Can I get a loan to cover my child's braces?

Yes, absolutely. Parents and legal guardians frequently take out personal loans to cover the cost of braces for their children. The loan would be in your name, and you would be responsible for the payments. The process is the same; you apply based on your own credit and financial profile, and once funded, you use the money to pay the orthodontist for your child's treatment.

Is it possible to finance braces with bad credit?

While having a higher credit score opens up more options with lower interest rates, it may still be possible to find financing for braces with bad credit. Some lenders specialize in working with borrowers who have less-than-perfect credit. Be prepared for a higher APR. Another option is to apply with a co-signer who has a strong credit profile, which can significantly improve your chances of approval and help you secure a better rate.

How quickly can I get the funds to pay the orthodontist?

The funding process is typically very fast. After you check your rate and choose a loan offer, you'll complete a final application with the lender. Once approved, the funds are often deposited directly into your bank account in as little as one to two business days. This speed allows you to schedule the treatment promptly without waiting for lengthy bank approvals.

Does a personal loan cover different types of braces, like ceramic or Invisalign?

Yes. A personal loan for dental work is flexible. The funds are sent to you, and you can use them for any type of orthodontic treatment recommended by your provider. This includes traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and even clear aligners like Invisalign. Since these alternative treatments often come with a higher price tag, a loan can be an excellent way to make them affordable.

Are there prepayment penalties if I want to pay my braces loan off early?

Most personal loans offered through our network of lenders do not have prepayment penalties. This means if you get a bonus at work or a tax refund and want to pay off the loan ahead of schedule, you can do so without incurring extra fees, saving you money on future interest payments. However, you should always confirm this by reading the terms and conditions of your specific loan offer before signing.

What's better: a loan or the orthodontist's payment plan?

It depends. If your orthodontist offers a 0% interest plan and the monthly payments fit your budget, that is often the most cost-effective option. However, if their plan requires a large down payment, has interest, or the payments are too high, a personal loan can be better. A loan gives you more flexibility on the repayment term (which can lower your monthly payment) and often comes with a competitive fixed rate, providing more predictability than a credit card.

Loans for Braces

Get the financing you need to cover the full cost of metal or ceramic braces for yourself or your child, with predictable monthly payments.

Check Your Rate

A Perfect Smile Shouldn't Be Out of Reach

Dental insurance only covers a small fraction of the orthodontist's bill.
A personal loan can bridge the gap, covering the entire cost upfront so you can start treatment immediately.
The orthodontist's in-house payment plan has a high down payment or inflexible terms.
We connect you with lenders offering flexible repayment terms that fit your monthly budget, often with no money down.
Putting a $5,000+ charge on a high-interest credit card feels financially risky.
Personal loans typically offer lower, fixed interest rates, making your total cost more predictable and manageable.
You need to pay for treatment now, but don't have the cash saved up.
Our online process is fast, letting you see offers in minutes and get funded in as little as one business day.

Financing Orthodontic Treatment with a Personal Loan

When you or your child needs braces, the primary goal is achieving a healthy, confident smile. The last thing you want is for the cost of braces to stand in the way. While many orthodontists offer payment plans, they may not always provide the flexibility or low monthly payment you need. A personal loan for braces offers a straightforward alternative. It provides you with a lump sum of cash to pay the orthodontist directly, transforming a large, daunting expense into a series of manageable, fixed monthly payments over a set term. This approach gives you financial control and clarity, letting you focus on the treatment, not the bill.

This type of financing is an unsecured personal loan, meaning you don't need to put up any collateral like a car or house. Lenders approve your application based on factors like your credit history and income. It's a versatile tool that can cover the full dental braces price, whether you're opting for traditional metal braces, more discreet ceramic braces, or even the associated costs like retainers and follow-up appointments. By securing your own financing, you can negotiate with the orthodontist as a cash-paying patient, which sometimes opens the door to discounts.

Get Braces Financing in 3 Simple Steps

1
Check Your Rate Online
Fill out our secure online form in about two minutes. This initial check won't impact your credit score.
2
Review Your Loan Offers
If you pre-qualify, you'll see personalized loan offers from our network of lenders. Compare APRs, terms, and monthly payments.
3
Get Funded Quickly
Once you select an offer and complete the final application, funds can be deposited directly into your bank account, often by the next business day.

Estimating the Total Cost of Braces

Initial Consultation & Imaging Often bundled, but can be	$200 - $500
Traditional Metal Braces Most common option	$3,000 - $7,000
Ceramic or 'Clear' Braces Less visible, higher cost	$4,000 - $8,000
Post-Treatment Retainers Essential for maintaining results	$200 - $600

Estimated monthly

$119/mo for a $5,500 loan

Example based on a 5-year loan at 11% APR. Your actual rate and payment will vary based on your credit profile and the lender.

The price for braces can vary significantly based on your geographic location, the experience of the orthodontist, and the complexity of your dental needs. The figures above represent a typical range for the entire treatment course. It's crucial to get a detailed, all-inclusive quote from your orthodontist before seeking financing. This quote should specify the costs for the braces themselves, all adjustment appointments, and the final retainers to ensure your loan amount covers everything.

See Your Personalized Loan Options

Find out what loan amount and monthly payment you could qualify for based on your needs.

Check Your Rate Now

Loan Terms for Braces Financing

Understanding the key parameters of a personal loan helps you make an informed decision. When you receive offers, you'll see different combinations of loan amounts, repayment terms, and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs). The APR is the most important number, as it represents the total cost of borrowing, including interest and any fees. Your credit score is the biggest factor in determining the APR you're offered; a higher score generally unlocks lower rates.

Loan amount: $2,000 – $10,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Term: 24 months – 60 months

Loan terms and APRs are examples only and depend on the applicant's creditworthiness, income, debt, and the lender's underwriting criteria. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rates.

Comparing Your Financing Options

A personal loan isn't the only way to pay for braces. It's wise to compare it against other common methods to see what makes the most sense for your financial situation. Orthodontist payment plans and credit cards are two frequent alternatives, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Personal Loan vs. Other Braces Payment Options

Feature	Personal Loan	Orthodontist Plan	Credit Card
Interest Rate	Fixed, typically 8-35.99%	Often 0%, but not always	Variable, typically 20-30%
Payment Structure	Fixed monthly payment	Fixed, set by the office	Variable minimum payment
Upfront Payment	None required for the loan	Often requires a down payment	None, but uses available credit
Credit Impact	Adds installment loan to report	May not be reported to bureaus	Increases credit utilization

Find Out What You Qualify For

Our simple form helps you see offers from multiple lenders without hurting your credit score.

See My Options

What Lenders Look For

Credit Score: A score of 600 or higher is generally preferred, with the best rates reserved for those with good to excellent credit (670+).
Stable Income: Lenders need to see that you have a consistent source of income to comfortably make monthly loan payments.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: This compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. A lower DTI ratio is more favorable.
Credit History: A history of on-time payments and responsible credit management will strengthen your application.

If you're concerned about qualifying, you can strengthen your application by checking your credit report for errors, paying down existing credit card balances to lower your DTI, or applying with a creditworthy co-signer.

Example scenario

Our orthodontist's payment plan was too restrictive. Getting a personal loan let us pay them in full and choose a monthly payment that actually fit our family's budget. It was a huge relief.

Mark P.·Parent in Ohio

Ready to Get Started?

The path to a confident smile is just a few clicks away.

Check Your Rate

Frequently Asked Questions About Loans for Braces

Can I get a loan to cover my child's braces?
Yes, absolutely. Parents and legal guardians frequently take out personal loans to cover the cost of braces for their children. The loan would be in your name, and you would be responsible for the payments. The process is the same; you apply based on your own credit and financial profile, and once funded, you use the money to pay the orthodontist for your child's treatment.
Is it possible to finance braces with bad credit?
While having a higher credit score opens up more options with lower interest rates, it may still be possible to find financing for braces with bad credit. Some lenders specialize in working with borrowers who have less-than-perfect credit. Be prepared for a higher APR. Another option is to apply with a co-signer who has a strong credit profile, which can significantly improve your chances of approval and help you secure a better rate.
How quickly can I get the funds to pay the orthodontist?
The funding process is typically very fast. After you check your rate and choose a loan offer, you'll complete a final application with the lender. Once approved, the funds are often deposited directly into your bank account in as little as one to two business days. This speed allows you to schedule the treatment promptly without waiting for lengthy bank approvals.
Does a personal loan cover different types of braces, like ceramic or Invisalign?
Yes. A personal loan for dental work is flexible. The funds are sent to you, and you can use them for any type of orthodontic treatment recommended by your provider. This includes traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and even clear aligners like Invisalign. Since these alternative treatments often come with a higher price tag, a loan can be an excellent way to make them affordable.
Are there prepayment penalties if I want to pay my braces loan off early?
Most personal loans offered through our network of lenders do not have prepayment penalties. This means if you get a bonus at work or a tax refund and want to pay off the loan ahead of schedule, you can do so without incurring extra fees, saving you money on future interest payments. However, you should always confirm this by reading the terms and conditions of your specific loan offer before signing.
What's better: a loan or the orthodontist's payment plan?
It depends. If your orthodontist offers a 0% interest plan and the monthly payments fit your budget, that is often the most cost-effective option. However, if their plan requires a large down payment, has interest, or the payments are too high, a personal loan can be better. A loan gives you more flexibility on the repayment term (which can lower your monthly payment) and often comes with a competitive fixed rate, providing more predictability than a credit card.

Take the next step toward a straighter smile

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.