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Braces can help correct dental alignment issues (like crowded, gapped, or crooked teeth) and give your child a beautiful smile. But if an orthodontist visit is in your future, prepare for sticker shock: Depending on the type of appliances they recommend and severity of the dental problem, kids’ braces can run well into the thousands of dollars. If you haven’t been saving up for this developmental milestone, you may be wondering: How do I pay for braces?

Fortunately, you do have some options, including payment plans, flexible spending accounts, and loans. Here’s a look at ways to make covering the high cost of braces more manageable.

What’s the Average Cost of Braces?

The cost of getting braces varies depending on the area, dentist, and type of braces, but you can expect to shell out anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

Here is a look at typical costs for different types of orthodontic treatment:

•   Metal braces (traditional braces): $3,000 – $7,000

•   Ceramic braces (tooth-colored braces): $3,500 – $8,000

•   Lingual braces (braces that go on the back surfaces of your teeth): $5,000 – $13,000

•   Invisible braces (custom-made trays that straighten your teeth over time, such as Invisalign): $3,500 – $8,000

If you have dental insurance, it might partially cover a child’s orthodontic treatment. Policies vary but many dental plans will cover 50% of the cost of braces with a $1,500 or $2,500 lifetime maximum per child. While this still leaves you on the hook for the remainder, it can make a significant dent in your total out-of-pocket expenses.

Also keep in mind that many practices offer a discount (often 5%) on your braces cost if you choose to pay for the treatment up front.

Recommended: 8 Smart Tips To Finance Expensive Dental Work

Smart Options to Pay for Braces

Here’s a look at some ways to make orthodontic treatment costs more manageable.

1. Asking Your Orthodontic Office About Payment Plans

Many orthodontic offices offer flexible payment plans that allow you to stretch the cost of braces over a specified period. One common scenario is interest-free financing that spreads payments across two years. This can make the payments (typically debited monthly from your checking or saving account) more manageable.

For example, an interest-free, 24-month payment plan, with no required down payment, would make a $5,000 orthodontic treatment cost about $209 per month, assuming you don’t have any insurance coverage. If your dental plan covers some of your costs, your monthly, of course, will be less.

Payment policies will vary from office to office, so it’s a good idea to ask about payment plans, including any interest or financing charges associated with the plan, as well as the duration of the payment period. By understanding the terms up front, you can make an informed decision about which practice you want to use and how you will pay for the braces.

Recommended: Guide to Paying for Dental Care With a Credit Card

2. Using a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health saving accounts (HSAs) are offered as a part of healthcare plans by some employers. Both allow you to set aside pretax dollars to be used toward eligible expenses, which often include orthodontic treatment.

With an FSA, you determine how much you want your employer to set aside for the year (up to the FSA limit). You then need to use the funds for qualified medical expenses before the end of the year (though you may be able to roll over a certain amount to the following year.

To save to an HSA, you must enroll in a high-deductible health insurance plan, or HDHP (as defined by the government). Each year, you decide how much to contribute to your HSA, though you can’t exceed government-mandated maximums. If you have an HSA through your workplace, you can often set up automatic contributions directly from your paycheck. Typically, you get a debit card or checks linked to your HSA balance, and you can use the funds on eligible medical expenses.

Unlike an FSA, your HSA balance rolls over from year to year, so you never have to worry about losing your savings.

3. Taking out a Loan

If the above options aren’t available or sufficient to cover the cost of braces, you may want to consider getting a personal loan. These loans, available through banks, online lenders, and credit unions, are usually unsecured (meaning you don’t need to put up any collateral) and can be used for almost any type of expense, including your kid’s braces. In fact, healthcare costs are a common reason why people apply for a personal loan.

Financing braces this way, of course, comes with personal loan interest, which will add to the total cost of the treatment. However, personal loans generally have lower interest rates than credit cards. They also provide you with a lump sum up front, which might help you get a discount for paying in full (if your orthodontist offers that). Plus, you’ll get a set monthly payment you can budget for.

When getting a personal loan to pay for braces, it’s important to shop around and look for a loan that offers favorable rates and terms and fits within your budget.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

The cost of a child’s braces, which can run more than $10,000 in some cases, can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are several options available to help you manage the expense. Whether you choose a payment plan offered by your orthodontist, utilize a flexible spending account or health savings account, or opt for a loan, careful planning and research can help you to find a solution that works for your family’s financial situation.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How to get braces if I can’t afford them?

If you need braces for yourself or a child but can’t afford them, see if you can find an orthodontist with an affordable payment plan, look into dental insurance or Medicaid policies, research if funding is available through charitable organizations, or consider a personal loan.

Can you make payments on braces?

Yes, it is common for orthodontists to offer payment plans or work with financing companies to help patients pay for braces over time. Or you might consider a personal loan, which you pay off over a typical term of a couple to seven years.

How much do braces cost for a child?

Prices can vary for children’s braces depending on the patient’s specific case, the orthodontist’s fee scale, and where you live. Typically, expect prices in the $3,500 to $8,000 range as of mid-2025.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOPL-Q225-095

If you’re interested in possibly refinancing your student loans, but you don’t think your credit history is strong enough, there are options that might help. One is to refinance student loans with a cosigner.

A cosigner could potentially help you qualify for a refinanced loan. But is taking out a new loan with a cosigner the right choice for you? There are pros and cons to carefully consider in order to decide if student loan refinance with a cosigner makes sense for your personal situation.

What Is a Cosigner on a Loan?

A student loan cosigner is someone who legally agrees to pay your debt, such as your student loan debt, in the event that you can’t make the payments yourself. The exact terms will vary based on the loan type and lender, but in general, this person signs your loan with you and accepts responsibility for your loan if you are unable to pay your debt.

Responsibilities of a Cosigner

A cosigner on a student loan agrees to take on equal responsibility for repaying the loan. Any late or missed payments or student loan default by the borrower could harm the cosigner’s credit.

How Cosigners Affect Loan Approval

When a borrower adds a creditworthy cosigner to their loan application, it could help approve their chances of qualifying for the loan and securing a lower interest rate if the cosigner has a strong credit and financial history.

Can a Cosigner Help You Refinance a Student Loan?

If you’ve decided to refinance a student loan, a cosigner may help you qualify if your own credit is not strong enough.

Creditors review a variety of factors to determine whether or not they will give someone a loan. Things like a low credit score or a credit history that’s not robust enough can serve as an indicator to lenders that an individual could be a credit risk. Adding a creditworthy cosigner could make a potential borrower appear less risky, since there’s another person — one with a strong financial and credit background — to help guarantee repayment of the loan.

One important thing to note about student loan refinancing — either with or without a cosigner — is that if you are refinancing federal student loans, they will be ineligible for federal benefits like income-driven repayment and federal deferment.

Recommended: Applying for a Student Loan Without a Cosigner

Finding a Cosigner

If you can’t qualify for a loan based on your own credit history or current income, student loan refinancing with a cosigner who has a strong credit history may help improve your prospects.

Who Makes a Good Cosigner

When choosing a cosigner, you want someone with a good credit history who also has steady employment and a good income. In addition, you want an individual you can trust to repay the debt in the event you can’t. And finally, because cosigning a loan is a big commitment, it’s important to choose someone you will feel comfortable asking.

How to Ask Someone to Be Your Cosigner

Being a cosigner is a big responsibility, so how you ask someone to cosign is important. Treat the request with respect. Be open and honest about why you need to refinance student loans with a cosigner. Explain, for instance, that you are recently out of school and don’t yet have a strong credit history. By applying with a cosigner you are more likely to be approved for a refinance loan and get a lower interest rate. Also, detail your plans for repaying the loan so the other person knows you are serious about and committed to handling your debt.

Should a parent cosign a student loan, or should any relative or friend for that matter, it’s important to make them aware of the responsibilities and legal obligations involved. In addition, be sure they are prepared to pay for the loan if you are not able to do so. They should also understand that anything negative regarding the loan, such as late payments, can affect their credit.

Pros and Cons of Having a Cosigner

Taking out a loan with a cosigner is a significant commitment, so it’s worth considering the pros and cons. What’s right for you will depend on your personal and financial situation.

One of the most notable benefits of refinancing with a cosigner is the potential to qualify for a loan that may not have been an option otherwise. A cosigner could also possibly help you qualify for a lower student loan interest rate than what you could receive on your own. If you have little to no credit history or bad credit, it could help to refinance student loans with a cosigner by giving you an opportunity to begin strengthening your credit over time.

On the other hand, there can be some drawbacks to refinancing with a cosigner. If you fail to make payments on your loan, your cosigner will be responsible for repaying your debt. As a result, missed payments will likely reflect on both of your credit histories. This could also negatively impact your personal relationship with your cosigner.

💡 Recommended: Student Loan Calculator

Using a Cosigner when Refinancing Your Student Loans

When you’re refinancing your student loans, enlisting a friend or family member to cosign your refinanced loan could help strengthen your loan application.

Again, keep in mind that acting as a cosigner has risks — if you don’t pay back your loans, your cosigner is on the hook. It’s a big request, so take some time to think about how you’ll make it. Here are some additional tips that may help inform your conversation:

1.    Asking respectfully. You’ll want to broach the subject thoughtfully and respectfully. You’re asking the person for a serious commitment, so asking with tact to show you understand the gravity of your request is crucial.

2.    Showing your dedication. As noted, it’s also important to make it clear to your cosigner that you’re going to be making timely payments on the loan. One simple way to do so is by providing them with regular updates.

3.    Illustrating to your cosigner that you understand the intricacies of your loan. They’ll be responsible for the loan if you fail to make payments, so they’ll likely want to make sure you understand the responsibility you’re taking on — and asking them to take on.

Things to Consider if You’re Asked to Cosign a Loan

If you’ve been asked to cosign a loan, be aware that serving as a cosigner can come with consequences for your finances if the primary borrower fails to make payments. If you’re a family member or friend with excellent credit and a well-paying job, you could be a candidate as a cosigner. If you have some hesitation, here are a few steps you can take:

1.    Talking it out with the borrower. The borrower is going to use your name and credit history to take out a loan. It can be helpful to understand why they feel they need a cosigner while making sure they have the means to repay the loan.

2.    Following up often. Keeping the lines of communication open so you are aware of any issues can be helpful for both parties. If need be, you could discuss making payments on their behalf to avoid the impact of a late or missed payment on your own credit score.

3.    Accepting negative outcomes. Even if you’ve done everything you can to ensure the borrower is trustworthy, something might come up where they let you down. Your credit score might take a hit and you might be responsible for making payments yourself. Remember that this could happen, so accepting it as a possibility may be helpful.

Cosigning a loan is a big responsibility that can have implications on your financial future, so take some time to consider the idea.

If you decide not to cosign, you can let the requester down gently by trying to help them think of some alternative options to secure the loan or money they need.

How to Remove a Cosigner After Refinancing

Some lenders allow cosigners to be removed from a loan through a cosigner release. This allows the cosigner to be officially released from the loan and all the responsibilities that come with it. Typically, the primary borrower has to apply for a cosigner release with the lender.

Depending on the terms of the loan, the cosigner may be able to be released if the primary borrower has graduated from college and meets certain requirements as stipulated by the lender. Typically these requirements include such things as the primary borrower making one to two years of on time payments, having a good credit report and no loans in default, and being in a stable job with a steady income.

If your lender doesn’t offer a cosigner release, another way to take a cosigner off your loan is to refinance your student loans again. When you refinance, you replace your old loans with a new loan that has new terms. If you can qualify for the refinance on your own, you won’t need to include the cosigner on the new loan.

Refinancing Student Loans With SoFi

If you’re interested in refinancing student loans but your credit isn’t strong enough, enlisting a trusted person with a strong financial background as a cosigner may help you qualify for a loan and/or get a lower interest rate. Or, if your credit has strengthened over time, and you can qualify on your own, you can consider refinancing without a cosigner.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

FAQ

How does adding a cosigner affect my interest rate?

A cosigner with strong credit and a solid financial background may help a borrower qualify for a lower interest rate when refinancing a student loan. Generally, the more creditworthy the cosigner is, the better a borrower’s chances of getting a lower rate.

What credit score does my cosigner need?

The credit score a cosigner needs for a student loan refinance depends on the lender’s specific criteria. Typically, many lenders look for a credit score of 670 or higher.

How long will my cosigner be responsible for my loan?

A cosigner is generally responsible for a loan until the loan is repaid in full. However, a cosigner may be able to be released from a loan through a cosigner release option — if a lender offers it and the primary borrower meets specific criteria set by the lender. Another option is for the primary borrower to refinance the loan again in their own name only, without the cosigner.

Do I need a cosigner for student loan refinance?

The specific requirements for refinancing a loan with a cosigner will depend on your credit history and income (among other factors) and the eligibility requirements of the lender. Borrowers who have a less than stellar credit history may find adding a cosigner to their application allows them to qualify for a student loan refinance and a more competitive interest rate.

Can I consolidate my student loans with a cosigner?

When you consolidate federal student loans through the Direct Consolidation Loan program, you combine all your current federal loans into a new loan with one payment. With Direct Loan Consolidation, you typically don’t need a cosigner.

Can a cosigner become the primary borrower?

In order for a cosigner to become the primary borrower of a student loan, the loan would generally need to be refinanced in the cosigner’s name.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.