Insurance & Payment
Flexible payment plans that fit your budget.
You'll know exactly what treatment costs, what your insurance covers, and we work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget — before you commit to anything.
What orthodontic treatment actually costs.
Every case is different, but these are the ranges most patients fall within at Encinitas Orthodontics.* Dr. Liatti reviews your specific diagnosis during your free evaluation and gives you a precise quote before you decide anything.
Braces
$3,000–$8,000
Metal, clear (ceramic), and self-ligating brackets are all the same fee — no upcharge for choosing a less visible option.
Invisalign
$3,000–$8,000
Comparable cost to braces. Invisalign is not necessarily more expensive than traditional orthodontics.
Early Treatment (Phase 1)
$3,000–$5,000
Targeted intervention — expander, crossbite correction, space management — plus free monitoring during growth.
Surgical Orthodontics
$5,000–$9,000
Orthodontic portion. The surgical fee is set separately by the oral surgeon. Medical insurance typically covers the surgical portion when medically necessary.
Retainers
Included
Your first set (one upper, one lower) is included with treatment. Replacements are $200–$300 each. Premium Retainer Package available at a significant discount.
Growth Monitoring
No charge
Kids who aren't ready for treatment yet are monitored every 6–12 months at no cost — so Dr. Liatti can catch the right window when it arrives.
*These ranges represent the majority of cases. Complex cases involving additional procedures such as MARPE or multi-phase treatment may fall outside these ranges. You'll always know the exact fee before treatment begins.
We handle the insurance so you don't have to.
We file claims on your behalf with all major dental carriers, including Delta Dental, Blue Shield of California, Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, and Guardian. Orthodontic coverage is typically the same whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network, so you get the same benefit either way.
Before your consultation, our team verifies your benefits so you know exactly what's covered before any conversation about treatment begins. We handle all claims throughout the entire course of treatment — you never have to deal with the paperwork. If you're not sure whether your plan includes orthodontic coverage, just share your insurance information with us before your first visit and we'll have all of your answers ready.
Flexible plans. Zero interest. No hidden fees.
Interest-free payment plans.
We offer in-house financing with 0% interest spread over the course of your treatment. Our financial coordinator works with you to find a plan that fits your budget — including your down payment and monthly amount. Payments are set up at the start so you always know what to expect.
Transparent pricing.
The fee we quote is the fee you pay. There are no hidden charges, no surprise add-ons, and no fees for routine adjustments. You'll know the full cost before you start. If you'd rather pay in full, a 3% discount applies.
HSA and FSA accepted.
Orthodontic treatment qualifies as an eligible expense for both Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. You can use these funds toward your down payment, monthly payments, or both — and we'll help you plan how to maximize them.
Want to see what a monthly payment could look like? Try the payment calculator.
Open the Payment CalculatorThat shouldn't stop you from getting answers.
About half of the patients we treat at Encinitas Orthodontics do not have orthodontic insurance — it's completely normal. Your consultation is free whether or not you have insurance. Dr. Liatti's comprehensive evaluation — including 3D imaging, airway assessment, and a detailed conversation about what's going on — costs you nothing. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and your options.
If you decide to move forward, our interest-free payment plans are designed to make treatment work with any budget. Our financial coordinator sits down with you and finds a payment plan that fits — including your down payment and monthly amount. We do this every day, and we're good at it.
What our patients say.
I just finished my journey with braces through Encinitas Orthodontics/Dr. Liatti. He and his team are friendly and very knowledgeable.
I've had an outstanding experience with Dr. Liatti, and the entire team at Liatti Orthodontics. From the moment I stepped into their office, I was welcomed by a friendly and personable staff.
Dr Liatti and his entire team are super friendly and helpful. They are transparent about the costs, procedure and very willing to answer questions. I’ll be starting with Invisalign in two weeks.
After completing Invisalign several times through multiple dentists, I still wasn’t happy with my results. Dr. Liatti is helping me achieve the look that I want at a lower cost through a customized and patient friendly approach! Highly recommend this office
My son is getting aligners today! I shopped around for prices and dr. opinions and am very happy with our choice. Less expensive and less busy and a great clear treatment plan. I really like the smaller office with everyone being so personable and friendly.
Very friendly place. The doctor and his staff are all very professional, kind and friendly. I would highly recommend them. They did clear aligners for my son, myself and a night guard for my wife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Costs
How much do braces and Invisalign cost at Encinitas Orthodontics?
Braces and Invisalign typically range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the complexity of your case. Metal, clear, and self-ligating brackets are all the same fee — no upcharge for choosing a less visible option. Invisalign is comparable in cost to braces, not necessarily more expensive. Early treatment (Phase 1) ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. The orthodontic portion of surgical orthodontics ranges from $5,000 to $9,000, with the surgical fee set separately by the oral surgeon. Complex cases involving additional procedures may fall outside these ranges — you’ll always know the exact fee before treatment begins.
Does dental insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Most dental plans with an orthodontic benefit cover a portion of treatment. We file claims on your behalf with all major carriers, including Delta Dental, Blue Shield of California, Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, and Guardian. PPO orthodontic coverage is typically the same whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network, so you get the same benefit either way — and we verify your exact benefit before your visit. Our team verifies your benefits before your consultation so you know exactly what is covered.
Can you get braces without dental insurance?
Absolutely. About half of the patients we treat at Encinitas Orthodontics do not have orthodontic insurance. Your consultation is free whether or not you have coverage, and our interest-free payment plans are designed to work with any budget. Our financial coordinator works with you to find a payment plan that fits — including your down payment and monthly amount — and if you’d rather pay in full, a 3% discount applies. Not having insurance does not change the quality of care or your treatment options.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment qualifies as an eligible expense for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You can use these funds toward your down payment, monthly payments, or both. Our financial coordinator can help you plan how to maximize your HSA or FSA benefits across your treatment timeline.
Do you offer payment plans for orthodontic treatment?
Yes. We offer in-house financing with zero percent interest spread over the course of your treatment. Our financial coordinator works with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget — including your down payment and monthly amount. Payments are set up at the start so you always know exactly what to expect. There are no hidden charges, no surprise add-ons, and no fees for routine adjustments.
How much do replacement retainers cost?
Your first set of retainers (one upper and one lower) is included with treatment at no additional cost. Replacement retainers are $200 to $300 each depending on type. We also offer a Premium Retainer Package with additional sets at a significant discount off the individual replacement price. Replacement retainers are generally not covered by insurance.
Does insurance cover jaw surgery?
Medical insurance, not dental insurance, typically covers the surgical portion of jaw surgery when it is medically necessary. The orthodontic portion may be covered in part by dental insurance with orthodontic benefits. Coverage varies by plan. Our team helps coordinate benefits and verify coverage before treatment begins.
What does "50% coinsurance" mean for orthodontic treatment?
If your plan says it covers orthodontics at 50%, that means the plan pays 50% of the orthodontic fee — but only up to your plan’s lifetime maximum. So if your lifetime max is $1,500 and your treatment fee is $5,000, the plan doesn’t pay $2,500 (50% of $5,000). It pays $1,500 — because that’s the cap. The coinsurance percentage determines how quickly you reach the cap, not how much you ultimately receive. We walk you through your specific numbers before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
Can both parents' dental plans be used for a child's orthodontic treatment?
Yes — if both parents carry dental insurance with orthodontic benefits, coordination of benefits may allow you to use both plans. The primary plan pays first, and the secondary plan may cover a portion of what remains. In some cases, families receive a combined benefit that is significantly more than either plan alone. We coordinate with both carriers on your behalf and factor both benefits into your treatment cost estimate.
Do you take dental HMO plans (like DeltaCare USA)?
We work with PPO plans from all major carriers. Dental HMO plans — DeltaCare USA, Cigna Dental Care, and similar — work differently: they only pay benefits at the specific network office your plan assigns, so they don’t contribute toward treatment here. Many HMO families choose us anyway, usually for the comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning, and our financial coordinator builds a payment plan that works without insurance. About half of the patients we treat have no orthodontic coverage at all. Your consultation is free either way, and we’ll tell you exactly where your plan stands before any decision.