These are common questions many young adults ask when considering orthodontic treatment. This article from the specialized dentists at My Auris Dental Clinic will provide detailed answers about the cost of braces for 20-year-olds, treatment duration, and important considerations for optimal results.
Can 20-Year-Olds Get Braces?
According to adult orthodontic specialists, age 20 is still an ideal time for braces because teeth have fully developed, jawbones are relatively flexible, and patients have financial autonomy. You can still achieve highly effective results if you choose the right treatment method and strictly follow the personalized orthodontic plan prescribed by your dentist.
How Much Do Braces Cost for 20-Year-Olds?
Getting braces at age 20 is an ideal choice to correct misaligned teeth and enhance facial aesthetics. However, the cost of braces depends on the severity of tooth misalignment and the method you choose. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the cost will vary according to each individual’s budget.
Typically, the cost of traditional braces is lower than that of clear aligners, but both types provide significant orthodontic results if applied correctly. Therefore, choosing the right method will help you save time and money.
At My Auris Dental Clinic, the current cost of braces for 20-year-olds ranges from 35,000,000 VND to 129,000,000 VND, depending on the method you choose. Below is the latest 2025 price list for your easy reference:
Braces Price List for 20-Year-Olds at My Auris Dental Clinic (Updated 2025)
| Service | Service Price |
| Standard Metal Braces | 35,000,000 VND – 45,000,000 VND |
| Self-Ligating Metal Braces | 40,000,000 VND – 50,000,000 VND |
| Standard Ceramic Braces | 40,000,000 VND – 50,000,000 VND |
| Invisalign Clear Aligners | 34,000,000 VND – 121,000,000 VND |
| 3D Tooth Movement Simulation Plan (Clincheck) | 8,000,000 VND |
How Long Do Braces Take for 20-Year-Olds to See Results?
Besides wondering if 20-year-olds can get braces, many are also curious about the duration of the orthodontic process at this age. So, in reality, how long do braces take for 20-year-olds to see clear results?
Bracing duration is not fixed; it depends on various factors influencing treatment time, such as: the orthodontic method applied, the treatment plan from the dentist, the patient’s adherence to dental instructions, oral health condition, and especially the rate of tooth movement.
Compared to younger age groups, orthodontic treatment at age 20 typically takes longer because the jaw structure is fully developed and the bones are firmer, causing teeth to move more slowly. On average, a braces case for a 20-year-old lasts approximately 18–36 months.
To accurately determine the exact duration of braces for each case, you should visit a dental clinic and receive specific consultation from a specialist to create the most suitable and effective treatment plan.
Factors Affecting Braces Cost at Age 20
At age 20, getting braces is no longer uncommon. However, the cost of braces depends on various factors. Below are four main groups of factors that directly influence the total cost of adult orthodontic treatment.
Type of Brackets or Aligners
The type of orthodontic appliance is the first and most obvious factor affecting the overall cost. 20-year-olds can choose from traditional metal braces to clear Invisalign aligners. Each type of appliance offers a different experience and will directly impact finances, aesthetics, and treatment effectiveness.
Oral Health Condition
The more misaligned the teeth, severe the malocclusion, or presence of jaw defects, the higher the cost. The dentist will rely on dental X-ray results, the degree of malocclusion, and arch shape to determine the appropriate treatment protocol and orthodontic plan.
Some cases require braces combined with jaw surgery or tooth extraction, which prolongs treatment time and incurs additional costs. Conversely, if the patient has only slight misalignment, evenly erupted teeth, and does not require extensive intervention, the cost will be significantly reduced.
Dentist’s Expertise
An orthodontist with over 5 years of experience will provide a more precise treatment protocol and flexibly handle unforeseen situations during treatment. If you choose a specialist orthodontist who is thoroughly trained, the cost might be slightly higher than a general dentist. However, this is a worthwhile investment, as it directly impacts treatment effectiveness and duration.
Some clinics now also use 3D orthodontic design software to simulate the entire tooth movement process, which helps 20-year-old patients clearly understand the plan before starting.
Clinic Facilities
Modern equipment supports more effective treatment. A dental center with a 3D Cone Beam CT scanner, a digital bite impression system, automated treatment planning software, etc., will deliver precise and safe results.
4 Orthodontic Methods for 20-Year-Olds
Below are the four most common options for 20-year-olds considering braces:
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most traditional and common method in orthodontics. This is also the most cost-effective option, suitable for young adults with a limited budget.
The appliance system consists of metal brackets attached to the outer surface of the teeth, combined with orthodontic wires and elastic bands to apply force, moving the teeth into their correct positions. The materials are made from stainless alloy, ensuring durability and stable pulling force throughout the treatment process. The average treatment duration ranges from 18 to 30 months, depending on the degree of tooth misalignment and patient compliance.
While not a highly aesthetic method, it is a worthwhile consideration if you prioritize effectiveness and cost.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are designed similarly to metal braces, but the material is high-quality dental ceramic with a color closely matching natural teeth. This method still uses orthodontic wires to apply force for tooth movement. The average treatment duration is about 20 to 30 months. Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces offer higher aesthetics but come with a slightly higher cost and are more prone to breaking if very hard foods are consumed. Patients need to maintain good oral hygiene habits and avoid foods that can stain the brackets. Although more expensive than metal braces, ceramic braces are still a reasonable choice if you want to balance aesthetics and treatment effectiveness.
Lingual Metal Braces
Lingual braces (also known as invisible braces) are a highly aesthetic orthodontic solution, as all appliances are attached to the inner surface of the teeth, completely hidden when smiling or speaking.
This method requires an orthodontist with specialized experience because the design and placement of appliances on the inner arch are more complex. The average treatment duration ranges from 24 to 36 months, depending on the degree of misalignment.
The cost is significantly higher than the previous two methods due to the complex technology and requirement for high expertise. Although more inconvenient, this is a worthwhile investment if you want to maintain a professional image in communication and still desire long-term oral improvement.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign aligners are easy to remove and insert, making eating and hygiene much more convenient than traditional methods. The average treatment duration ranges from 12 to 24 months, quicker if tooth misalignment is minor and the patient adheres well to wearing the aligners for a minimum of 20–22 hours per day.
The cost of Invisalign is the highest among all orthodontic methods, but in return, you gain comfort, less pain, and fewer follow-up visits. This advanced orthodontic technology is applied at leading aesthetic dental clinics for cases of minor tooth misalignment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces at Age 20
Is It Too Late to Get Braces at 20?
Most 20-year-olds often wonder if it’s too late to get braces. The answer is: it’s still entirely feasible. At this age, teeth have developed stably, and the dental arch is almost fixed. This helps the dentist easily assess the tooth condition, degree of misalignment, and create a more precise orthodontic plan.
What is the Most Modern Braces Method for 20-Year-Olds?
Today’s orthodontic technology is very diverse. Depending on the tooth condition, degree of misalignment, and aesthetic needs, 20-year-olds can choose from the following methods:
Metal braces: traditional, highly effective, low cost.
Ceramic braces: more aesthetic, slightly higher cost but less noticeable.
Lingual braces: completely hidden inside the teeth, difficult to notice but high cost.
Invisalign braces: clear aligners, easy to remove and insert, extremely aesthetic.
Among these, Invisalign and lingual braces are often chosen by adults due to their aesthetic advantages and convenience in communication. Depending on the budget and desired results, the orthodontist will provide specific advice for each case.
Do Braces Hurt and Feel Uncomfortable at Age 20?
Pain and discomfort are always concerns for those preparing for orthodontic treatment. When orthodontic appliances are first installed or whenever the archwire is tightened, a mild aching or pressure sensation in the teeth will last for a few days. This is a normal reaction as the teeth begin to move.
After about 1 week, this sensation will gradually subside. Eating soft foods and avoiding chewy and hard foods during the initial period helps effectively reduce pain. Additionally, adhering to the dentist’s instructions, practicing proper oral hygiene, and taking prescribed pain relievers will help make the treatment process more manageable.
