Yea, I've just about paid off my 6,000.00 (after insurance) bill for my 2 kids braces ... Yes they sure do rape you for those things. I can't imagine what they are going to cost without insurance..... I will see in July. Shop around and negotiate. Dentists will shave...more like cleave... a significant amount off if your uninsured and are willing to ask for a deal. The best deal I found here was $4500.00 for upper and lower which includes all visits until they are removed in about 16-18 months. That was cash up front, no payment plan. Also make sure you are going to somebody good. When I was in the waiting room I ask the people there lots of questions. Thanks for the advice. I will definetly shop around. I can also question friends about what they paid and the service they recieved. You will be glad you did. A coworker of mine goes to a local guy with a good family name, but is very unhappy with the service his son receives. He told me he has almost 6k in the braces and visits. The sad part is my insurance will only cover a few dentist ... So I do not have many to choose from ... especially orthodontics (i think i spelled that correctly) ...