How Much Do Braces and Invisalign Cost in Australia?

Full treatment with metal braces usually costs $5,000 to $9,000 in Australia. Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces cost about $6,000 to $10,000, and clinic-supervised clear aligners such as Invisalign cost about $4,500 to $9,500. The final price depends mostly on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes.

Here's what each option costs and how to plan for it.

Orthodontic costs at a glance

• Metal braces, full treatment: $5,000 to $9,000
• Ceramic braces, full treatment: $6,000 to $10,000
• Clear aligners, clinic supervised: $4,500 to $9,500
• Lingual braces (behind the teeth): usually at the top of the range
• Retainers: $200 to $800
• Initial consultation with records: $0 to $450

Prices verified November 2026. Source: What's the Damage orthodontist cost guide.

How long does treatment take?

Minor or limited treatment can take around 3 to 6 months. Full treatment usually takes 12 months to more than 30 months, depending on how much the teeth need to move. Longer, more complex treatment costs more.

What's usually included in the price

Most orthodontists quote a single fee for the whole course of treatment. Ask whether it includes:

• Your consultation, x-rays and scans
• All adjustment appointments
• Replacement aligners or repairs if a bracket breaks
• Retainers at the end of treatment
• Follow-up visits after the braces come off

Retainers matter. Without them, teeth can move back, so budget for them if they're not included.

Braces or clear aligners?

Metal braces are usually the most affordable and work well for complex cases. They're fixed in place, so there's nothing to remember.

Ceramic braces work like metal braces but are less noticeable. They cost a little more.

Clear aligners are removable and almost invisible. They suit mild to moderate cases, but you need to wear them about 22 hours a day for them to work.

Your orthodontist will tell you which options suit your teeth.

Does Medicare or private health cover braces?

Medicare doesn't cover orthodontic treatment for adults. Some private health extras policies include orthodontics, but they usually have:

• A waiting period, often 12 months
• A lifetime limit for orthodontics, which may only cover part of the cost

Check your policy's orthodontic limit and waiting period before you start.

Ways to make orthodontic treatment more affordable

1. Get two or three opinions. Fees vary between practices.
2. Ask about payment plans. Many orthodontists let you pay a deposit and spread the rest over the treatment.
3. Check your extras cover and plan treatment around waiting periods.
4. Ask about clear aligners through your dentist for mild cases.
5. Look at dental school clinics, which may offer reduced fees.

Spreading the cost of braces

If a payment plan doesn't cover the full amount, a personal loan is one option. Jingle's dental loans range from $500 to $10,000, with fixed repayments and no early repayment fees. Only borrow if the repayments fit your budget. Approval is not guaranteed.

For other dental costs, see our guide to how much dental work costs in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

How much do braces cost in Australia?

Full treatment with metal braces usually costs $5,000 to $9,000. Ceramic braces cost about $6,000 to $10,000.

How much is Invisalign in Australia?

Clinic-supervised clear aligners such as Invisalign usually cost $4,500 to $9,500, depending on how complex your case is.

Are braces cheaper than Invisalign?

Often, but not always. Metal braces are usually the most affordable option, while clear aligners can cost about the same for simple cases.

Does private health insurance cover braces?

Some extras policies do, up to a lifetime limit and after a waiting period, often 12 months. Medicare doesn't cover adult orthodontics.

How much do retainers cost?

Usually $200 to $800. Ask if they're included in your treatment fee.

Sources

• What's the Damage: Orthodontist cost Australia 2026 (prices verified November 2026)