Orthodontics in Austin, TX
Braces and clear aligners for children, teens, and adults, with published starting prices and a written treatment plan.
Braces from $3,500|Invisalign $3,900
Flexible monthly payment options are available through third-party financing providers, subject to approval.
Introductory offer: comprehensive braces $2,950 paid in full, for the first 100 patients, through December 15, 2026.
Pricing is for eligible uninsured and cash-pay patients and cannot be combined with insurance benefits. See how insurance works at AIDM®
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ravikumar Anthony, Chair and Program Director of Orthodontics, Austin Institute of Dental Medicine. Last reviewed September 22, 2026.
- Board-certified orthodontic faculty
- CODA Accreditation Status: Initial Accreditation
- Multiple specialties under one roof
- Open 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday
What Orthodontic Treatment Costs in Austin
At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM®), comprehensive braces start at $3,500, Invisalign® clear aligners are $3,900 and early orthodontic treatment for children is $2,500.
These are published package prices for qualifying cases. Your written treatment plan will confirm the applicable package, included services, and any additional clinically necessary care before treatment begins.
Fixed braces
Comprehensive braces
from $3,500
Introductory offer: $2,950 when paid in full, for the first 100 patients, through December 15, 2026.
A complete fixed-braces package with coordinated orthodontic care from active treatment through standard retention.
What’s included
- Comprehensive braces treatment
- Routine orthodontic adjustment visits
- Appliance removal
- Standard orthodontic retention
- Care coordinated throughout treatment
Applies to standard, comprehensive traditional bracket cases. Complex cases, clear aligner therapy or phase-one interceptive orthodontics may incur additional fees. The $2,950 introductory fee requires payment in full and cannot be combined with financing.*
Clear aligners
Invisalign® clear aligners
$3,900
A discreet, removable option personalized to your smile and supported by routine professional monitoring.
What’s included
- Personalized clear-aligner treatment
- Standard aligner laboratory materials
- Routine orthodontic visits
- Treatment completion and appliance removal
- Standard orthodontic retention
Applies to Invisalign® clear aligner cases. Complex cases or phase-one interceptive orthodontics may incur additional fees. Offer ends December 15, 2026.*
Children
Early orthodontic treatment for children
$2,500
Focused orthodontic care for growing children, where early treatment may help guide dental development.
What’s included
- Limited early orthodontic treatment
- Routine treatment visits
- Growth-appropriate treatment planning
- Retention when included in the treatment plan
- Care based on the child’s stage of dental development
Standalone appliances and services outside the approved early-treatment plan are priced separately. Offer ends December 15, 2026.*
More on early orthodontic care for children on our pediatric dentistry page.
How Patients Pay for Orthodontic Treatment
Flexible monthly payment options are available through third-party financing providers, subject to approval. During your evaluation, our team will review available payment options and provide a written treatment plan and fee.
Does insurance cover braces and Invisalign®?
Many PPO dental plans include an orthodontic benefit, often as a lifetime maximum rather than an annual one, and frequently covering a percentage of treatment up to that cap.
Plans accepted include Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, GEHA, Humana, MetLife and UnitedHealthcare. Our insurance coordinator verifies your specific benefit before treatment begins, explains what is covered in writing and files claims on your behalf. Full detail on our insurance and financing page.
If you have orthodontic coverage, we will work out whether the insurance benefit or the cash-pay package leaves you paying less, and tell you which one it is.
Other ways to pay
Cherry offers monthly payment plans with no hard credit check and 0% APR options, with a payment calculator on our insurance and financing page. CareCredit is also accepted. HSA and FSA funds can be used, along with cash, check and all major credit cards.
AIDM® also runs a membership plan for patients without insurance.
For Parents: Does My Child Need Orthodontic Treatment Now?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age seven. That does not usually mean braces at seven. It means an orthodontist can see how the jaw and permanent teeth are developing, and tell you whether to treat now or simply watch.
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
Around age seven, when enough permanent teeth have come through to show how the bite is developing. Most children assessed at this age need nothing immediately. The value is knowing that, rather than guessing.
“At age seven, I am not looking for a reason to put every child into braces. I am looking at how the jaws are developing, how the permanent teeth are erupting, whether there is enough space, and whether problems such as crossbites, ectopic eruption, significant crowding or skeletal discrepancies are developing. We treat early when there is a clear advantage to acting during growth or eruption; otherwise, we monitor and wait.”
Dr. Ravikumar Anthony, Chair and Program Director of Orthodontics
Even when no treatment is needed, an early examination can reveal missing or extra teeth before they become obvious to a parent.
Does my child really need early treatment?
Sometimes, and often not. Early or Phase 1 treatment is worth doing when there is a specific problem to solve, such as a crossbite, a significant jaw discrepancy, a harmful habit, a severe space problem or a tooth erupting in the wrong path. Where those are not present, waiting until more permanent teeth arrive is usually the better plan.
An early evaluation does not automatically mean early braces, and Phase 1 treatment does not always remove the need for treatment later. We will tell you which situation your child is in.
What happens if we wait?
For most children, nothing is lost by waiting. Routine crowding and many alignment problems can wait until more permanent teeth have erupted. For a smaller group, waiting means a problem that could have been guided while the jaw was still growing has to be corrected later with more complex treatment.
“The key question is not whether we can treat early, but whether treating early gives the child a meaningful advantage.”
Dr. Ravikumar Anthony, Chair and Program Director of Orthodontics
Is Invisalign® suitable for teenagers?
Often yes. Clear aligners work well for teenagers who will wear them for the 20 to 22 hours a day treatment requires. For a teenager who is unlikely to keep them in, fixed braces produce a more predictable result because they do not depend on remembering anything. Read more about Invisalign® at AIDM®.
For Adults: Braces or Invisalign®?
Both work, and neither is automatically better for every patient. The right choice depends on the tooth movements you need, your bite, the health of your gums and bone, how predictable those movements are with each appliance, and whether you will wear aligners the 20 to 22 hours a day they require.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
No. Teeth move at any age. Adult treatment can take a little longer because the bone is denser, and existing crowns, bridges or gum conditions need to be planned around. None of that rules treatment out.
Which one is actually better for you
| Traditional braces | Invisalign® clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical indication | Comprehensive correction of alignment and bite, including complex cases. | Comprehensive orthodontic treatment in appropriately selected cases, particularly when esthetics and removability are priorities and consistent wear can be expected. |
| Appearance | Visible. Ceramic options may be less noticeable. | Nearly invisible. |
| Removable | No. Removed only by a clinician. | Yes, by the patient. |
| Depends on patient cooperation | Less dependent on appliance-wear compliance because braces remain attached; cooperation may still be needed with elastics, hygiene, appointments and avoiding breakage. | Yes. Typically requires 20 to 22 hours of wear per day as directed. |
| Control over tooth movement | Precise control across a broad range of tooth movements and bite corrections. | Effective for many tooth movements and comprehensive cases. Some movements may be less predictable or require auxiliaries, refinements or an alternative approach. |
| Typical treatment time | Often 12 to 24 months; treatment time depends on case complexity, treatment goals and patient cooperation. | Often 12 to 24 months; treatment time depends on case complexity, treatment goals and patient cooperation rather than appliance type alone. |
| Eating and cleaning | Some dietary limitations. Cleaning around brackets requires additional attention. | Removed for meals and cleaning, so there are no appliance-related dietary restrictions while eating. |
| Adjustment to speech | Usually minimal. | Mild temporary speech changes are possible. |
| AIDM® fee | From $3,500. Introductory offer $2,950 when paid in full, for the first 100 patients, through December 15, 2026. | $3,900, through December 15, 2026. |
| Often a good choice when… | Precise control is important, the case involves complex tooth movement or bite correction, or consistent removable-appliance wear may be difficult. | Esthetics and removability are priorities, the required movements are well suited to aligner biomechanics, and consistent wear can be expected. |
This comparison is general information and is not a treatment recommendation. The most appropriate appliance depends on the individual diagnosis, treatment goals, movements required, bite relationship, gum and bone health, and patient cooperation. Treatment time and outcome vary by case. Fees shown are AIDM® package prices for eligible uninsured and cash-pay patients, and the final treatment plan and fee are confirmed after a complete clinical evaluation. Reviewed by Dr. Ravikumar Anthony.
“I recommend the appliance that gives us the most predictable path to the treatment goal. If I believe the required movements would be substantially more predictable with fixed appliances, or if reliable full-time aligner wear is unlikely, I would recommend braces even if the patient initially preferred aligners.”
Dr. Ravikumar Anthony, Chair and Program Director of Orthodontics
More on Invisalign® at AIDM®.
What Happens During Treatment
Your evaluation gives you an estimated timeline in writing before you commit.
How long will braces take?
Commonly 12 to 24 months. The length depends on how far the teeth have to move and whether the bite itself needs correcting, not just the appearance of the front teeth.
Are braces painful?
Patients commonly experience pressure or soreness for several days after braces are placed and briefly following some adjustments. Most people manage with over-the-counter pain relief and soft food for that period. Aligners tend to feel tight for a day when you change trays.
How often are appointments?
Routine adjustment visits are usually every four to eight weeks, and your treating team may vary the interval based on what your treatment needs. Aligner patients often attend less frequently because much of the monitoring is built into the tray sequence.
What if a bracket breaks or an aligner is lost?
Contact us rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit. Repairs are handled by our own orthodontic team, and we also offer emergency dental care if something needs attention quickly. Repairs or replacement appliances may involve additional fees depending on the circumstances.
Retainers and Keeping Your Results
Active treatment moves the teeth; retainers are what keep them there. Teeth remain able to move throughout life, so retention is a long-term commitment rather than something that ends after a few months. Standard retention is included as specified in your treatment plan; replacement or additional retainers may involve additional fees.
What retention usually involves
- Your retainers. A fixed retainer bonded behind the front teeth, a removable clear retainer, or both. Your treatment plan sets out which type you need.
- How to wear them. Removable retainers are usually worn full-time for the first few months after braces or aligners come off, then at night for the long term, as your treating team directs.
- Retention checks. Follow-up visits confirm your teeth are holding their position and your retainers still fit.
- If a retainer stops fitting. Contact us right away rather than waiting for visible relapse.
The most common reason results change is inconsistent retainer wear.
Are You a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Most people are. Orthodontic treatment works for children, teenagers and adults. What matters is gum health, bone support and whether any active dental disease needs treating first, rather than age.
Treatment can be more involved if you have gum disease, missing teeth, existing crowns and bridges, or significant jaw discrepancy. None of those rule it out, and many interdisciplinary needs can be coordinated within AIDM®.
Cases needing gum treatment first go to our periodontics team, and jaw discrepancies requiring surgical coordination involve our oral and maxillofacial surgery team.
Why Austin Patients Choose AIDM® for Orthodontics
AIDM® publishes these prices because the care model is different, not because the care is lesser.
Treatment plans considered from more than one perspective
Treatment is delivered by dentists in advanced orthodontic training under board-certified faculty supervision. Cases can be discussed from more than one clinical perspective, including treatment options, sequencing and potential challenges, before a plan is finalized. That is especially valuable in complex cases.
An accredited orthodontic residency, led by Dr. Anthony
The Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics residency is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of Initial Accreditation. It is led by Dr. Ravikumar Anthony as Chair and Program Director.
Multiple specialties under one roof
Orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, pediatric and general dentistry all operate from one location. A case that needs gum treatment before braces, or surgical coordination during treatment, stays on one record with one plan instead of moving between practices.
Digital planning and imaging on site
Panoramic and cephalometric imaging, digital 3D intraoral scanning and digital treatment planning are used as part of orthodontic care rather than charged as extras. More on our technology page.
Open six days a week
We are open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, so most visits can happen outside school and working hours.
Common Questions About Orthodontics in Austin
How much do braces cost in Austin?
AIDM® publishes comprehensive braces from $3,500, with a $2,950 introductory fee when paid in full for the first 100 patients through December 15, 2026, for eligible uninsured and cash-pay patients. These are published package prices for qualifying cases, and your written treatment plan confirms the applicable package and fee before treatment begins.
Can you pay monthly for braces?
Yes. Flexible monthly payment options are available through third-party financing providers, subject to approval. During your evaluation, our team will review available payment options and provide a written treatment plan and fee.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the treatment, the correction of tooth and jaw alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist with additional specialist training in it. At AIDM®, orthodontic care is delivered by dentists in advanced orthodontic training under board-certified faculty supervision.
Can adults still get braces?
Yes, and a large share of orthodontic patients are adults. Teeth move at any age. Treatment may take slightly longer than for a teenager, and existing dental work is planned around, but age itself is not a barrier.
Is $5,000 a good price for braces?
What matters more than the figure is what it includes. Ask whether adjustment visits, appliance removal and standard retention are covered or billed separately. AIDM® publishes comprehensive braces from $3,500 as a package price for qualifying cases, with what it covers listed in full.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many PPO plans include an orthodontic benefit, often as a lifetime maximum. AIDM® accepts most major PPO plans and verifies your specific benefit before treatment. Note that promotional cash-pay pricing cannot be combined with insurance benefits.
Book Your Complimentary Orthodontic Evaluation
A complimentary evaluation, with the diagnostic records needed to understand your treatment options.
What your evaluation may include
- Personalized orthodontic evaluation
- Panoramic imaging when indicated
- Cephalometric imaging and analysis when indicated
- Clinical photographs when indicated
- Digital 3D intraoral scan when indicated
Records are completed only when clinically appropriate.
You leave with a written treatment plan and fee, whether or not you go ahead with us.
New here? What to expect as a new patient explains the first visit, and patient forms can be completed beforehand.
Request your complimentary evaluation
Austin Institute of Dental Medicine
1401 Philomena Street, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78723
(737) 434-2436 | hello@aidm.org
Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Closed Sunday
*Promotional offers, package pricing, and included services are subject to change, modification, or discontinuation at any time without prior notice. Offers are available through December 15, 2026 and may be withdrawn earlier at the sole discretion of Austin Institute of Dental Medicine. The $2,950 introductory braces fee is limited to the first 100 patients who pay in full. Promotions are valid only for eligible patients who meet clinical criteria as determined by the treating dentist or specialist following an appropriate examination. Package pricing applies only to the services specifically listed and cannot be combined with insurance benefits, membership pricing, financing promotions, or other discounts unless expressly stated. Additional treatment, diagnostic procedures, specialty services, laboratory fees, sedation, or other clinically necessary procedures may result in additional charges. Final treatment recommendations, eligibility, and fees are determined following a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Austin Institute of Dental Medicine reserves the right to modify pricing, eligibility requirements, package contents, promotional periods, and terms and conditions at any time without notice.
