum disease down the road. Fixing a bad bite can help with headaches, jaw pain, and even the way you chew your food.
And then there’s the confidence factor. There’s nothing quite like being able to smile without thinking twice about it. Whether you’re a parent looking into treatment for your child, a teenager ready to feel more confident at school, or an adult who’s been putting this off for years, it’s one of those investments that pays off every single day.
The best way to find out exactly what your treatment will cost is to come see us. At your complimentary consultation, our team will evaluate your smile, discuss your options, and walk you through pricing and payment plans. Everything is transparent, straightforward, and built around what works best for you.
We have four convenient locations across the St. Louis area and Southern Illinois, so there’s a Bankhead & Firth office close to you:
Call or text us: 314-843-5553
Schedule online: www.bankheadandfirthortho.com
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Your smile is worth it. Let’s figure out the best plan together.
See you soon! 😄
