Affordable Braces in Virginia Beach: A Parent's Guide to Orthodontic Costs

We get asked that question a lot as pediatric dentists and an orthodontic practice in Virginia Beach, VA. Unfortunately, we have to answer that question with everyone's least favorite answer, “It depends.”

The costs of braces depend on many factors and can vary widely. No two patients are alike, and even a family with multiple teenagers can face different costs. 

Let’s break down the costs and the factors that influence them, as well as some ways of paying. But first…

“Are braces even worth it?”

Many Americans will wear braces at some point in their lives, if not during their teenage years. One source estimated that 50 to 70% of American children undergo braces, and many kids feel self-conscious or insecure about them. 

But—and this is a very big “but”—braces will serve your kid in the long run. Braces create a straightened, attractive smile that radiates confidence. 

When we work with families, we stay with them for years. We love seeing shy kids go from self-conscious teenagers to confident, self-assured young adults. This extraordinary transformation typically only takes one to two years but will benefit them for the rest of their lives. 

“Dr. Sarah makes getting braces fun and painless for kids. Her staff are the absolute friendliest people ever! You can tell they take good care of each other, which reassured me that they will take good care of my family, too (and they do). Hands down the best "medical experience" I have ever been a part of.”

- Alison Scott, satisfied client patient and mother.

Aside from the obvious appearance benefits, braces also improve kids’ overall oral health! 

That is their primary purpose, after all, to improve your kid's oral health so they can live a happier, healthier life. It just gets overshadowed by the marvelous smiles. 

Braces can correct overbites and underbites. They can also fix overcrowding and misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth can cause a person a lot of problems throughout their life. The awkward positioning of misaligned teeth can make it hard to brush and contribute to a bacteria haven, which can lead to bigger, more expensive problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. 

Over time, if left untreated, misaligned teeth can lead to serious chronic jaw pain. 

So yes, braces are worth it. If not for the self-esteem and confidence boost or the improvement in oral health, then for the prevention of more costly treatments later in life. 

“Who would have thought walking into an orthodontist's office would make you feel like family? The personalized care is beyond measure from Rachel and Tish, who always greets you with a beautiful smile and is incredibly patient and accommodating, to Christina, who just goes above and beyond and is amazing at her craft (genuinely cares about the whole person), to Kayla who is also very skillful and so empathetic in her approach. Then there is Dr.Sarah who is a life changer and has my shy teen smiling again, which warms my heart.”

- Amanda Kubin, satisfied client patient and mother. 

As of 2025, the average cost of braces in Virginia ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. 

That’s a pretty wide range. What goes into that? There are three major factors

1. The Type of Braces: We offer a wide variety of braces, each with their own advantages and special uses. But we’ll explore more of that later. 
2. The Complexity of the Case: We’ve seen a lot of diverse cases. Most kids have some misalignments and a minor bite issue, if that. However, more severe misalignments or bite issues will require more time and/or specialized equipment.
3. The Duration of the Braces: Most teenagers will have braces for one to two years, maybe three. Longer treatments are generally more expensive, which goes back to the case's complexity. 

What are the costs for different types of braces? 

The Classic Metal Braces. 

Metal braces are the most cost-effective orthodontic treatment, as is tried and true. The other treatments we’ll explore use special techniques or pricier equipment to be less noticeable. 

The biggest drawback of metal braces is how noticeable they are. So we decided to lean into that. Our metal braces are customizable with different color brackets and elastics. If they’re going to be noticeable, you might as well express your personality! 

We're mothers, sisters, and daughters, but we’ve all been teenagers (some of us now with teenagers of our own). We remember that uniquely vulnerable time in our development. Where every little social faux pas feels like a life-and-death situation. Letting kids incorporate their own personalities into their braces can make all the difference!

Estimated range for traditional metal braces: $3,000 to $7,500.

The New kid on the block: Clear Braces

Clear Braces are very similar to classic metal braces. It’s the same underlying principle: brackets connect wires across a row of teeth to straighten it. However, these brackets are made of a transparent or tooth-colored ceramic material. These braces blend in with your natural smile. 

However, this specialized material incurs a slightly higher cost. Estimated range for clear/ceramic braces: $2,000 to $8,500.

What’s Hiding Behind your teeth? Lingual Braces!

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces but perform their magic from behind your teeth. So when you smile or talk, nobody will notice them. 

These braces are designed for comfort. They follow a flat, smooth design precisely crafted for your mouth. The brackets and wires are much smaller and thinner. Of course, with any braces, they will take a week or two to get used to. 

Lingual braces are very popular among adults, but they are available to teenagers as well. Estimated range for lingual braces: $5,000 to $13,000.

Finally, Invisalign is like no other Type of Braces!

Invisalign straightens your teeth through a different guiding principle. Instead of gluing brackets to your teeth, Invisalign uses a series of retainers. These are custom-made aligners that gently and gradually adjust your teeth to the ideal spot. 

No wires, no brackets. Every two weeks or so, you just need to pop out one set of aligners for a new one. They are practically invisible, helping you focus on doing what you do best— being yourself!

However, this advantage can also be a con. Since these aligners are removable, the responsibility is on you to keep them in. You need to wear them for about 20 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. They also require more frequent check-ups and adjustments. Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.

“I just started my Invisalign process, but from the minute I sent in a request to schedule a consult, the entire team has been nothing short of amazing. The staff is beyond welcoming and so personable, the latest technology, and they’ve made me enjoy coming to the dentist.” 

- Tanna James

No matter your budget, we have payment options just for you!

Firstly, we highly recommend checking your insurance coverage. Some dental policies cover up to 50% of the cost of braces for children under 18 up to the lifetime maximum. However, braces coverage is much less common for adults, and we know that insurance policies can vary widely. We will check with your dental insurance company for orthodontic benefits.

Secondly, orthodontic treatments can be paid for with pre-tax accounts such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

Thirdly, many providers offer in-house payment plans. We believe nothing should stand between you and your best smile. That's why we offer a range of flexible payment options. We can work with you to create a payment plan that will meet your needs and fit within your budget. To do that, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan. Then, we’ll share all available payment plan options. We’ll be as transparent as possible so you can make the right choice for you. 

Lastly, see if your orthodontics offers any discounts. Some may offer discounts for patients who pay the entire bill upfront. Others may offer discounts for families with multiple children in need of braces. 

Regardless of who you choose as your children's orthodontist in Virginia Beach, always ask about their payment and financing options. For more help finding your ideal dentist, read our blog: How to find the best children’s dentist in Virginia Beach. 

What should you do in case of an orthodontic emergency? 

Life happens, and sometimes, braces get broken. 

When you first get your braces on, you should expect them to cause general soreness. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, but it usually subsides within a few days. However, if soreness crops up later on, then that’s a sign of a possible underlying problem. 

It might be something minor like poking wires (which can be temporarily fixed with orthodontic wax). Or it might risk the whole progress of your treatment, such as with loose appliances!

We are just a phone call away and can quickly schedule an emergency visit. Because we’re here to help you throughout the entire braces journey!

You are never too old to achieve your dream smile! 

We offer a wide range of orthodontic services for kids and grown-ups alike. 

You deserve a beautiful, confident smile regardless of your age or what you’ve been through. 

“For years, I believed that my perfect smile was unattainable, but Dr. Sarah made what I could have only dreamed about a reality!”

- Tameka Weaver. 

Let’s find your perfect smile. Start your journey with a no-pressure consultation.