How Much Do Braces Cost In Australia? 2025 Price Guide

A straight smile is a healthy smile; however, it can also come at a cost. For those of us not born with straight, even teeth, orthodontics like braces are generally the most suitable option. Particularly for children and young adults, braces are typically used for those who have misalignments, bite concerns, or gaps from where new adult teeth have come in. So, how much does it cost to get braces in 2025? For parents and those considering adult braces, we’ve put together this price guide to outline overall costs to give you a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay for orthodontic treatment.

At Glow Orthodontics, we price our treatments based on the orthodontic work required and the patient’s circumstances.

For children, early treatment full fees for braces will range from $1,700 - $5,000 – we also provide interest-free payment plans at $150 - $270 a month over 12 months.

For adults, minor orthodontic treatment fees range from $2,500 - $4,000 for treatment lengths of 3-6 months. For more extensive orthodontic treatment (full braces of Invisalign clear aligners), costs are between $9,500 - $10,950. We also have interest-free-payment plans over a 24 month period.

Everyone’s treatment circumstances are different, which means that prices will vary from person to person – you can always get in touch with our team and we’ll discuss treatment options/prices over the phone or following a consultation.

Different types of braces & cost guides

As mentioned, there are many factors that go into the overall cost of braces that will be determined during consultation with your orthodontist. However, the type of braces chosen will give an indication of how much you can expect to spend on braces.

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces are the most popular type of dental braces because they deliver consistent results across different conditions and age groups. Consisting of metal brackets placed on the outside of each tooth and connected through a thin metal wire that is continuously adjusted, teeth are slowly shifted into the desired positions.

Costs for traditional metal braces can vary between $6,000 and $11,000 in 2025, depending on the duration of treatment and the clinic’s location. For instance, it’s reported that Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in Australia for orthodontics.

Treatment typically takes between 6 months to 3 years. Based on the starting position of your teeth, your orthodontist will provide an accurate estimation of how long you’ll need metal braces for – ensuring your teeth are protected from damage and to make the process as painless as possible.

Clear and ceramic braces

For a visually discreet option, ceramic/clear braces are a popular option among teens and adults looking for a subtle way to straighten their teeth that is just as effective as traditional metal braces.

In 2025, ceramic or clear braces can cost between $7,000 and $12,000. While the process of ceramic braces is the same as traditional metal braces, the slight increase in cost is due to the more expensive and delicate ceramic materials. Ceramic/clear braces cannot handle as much pressure for long periods of time – meaning your braces will have to be tightened at a slower rate. The overall treatment time frame for ceramic braces ranges between 1 to 3 years.

Lingual braces

Invisible from the front, lingual braces are attached to the inside of the teeth, hiding the braces almost entirely. For the same reasons as ceramic braces, teens and adults gravitate towards lingual braces for their concealed aesthetic.

Lingual braces are the most expensive braces option, ranging between $9,000 and $17,000. This is because the brackets are customised for each individual to suit their teeth,and the treatment time is typically longer than metal and ceramic braces. Bonded to the inside of your teeth as opposed to the outside, lingual braces will take 1 to 3 years to adjust and may require more frequent appointments at the orthodontist.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are fast becoming one of the most popular alternatives to braces due to their almost complete invisibility, fewer dental visits, and more overall comfort.

Custom shaped to each individual and their teeth alignment, removable clear aligners work to gradually shift the position of teeth. Instead of seeing an orthodontist to tighten the wire braces, a new “tray” is swapped out to shift your teeth – making it easier to floss and brush your teeth which provides more control over oral hygiene!

Clear aligners can be a cost effective alternative to braces, and can cost between $2,500 and $11,000, depending on the misalignments, and the length of treatment required. The cost of clear aligners is determined on a case by case basis as you’ll be given a number of “trays” which will have a new shape that shifts the teeth. As treatment duration increases and more trays are required, the costs involved may increase.

Why are some braces more expensive than others?

Depending on the materials used, level of customisation, and duration of treatment, some braces are more expensive than others.

For example, ceramic/clear braces and lingual braces are both more subtle options for straightening teeth. However, lingual braces are typically more expensive due to the high level of customisation required for a snug fit on the inside of your teeth.

On the other hand, ceramic/clear braces use pre-made brackets available in a range of sizes, which are selected and fitted to the individual. The more customisation required, the higher the cost.

Which type of braces are most effective?

All types of braces have proven success in achieving a straight, healthy smile – however, the effectiveness of the braces chosen will come down to individual needs and goals.

Metal braces are both cost and time effective, however, there is no hiding them! If you want a more subtle approach, – ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners are all great alternatives. Ceramic braces are certainly more cost effective than lingual braces and in terms of time, there isn’t much difference. However, while ceramic braces are less obvious than metal – lingual braces are almost invisible. Clear aligners have the allure of being cost effective, time efficient, and extremely subtle – however, these factors are all dependent on the individual, their initial teeth alignment, and oral hygiene maintenance.

Each type of braces has its set of pros and cons, and therefore, no one type will fit the needs of every patient. Therefore, it's important to discuss all types of braces to make the best decision for your smile! To learn more about our orthodontic treatments at Glow Orthodontics, get in touch with our friendly team today.