Braces are an effective orthodontic method that helps create a balanced smile and boost confidence in communication. They are suitable for both children and adults. What is the process of getting braces? How much do braces cost?
What are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic technique that helps move teeth into their correct position on the dental arch. Misaligned teeth and improper bites are common conditions in both children and adults. Braces use orthodontic appliances such as brackets, archwires, and clear aligners to apply stable force, gradually shifting teeth to the desired position. After completing treatment, with straight teeth and a proper bite, you will improve your chewing ability, speak more clearly, and have a more balanced facial appearance.
Benefits of Braces
Braces are not just a simple orthodontic method; they also bring many practical benefits for oral health and facial aesthetics.
High Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most prominent benefits of braces is their high aesthetic appeal. Even though many people already have strong and relatively straight teeth, they still choose to invest time and money in braces to achieve optimal results. After orthodontic treatment, you will have even, perfectly straight teeth, creating a flawless smile that is full of confidence and extremely attractive in daily interactions.
End Eating Difficulties
Crooked or uneven teeth on the dental arch make chewing food difficult and reduce the aesthetic appeal of a smile. If this condition persists, patients risk developing injuries such as malocclusion, gingivitis, headaches, etc., severely impacting oral health and quality of life. Braces not only help correct teeth to their proper positions but also completely resolve these issues, allowing for comfortable eating and a beautiful, confident smile.
No Need for Artificial Teeth
Orthodontic treatment for missing teeth is a simple but effective solution that helps close gaps from missing teeth without the need for artificial teeth, especially suitable for those missing one or several teeth. This method utilizes the movement of natural teeth to close the gaps, helping to restore an even and fully functional set of teeth.
In reality, chewing with strong, natural teeth is always better than artificial teeth in terms of both performance and sensation. Using natural teeth is also more convenient than artificial teeth, allowing users to chew comfortably and confidently in their daily lives.
Early Prevention of Oral Problems in Children
Early diagnosis and orthodontic treatment for young children not only help prevent oral problems but also create favorable conditions for jawbone development. As a result, when they enter the adult orthodontics phase, the process will be smoother, and unnecessary surgical interventions can be limited. This is a crucial step in comprehensively and long-term protecting children’s oral health.
Braces Help Correct Speech Impairments and Improve Communication
Each person’s voice is influenced by many factors such as the tongue, teeth, and lips. When teeth are unevenly aligned, a misaligned oral cavity structure can lead to difficulty in pronunciation, lisping, or unclear speech – hindering communication and being very difficult to correct if left untreated for too long. Braces will help align the teeth, leading to more accurate pronunciation and clearer, easier-to-understand speech. As a result, you will overcome speech impediments and significantly improve your communication skills in both work and daily life.
Latest Braces Price List at Ho Chi Minh City Dental Clinic
Removable Orthodontics
Removable orthodontic appliance (1 arch): 4,000,000 VND
Slow expansion Hawley appliance with expansion screw (1 arch): 4,000,000 VND
Monoblock appliance (1 arch): 6,000,000 VND
Removable Twin Block appliance (2 arches): 8,000,000 VND
Fixed Twin Block appliance (2 arches): 10,000,000 VND
Myobrace appliance (2 arches): 6,000,000 VND
Bad Habit Treatment
Applying removable or fixed appliances to correct habits:
Lip sucking, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, mouth breathing: 5,000,000 VND/arch
Using removable appliance (1 arch): 5,000,000 VND
Fixed Orthodontics
Comprehensive orthodontic planning: photos, X-rays, impressions: 2,000,000 VND/package
Conventional metal braces with elastic ties: 1 arch 20,000,000 VND, 2 arches 30,000,000 VND
Self-ligating Titanium braces: 1 arch 25,000,000 VND, 2 arches 40,000,000 VND
Conventional ceramic braces: 1 arch 30,000,000 VND, 2 arches 50,000,000 VND
Self-ligating ceramic braces: 1 arch 35,000,000 VND, 2 arches 60,000,000 VND
Correction and traction of impacted tooth (1 tooth): 5,000,000 VND
Rebonding band/bracket: existing band 300,000 VND, lost band 500,000 VND
Complex orthodontic cases: an additional 5,000,000–10,000,000 VND
Fixed Orthodontic Ancillary Appliances
NANCE appliance, TPA arch, LA lingual arch: from 2,000,000–4,000,000 VND
Mini-screw (1 screw): 2,000,000 VND
Expansion – Distalization Appliances
RPE – Hyrax rapid expander (1 arch): 5,000,000 VND
Quad Helix, Wilson 3D HD, Dillehay, Biometric appliance (1 arch): 4,000,000 VND
Forsus appliance: 6,000,000 VND, Transforce appliance: 5,000,000 VND
Extraoral Appliances
Facemask: 10,000,000 VND, Headgear: 8,000,000 VND
Limited Orthodontics
1 arch: 8,000,000 VND, 2 arches: 14,000,000 VND
Pre-restorative orthodontics with metal braces: 10,000,000 VND
With ceramic braces: 20,000,000 VND
Intrusion of tooth with mini-screw (1 tooth): 8,000,000 VND
Post-Orthodontic Retainers
Clear retainer (1 arch): 1,000,000 VND
Vivera retainer: 1 arch 6,000,000 VND, 2 arches 10,000,000 VND
Fixed appliance to maintain results: 2,000,000 VND
Removable appliance to maintain results: 1,000,000 VND
Fixed space maintainer for primary teeth (1 arch): 2,000,000 VND
Invisalign Clear Aligner Orthodontics
Impressions (scan): 2,000,000 VND
Clincheck planning: 10,000,000 VND
Level I: 1 arch 60,000,000 VND, 2 arches 80,000,000 VND
Level II: 1 arch 80,000,000 VND, 2 arches 100,000,000 VND
Level III: 1 arch 100,000,000 VND, 2 arches 120,000,000 VND
Level IV: 2 arches 140,000,000 VND
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment
Anti-grinding splint, bite guard: 2,000,000 VND/session
Joint reduction: 500,000 VND/session
Muscle balancing splint (1 arch): 10,000,000 VND
Muscle relaxation with TENS: 2,000,000 VND/session
Bite balance with T-scans: 2,000,000 VND/session
Full package for TMJ treatment: 15,000,000 VND
Popular Orthodontic Methods Today
Below are the popular orthodontic methods currently widely applied in cosmetic dentistry and general dental services.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most traditional and popular orthodontic method today. The dentist will attach stainless steel brackets to each tooth, then use an archwire to create tension that moves the teeth into their correct position.
Advantages:
- Reasonable cost, accessible to many.
- High orthodontic effectiveness, suitable for most tooth misalignment conditions.
- Durable, not easily broken when eating.
Disadvantages:
- Less aesthetic, easily noticeable during communication.
- May cause discomfort initially.
- Food easily gets stuck, requiring meticulous care.
This method is suitable for individuals with severe tooth misalignment, requiring significant jawbone correction, or serious deep/crossbite correction.
Ceramic or Crystal Braces
Instead of metal, this method uses brackets made of transparent ceramic or crystal. The color of the brackets is close to that of natural teeth, helping to reduce self-consciousness when smiling.
Advantages:
- Ensures higher aesthetic appeal than metal.
- Still achieves similar corrective effectiveness as metal braces.
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost.
- More prone to breakage if not careful in daily activities.
This is a popular choice for adults who prioritize aesthetics throughout their orthodontic treatment.
Clear Braces (Invisalign)
Invisalign clear braces are a new technology that uses removable transparent aligner trays, without the need for brackets or archwires.
Advantages:
- Highly aesthetic, difficult to detect.
- No hindrance in daily activities.
- Easy to remove for eating and oral hygiene.
Disadvantages:
- High cost.
- Suitable for mild to moderate tooth misalignment cases.
Invisalign is particularly favored by office workers, models, actors, or anyone who needs to maintain a professional image throughout the treatment period.
Lingual Braces (Invisible Braces)
This method uses brackets, but they are attached to the inner surface of the teeth, making it difficult for others to notice you are wearing braces.
Advantages:
- Almost absolute aesthetic appeal.
- Does not affect appearance during communication.
Disadvantages:
- More difficult oral hygiene.
- Longer adaptation period.
- High cost.
Lingual braces are suitable for individuals with good financial means and who are willing to adapt to the initial discomfort.
Removable Orthodontics for Children
For children aged 7 to 12, when permanent teeth have not yet fully erupted, removable orthodontics help with early intervention, preventing misaligned teeth, shaping the dental arch, and controlling bad habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking.
Advantages:
- Non-invasive intervention.
- Can be removed for eating or brushing teeth.
- Helps guide jawbone development in the correct direction.
Disadvantages:
- Requires the child’s absolute cooperation in wearing the appliance for the prescribed duration.
What is the Orthodontic Treatment Process at the Dental Clinic?
Steps in the orthodontic treatment process at the dental clinic:
Initial Oral Examination and Assessment
The dentist will conduct a general examination and take X-rays or 3D Cone Beam CT scans to assess the bite, jawbone density, and tooth root positions. This is a crucial step to determine if you are suitable for braces and what technique should be applied.
Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the diagnostic results, the orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan. Factors such as age, dental condition, treatment goals, cost of braces, and treatment duration are all included in this plan. It may be necessary to extract teeth or correct the bite before attaching brackets.
Attaching Orthodontic Appliances
Depending on the chosen option, patients may wear metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or removable appliances. The dentist will clean the teeth, attach the brackets with specialized adhesive, and thread the archwire to begin applying force for tooth movement. Some cases may require extraoral appliances or palatal expanders if the jaw is narrow.
Regular Follow-up Appointments
You need to attend follow-up appointments every 4–6 weeks so the dentist can adjust the pulling force appropriately. At each appointment, the dentist may change the archwire, add elastic bands, or fine-tune the brackets. Adhering to the appointment schedule will help achieve better results from the braces and reduce the risk of periodontal tissue damage.
Debonding and Wearing Retainers
Once the teeth have moved to their correct positions and the bite is stable, the dentist will remove the appliances and design retainers. This phase helps prevent the teeth from shifting back. You can use fixed or clear retainers depending on the case. It is necessary to continue follow-up appointments for 6–12 months after debonding to monitor long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Do Braces Hurt and For How Long?
Most people with braces experience mild pain in the first few days. This is a normal reaction as the teeth begin to move. This sensation often feels like soreness or slight pressure in the teeth and jaw area.
Typically, discomfort appears within the first 3–5 days after bracket placement or after each follow-up appointment for archwire adjustments. The level of pain varies depending on individual tolerance, the type of orthodontic appliance used, and the personalized treatment plan. For example, traditional metal bracket systems apply stronger force and may cause more pain than self-ligating brackets or Invisalign.
To reduce pain, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, eat soft foods, and rinse your mouth with salt water. Some people are advised to use over-the-counter pain relievers for the first 1–2 days. It is crucial to adhere to follow-up appointments and instructions from your orthodontist to avoid complications or gingivitis.
Both children and adults may experience a period of mild pain, but this sensation usually does not last long. Choosing the right dental clinic and an experienced dentist will help minimize discomfort during treatment.
Do Braces Change Your Face?
Braces can subtly change the face, but these are positive changes. When teeth are aligned and the bite is properly corrected, the face appears more harmonious. This is particularly noticeable in individuals with an overbite, underbite, or jaw asymmetry.
The treatment process can affect the jawbone, especially during the developmental stage in children. Braces at the right time help balance facial proportions, improve the smile line, and facial profile. In some severe cases, jaw surgery for overbite/underbite may be combined to achieve optimal results.
For adults, facial changes are usually more subtle. Those with prominent canines (fang teeth), crowded teeth, or a gummy smile will see significant improvement after completing orthodontic treatment. The face appears more refined and balanced, enhancing aesthetic appeal and confidence in communication.
What to Note When Wearing Braces
Individuals with braces need to adhere to certain principles to ensure treatment effectiveness. First, maintain impeccable oral hygiene. Use a special toothbrush for braces, dental floss, and mouthwash to clean between teeth and around the appliances.
Second, avoid eating hard, chewy, sticky, or excessively hot foods. These can easily dislodge brackets or break archwires, affecting treatment progress. Prioritize soft, easy-to-chew foods and divide portions if necessary.
Third, those wearing removable appliances like Invisalign must wear them for 20–22 hours daily. If removed too frequently, teeth will not move as scheduled. Remember to rinse the aligners with clean water, avoiding hot water which can cause deformation.
Fourth, regular follow-up appointments are mandatory. The dentist will adjust the appropriate pulling force, check the bite condition, and promptly address any signs of gingivitis, tooth decay, or appliance detachment.
Finally, maintain a patient mindset. The average treatment time is 18–24 months, but it can be shortened if you cooperate well. The effectiveness after treatment largely depends on your attitude and self-care.
