Medically reviewed by Dr. Zack Miller, DDS, MS, Orthodontist
Last reviewed: August 2026
Cost, Insurance & Financing
How much do braces cost in Tampa?
Most patients at Miller Orthodontics invest between $3,000 and $6,500 for comprehensive treatment, depending on how long treatment takes and how complex the case is. Treatment starts at $300 down with 0% interest financing. You receive your exact cost in writing at your free consultation, before you commit to anything.
Shorter cases that correct minor issues fall at the lower end of that range, while longer treatments involving significant bite correction fall at the upper end. Optional additions like professional whitening and extended retainer protection are quoted separately, so you can decide what you want included.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Clear aligner treatment at Miller Orthodontics costs the same as braces — the fee is based on how long treatment takes, not which appliance you choose. You never pay a premium for choosing aligners. Most patients fall between $3,000 and $6,500, and you get your exact cost in writing at your free consultation.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Most patients start treatment with $300 down and spread the balance across the course of treatment at 0% interest, in house. We also offer extended-term financing through HFD if you'd prefer smaller monthly payments over a longer period. We'll walk through the options with you at your consultation.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes. Miller Orthodontics offers discounts for teachers, military members, first responders including police, fire, and EMS, and full-time students with ID. Ask about them at your consultation and we'll apply what you qualify for when we present your treatment fee.
What insurance do you accept?
Miller Orthodontics is in network with Aetna, Ameritas, Assurant, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, DeltaCare, Delta Dental, Florida Combined Life, GEHA, Guardian, Humana PPO, MetLife, Principal, Solstice, Tricare, United Concordia, and UnitedHealthcare. We also accept Medicaid at our Carrollwood and Brandon offices. If your plan isn't listed, call us at (813) 427-2237 — we verify benefits for any plan at no charge.
Does dental insurance cover braces?
Most dental plans include a separate lifetime orthodontic benefit, commonly between $1,000 and $3,000 and occasionally higher, applied on top of your regular dental coverage. It typically doesn't reset each year. We verify your exact orthodontic benefit at no charge before your consultation, so the fee we quote is what you'll actually pay out of pocket.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for braces?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment is an eligible expense for both HSA and FSA funds, for adults and children. Many families time the start of treatment around their plan year to use benefits from two calendar years. We provide documentation for your plan administrator on request.
Do you accept Medicaid for braces?
Yes. Miller Orthodontics accepts Medicaid for orthodontic treatment at our Carrollwood / North Tampa and Brandon offices. We are in network with DentaQuest, Liberty Dental, Florida Healthy Kids, Humana Medicaid, MCNA Dental, and Sunshine Health. MCNA and Sunshine require a referral from your general dentist before we can see you; the other four do not. Our Apollo Beach location does not accept Medicaid.
We handle the Medicaid pre-authorization for you and complete it the same day as your consultation, so you'll know whether your child is approved before you leave our office.
Your First Visit
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Your first visit at Miller Orthodontics is a free smile consultation with no obligation. It includes an exam with Dr. Miller, digital photos, X-rays as needed, a recommended treatment plan, and your exact cost in writing. You'll leave knowing what treatment you need and what it costs.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?
No. You can schedule directly with Miller Orthodontics without a dentist referral. The one exception is Medicaid patients with MCNA Dental or Sunshine Health, which require a referral from your general dentist. We're happy to coordinate with your dentist throughout treatment either way.
How long does the first appointment take?
Plan for about an hour. That covers a tour of the office, records including photos and X-rays, your exam with Dr. Miller, and time with a treatment coordinator to walk through your options, insurance, and payment. Many patients are able to begin treatment during that same visit.
Can I start treatment the same day as my consultation?
Yes. Many patients choose to begin treatment the same day as their consultation rather than coming back for a second appointment. If that's what you'd like to do, mention it when you book and we'll plan for it.
Treatment Options
Braces or Invisalign — which is better?
Both produce excellent results for most cases. Braces are fixed to the teeth and work continuously, which makes them more reliable for complex bite corrections and for younger patients. Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, but only work if worn 20 to 22 hours a day. At Miller Orthodontics both cost the same, so the decision is about your case and your habits, not price.
Do you treat adults?
Yes — about half of our patients are adults. Adult treatment works the same way it does for teens, though it sometimes takes longer because the bone has stopped growing. Clear aligners and clear ceramic braces are both popular with adults who don't want visible metal. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment.
What are clear braces?
Clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets instead of metal. They work identically to metal braces and cost the same at Miller Orthodontics, but are far less noticeable in photos and conversation. They're a good fit for adults and older teens who want fixed treatment without the metal look.
What is Phase 1 (early) treatment, and does my child need it?
Phase 1 is a shorter round of treatment for children roughly ages 7 to 10, done while they still have baby teeth. It corrects problems that get harder to fix later — crossbites, severe crowding, or a jaw growing off-center. Most children don't need it. When a child does go on to need braces later, Miller Orthodontics applies a credit from Phase 1 toward that second phase.
We'd rather tell you your child doesn't need treatment yet than start early without a reason. If it's too soon, we'll put them on our no-cost observation program and watch as they grow.
Can I transfer my orthodontic treatment to your office?
Yes. Miller Orthodontics accepts transfer patients at all three locations, whether you've moved to the area mid-treatment or you're looking to switch practices. You're charged only for the treatment you have remaining, not for treatment already completed elsewhere.
Timing and Age
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Miller to spot bite problems early, even though most children won't need treatment yet. The evaluation is free at Miller Orthodontics, and if it's too early we'll simply monitor your child at no cost until the timing is right.
How long do braces take?
Most patients at Miller Orthodontics are in treatment 12 to 24 months. Simple cases can finish in as little as six months; complex bite corrections can run 30 months or more. Dr. Miller gives you an estimated timeline at your free consultation.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as gums and bone are healthy. Miller Orthodontics treats adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond — about half our patients are adults. Treatment sometimes takes slightly longer than it does for teens, and clear aligners or ceramic braces keep it discreet.
During Treatment
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces put on doesn't hurt — there are no shots and no drilling. Soreness typically begins about 24 hours later as the teeth start to move, and can last one to two weeks, though many patients have very little. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods handle it. Most people find it milder than they expected.
How often will I need appointments?
Most patients come in every 6 to 10 weeks during treatment, and appointments run 15 to 30 minutes. We schedule around school and work, and our Carrollwood office offers evening appointments for exactly that reason.
Can I play sports or a wind instrument with braces?
Yes to both. For contact sports, wear an orthodontic mouthguard over your braces — Miller Orthodontics provides one at no charge if you need it. Wind and brass players usually need one to three weeks to adjust their embouchure, and orthodontic wax over the brackets helps during that transition. Very few musicians change anything long-term.
Will I need to wear a retainer after braces?
Yes, on some schedule — teeth drift throughout life whether or not you had braces. Most patients wear retainers full-time for a few months, then nights only, indefinitely. Your first set is included with comprehensive treatment.
Retainers do get lost and broken, which is the most common reason people lose the result they spent two years earning. Miller Orthodontics offers a retainer protection plan that covers replacements over the years following treatment, so a lost retainer is an inconvenience rather than a reason to start over. We'll explain how it works when you finish treatment.
Offices and Scheduling
Where are your offices located?
Miller Orthodontics has three Tampa-area locations: Carrollwood / North Tampa at 1303 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612; Brandon at 213 Kingsway Road, Brandon, FL 33510; and Apollo Beach at 122 Harbor Village Lane, Apollo Beach, FL 33572. You can be seen at whichever office is most convenient. Call (813) 427-2237 to schedule at any location.
What are your office hours?
Our Carrollwood / North Tampa office is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Brandon is open Wednesdays 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Apollo Beach is open Tuesdays 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Evening appointments at Carrollwood are popular with working parents — book those early.
Do you offer evening or after-school appointments?
Yes. Our Carrollwood office schedules evening appointments so most patients don't have to miss school or work. These slots book up first, so call (813) 427-2237 well ahead if you need one and we'll find you the next available evening.
How do I schedule a free consultation?
Book online any time at northtampabraces.com, or call (813) 427-2237. New patient consultations are free at all three locations, no referral needed, and we verify your insurance benefits before you arrive so we can quote your exact out-of-pocket cost at the visit.