How much do braces cost for under 18s in NZ?
At Milk Orthodontics, comprehensive braces or clear aligners for a child or teenager cost from $9,900 all-inclusive, with most cases around $10,400 and complex ones up to about $12,900. Early treatment for younger children starts from $4,500, and when both an early phase and later braces are likely, we quote both together, usually $11,900 to $12,500. Braces are not free for under 18s in New Zealand, but an interest-free plan spreads the cost over the treatment, often about $60 to $76 a week.
All prices include GST · Exact quote in writing before you start · Newmarket and Albany
Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Prices by age
What matters is the stage of growth and how much needs correcting, not the birthday. These are the two paths for under 18s.
Early treatment, children about 7 to 10
For the small group of children who benefit from guiding growth now: a crossbite, a narrow upper jaw or front teeth at risk of damage.
- Phase 1 early treatment from $4,500
- Plates, expanders or braces on a few teeth
- If later braces are also likely, both phases are quoted together: usually $11,900 to $12,500
- Interest-free plan over around 30 months
- Most children this age need nothing yet, and we say so
Comprehensive braces or aligners, teens about 11 to 17
The classic time for treatment, once the adult teeth are through and growth is still helping.
- From $9,900, most cases around $10,400
- Complex cases up to about $12,900
- Metal braces, clear and ceramic braces, or Angel Aligners in the same range
- Deposit plus equal monthly direct debits, interest free
- $500 off if paid in full
What the fee includes
One all-inclusive price, confirmed in writing after the specialist consultation. No add-ons part way through.
Ways to bring the cost down
Interest-free plan
A deposit, then equal monthly direct debits over the treatment, often about $60 to $76 a week. Run in house, so there is no finance company, no interest and no credit fees.
Pay in full: $500 off
Families who prefer to settle the fee up front take $500 off the all-inclusive price.
Family discount
$200 off the second family member and $300 off each one after that. Brothers, sisters and parents all count.
Health insurance
Some policies carry an orthodontic benefit. Milk is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider, so eligible members claim directly. Check your policy wording for orthodontics.
Try the numbers yourself with our payment calculator, or read about payment options.
Are braces free for under 18s?
No, and it is the question we are asked most. Basic dental care is free until the 18th birthday through community oral health services, but braces are not included. Publicly funded orthodontics through the hospital system is reserved for the most severe conditions, such as cleft lip and palate, with strict criteria and long waits. For almost every family, braces are a private cost. Our guide to braces funding in NZ covers Work and Income, ACC, charity and insurance in detail.
Get the exact figure, for free
A free Smile Assessment tells you whether treatment is worthwhile and gives you a clear cost guide. The $390 specialist consultation with Dr Shaz then confirms the exact all-inclusive fee in writing, before anything starts.
Answered honestly
How much do braces cost for under 18s in NZ?
At Milk Orthodontics, comprehensive braces or clear aligners for a child or teenager cost from $9,900 all-inclusive, with most cases around $10,400 and complex cases up to about $12,900. Early treatment for younger children starts from $4,500, and both phases together are usually $11,900 to $12,500. Every fee is confirmed in writing before anything starts.
How much are braces for a 13 or 14 year old?
The same comprehensive range: from $9,900, most around $10,400. Age does not change the fee. What changes it is how much needs correcting, and you will know the exact figure after the $390 specialist consultation.
Are braces free for under 18s in New Zealand?
No. Basic dental care such as check ups and fillings is free until the 18th birthday through community oral health services, but braces are not part of it. Publicly funded orthodontics exists only for the most severe conditions. For most families braces are a private cost, which is why we offer interest-free plans.
Is there a payment plan for children's braces?
Yes. Our in-house interest-free plan takes a deposit and then equal monthly direct debits over the treatment, often working out at about $60 to $76 a week. There is no finance company and no interest. Paying in full takes $500 off.
Is there a discount for brothers and sisters?
Yes. The family discount takes $200 off the second family member and $300 off each one after that. Both phases of a child's treatment, if two are likely, are quoted together so there are no surprises later.
Does health insurance cover braces for children?
Some policies include an orthodontic benefit, usually a set amount rather than the full fee. Milk is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider, so eligible members can claim directly. Check your policy wording for orthodontics.
Do you charge for the first visit?
No. The first visit for a child or teenager is a free 20 minute Smile Assessment with our Treatment Coordinator at Newmarket or Albany. The full specialist consultation with Dr Shaz, including X-rays, photos, a written plan and an exact quote, is $390.
Do clear aligners cost more than braces for teens?
At Milk they sit in the same all-inclusive range, from $9,900. The right choice depends on the bite, how much correction is needed and how reliably a teenager will wear aligners. We talk that through honestly at the assessment.
Honest pricing, no surprises
Book a free 20 minute Smile Assessment at Newmarket or Albany. You will leave knowing whether treatment is worthwhile, roughly what it costs, and what the next step is.
Related: braces cost in Auckland, clear aligner cost and full pricing.