Orthodontic treatment is the method to achieve a beautiful smile, and dental braces are the most feasible solution to making your smile brilliant. Braces can help you feel more confident and healthy since you will get a corrected bite and straight teeth.
According to recent data, approximately 4 million people wear braces in the USA, with systematic reviews showing patient satisfaction rates consistently above 91%. Many of them visit other countries like Mexico for orthodontic treatments that cost 40–60% less than USA prices because American clinics offer high cosmetic dentistry costs.
What Are Dental Braces?
Braces are orthodontic tools used to align your teeth and fix other dental problems, like malocclusion, overbite, and other issues with teeth and jaw. Most orthodontic treatment patients are under 18, but there are no age restrictions for adults seeking teeth correction.
How do braces work? Traditional braces consist of brackets, wire, and elastics. All these components take part in the remodeling of your smile. They put gentle pressure on your teeth and move them into the new correct position using light forces typically ranging from 50 to 250 grams.
Treatment duration averages 19.9 months according to a systematic review of 22 studies involving over 1,000 participants, with ranges from 14 to 33 months depending on case complexity. Cases requiring tooth extraction typically take 2–3 months longer than non-extraction cases.
What Types of Braces Are Available in Mexico?
Traditional braces are made of different materials, determining their type and purpose. Only an orthodontist can determine which type will be the best for your case. A specialist will prescribe the specific braces according to the patient's dental goals and oral health.
The orthodontic clinics in Mexico provide dental solutions to place different types of braces, namely:
- Metal braces. It is the oldest (over 100 years old) and, nowadays, one of the most common types of braces applied to tackle problems with teeth. It ensures comprehensive dental correction for a patient's smile. Traditional metal braces are made of steel or other metal alloys and are primarily used to provide the correct alignment of children's teeth. They constitute metal construction and wire, tied to braces with elastic bands. It is also the most affordable type among all orthodontic options. However, it is the most noticeable, which may be a drawback.
- Ceramic braces. This type of brace is less visible than metal ones because of the material they are made of. Still, it has almost the same effect on patients. It allows adjusting teeth into a new position to get a more aesthetic smile. A ceramic system is more costly than metal braces and may be stained if the patient does not follow the specified dental rules and provide good care to teeth.
- Lingual braces. It is similar to traditional braces made of metal, with the same construction — metal brackets, wires, and elastic ties. The only difference is that this type is fixed behind the teeth. So nobody even notices you are wearing them. Lingual braces are an acceptable dental treatment for those who need an invisible solution. However, they are less effective and need more time to provide correct adjustments to teeth.
- Self ligating braces or Damon braces. The construction and materials of such braces are very close to metal or ceramic ones, but there are clips to hold the braces instead of bands.
- Clear braces or Invisalign. It is a type of transparent brackets that may be used in case of a few dental problems or other issues when combined with other orthodontic treatments. Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, are a more expensive solution but have the advantages of being better looking and needing fewer appointments to the dentist.
Is It Okay to Get Braces in Another Country?
One of the key reasons patients prefer Mexico for treatment is to cut costs for the same quality of services as in the USA or Europe. It is worth keeping in mind that braces are a long-term solution to major dental issues with teeth and gum.
However, orthodontic treatment needs several visits to the doctor after braces placement. Once your braces installation in Mexico is over, you may not visit the country every time you need correction. You can choose a dentist in your country who will adjust your bracket system.
There are benefits of getting braces in Mexico, as follows:
- Money savings. Current data shows braces prices in Mexico range from $1,000 to $3,000, while USA prices range from $3,500 to $6,500, representing savings of up to 60%.
- Skilled doctors. All dental team members undergo training to enhance their qualifications and get specific knowledge in dentistry, especially orthodontics. Leading orthodontists such as Dr. Samuel Alberto Guevara Gomez at Dentavida Clinic in Cancún, Dr. Miller Vieira in Cancún, and Dr. Laura Sanchez at Beamann Hobbs Dental Clinic in Mexico City provide expert orthodontic care backed by 15+ years of experience.
- Advanced technologies. Mexican dental centers are equipped with hi-tech solutions, including digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and modern orthodontic systems. Top-rated facilities like Dentavida Clinic (5.0/5 rating) and YeahSmile (4.8/5 rating) in Cancún, along with Beamann Hobbs Dental Clinic (5.0/5 rating) in Mexico City, apply materials with quality assurance from top world manufacturers, such as 3M, Ormco, Dentsply Sirona, and Straumann.
A patient from Ukraine who received orthodontic treatment shared: "English speaking staff, no problems in communication. A high level of doctor's qualification, owns the skills of new techniques in orthodontics. The result exceeded my expectations. I especially want to note the organization of the service." (Verified review, 5.0/5 rating)
Is Getting Braces in Mexico Cheaper?
Mexico offers cost-effective treatment in a variety of medical specialties, including orthodontics. All dental works, like regular braces, implants, or even fillings, are up to 60% cheaper because of lower dentists' fees, education costs, and cost of living.
According to current data, top-rated facilities include Dentavida Clinic (5.0/5, Cancún), YeahSmile (4.8/5, Cancún), Beamann Hobbs Dental Clinic (5.0/5, Mexico City), and SoftDentalCare Clinic in Los Algodones, with significant concentrations in Los Algodones and Mexico City. There are some discounts and special offers available for international patients. If you want to find more, contact the Bookimed coordinator, who will help you get the most beneficial treatment plan.
Moreover, some clinics in Mexico support dental insurance programs. Thus, you may contact your insurance provider and ask all questions about the possibility of covering your dental journey to Mexico.
How Much Are Invisible Braces in Mexico?
Invisible braces (clear aligners) usually cost between $1,600 and $3,500 in Mexico. By comparison, the average cost in the United States is around $5,900. This means patients can save approximately 56% by choosing Mexico, even before factoring in additional savings on consultations and follow-up care.
Invisible braces are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces because they are discreet, removable, and easier to maintain. While they typically cost more than standard braces, Mexico offers substantially lower prices compared to the United States.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Mexico?
Orthodontic treatment costs differ significantly among countries. The average price of braces in Mexico depends on the types, clinic, and orthodontist you choose for your teeth and oral health conditions. But it is 40%–60% lower compared to the USA costs.
Check the comparison table to see the difference and your benefit.
|
Braces type |
The average cost in Mexico |
The average cost in the USA |
|
Metal braces |
$1,000 |
$3,500 |
|
Ceramic braces |
$1,500 |
$4,500 |
|
Lingual braces |
$2,000 |
$5,500 |
|
Self ligating braces (Damon braces) |
$2,500 |
$6,000 |
|
Clear braces |
$3,000 |
$5,900 |
Treatment Success Rates and Patient Satisfaction
Modern orthodontic treatment employs precise biomechanical principles, applying light forces typically ranging from 50 to 250 grams to achieve controlled tooth movement. Treatment follows protocols established by the American Board of Orthodontics, with appointments scheduled every 4–6 weeks for monitoring and adjustments.
Advanced 3D digital planning ensures optimal treatment outcomes, with clinical studies showing 87.7% success rates for orthodontic procedures and patient satisfaction consistently above 91%. Fixed orthodontic appliances demonstrate higher satisfaction levels compared to removable appliances, with treatment success measured by both functional outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction.
Potential Risks and Safety Considerations
While orthodontic treatment is generally safe with high satisfaction rates above 91%, patients should be aware of potential complications that can be minimized through proper care and clinic selection.
The most common considerations include:
- Root resorption (shortening of the tooth roots). Clinical studies show that over 97% of teeth experience no resorption or clinically acceptable moderate levels, with severe cases occurring in only 2.9% of teeth.
- White spot lesions. Enamel demineralization can develop around brackets (45.8–68.4% incidence), but is largely preventable with proper oral hygiene and fluoride use.
- Temporary discomfort. Mild soreness for 2–3 days after adjustments is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
- Periodontal health. Regular cleaning and monitoring prevent gum complications during treatment. Periodontal complications are seen in 23–32% of cases.
Contraindications include severe periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain systemic conditions. Seek immediate care for severe pain, swelling, infection, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or allergic reactions.
Most complications are preventable with proper oral hygiene, regular monitoring, and choosing board-certified orthodontists who meet American Board of Orthodontics standards. Verified clinics in Mexico follow international protocols and use FDA-approved materials to ensure patient safety.