Cost of braces varies widely based on the specific problems you're trying to correct. It may be possible to bill some of the prep work under your regular dental insurance, so you don't eat through the orthodontics cap so quickly. For example, my kid needed several baby and adult teeth pulled to address overcrowding. The baby teeth were billed under regular dental work, but the adult teeth were billed as orthodontic work.
Plan on $5-10K. See an ortho sooner, rather than later to get a ballpark estimate. Our ortho only charges a single $40 consult fee at the first appointment. Recall check ups are free until we actually put braces on her. In the meantime, we get excellent advice on what prep work is needed and which procedures are just being suggested by our regular dentist so she can finance her vacation home. He's fantastic and keeps suggesting treatment paths that save us money and don't generate any revenue for himself.
Be aware that there's been a recent trend towards early treatment (starting at 7-8). It's also called phase 1, with regular braces being called phase 2. In many cases, like my kid, phase 1 would be a complete and total waste of time, money and effort. In her case starting sooner wouldn't make the overall process shorter, so we've opted to skip it.
See a proper orthodontist and not just a regular dentist. The later like to do early interventions to make themselves money. However, many dentists really don't have the training or experience needed for this kind of work. Our family dentist falls into this category. She pushed us hard for early treatment, but couldn't give a rational reason as to why earlier would be better than waiting. The ortho had a completely different plan, that was totally rational and so far hasn't made him any money at all. See a well respected ortho.
Clear as mud?