What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects tooth position and the relationship between the dental arches (the bite). It works by applying gentle, sustained forces that move teeth through the alveolar bone into a planned position.
It's not just cosmetic: a correct bite also improves chewing, distributes biting forces more evenly, makes hygiene easier (aligned teeth are easier to clean), and prevents abnormal wear over the long term.
When do you need orthodontics?
- Dental crowding: teeth don't fit in the arch and overlap.
- Diastemas: spaces between teeth you want to close.
- Open bite (anterior or posterior).
- Deep bite (upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth).
- Crossbite, unilateral or bilateral.
- Facial asymmetry of dental origin.
- Pre-treatment before smile design with veneers — orthodontics first improves position so veneers don't have to compensate.
Treatment options
Metal brackets
The classic system. Brackets bonded to the visible face of each tooth, connected by a wire that's adjusted periodically. Effective for any complexity. The most affordable option. Visible, but patients adapt quickly.
Esthetic ceramic brackets
Functionally identical to metal brackets but the brackets themselves are tooth-colored ceramic. Less visible. Mid-range cost. Slight tendency to stain with coffee or red wine (stains affect the adhesive, not the bracket itself).
Clear aligners
Removable plastic trays that change every 1-2 weeks to gradually move teeth. Nearly invisible. Removable for eating and cleaning. Requires discipline (minimum 22 hours per day) and doesn't resolve every case — especially complex vertical movements or cases requiring extractions usually need brackets.
Treatment process
1. Initial diagnosis
Clinical exam + intraoral and extraoral photographs + panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs + digital or stone study models. Cephalometric analysis to understand the relationship between maxilla, mandible, and skull.
2. Treatment plan
Movement design, duration estimate, appliance options with pros and cons. We present the full plan before starting.
3. Appliance placement
Brackets: 1-2 hour appointment to bond brackets to all teeth and place the first wire. Aligners: delivery of the first tray set with usage instructions.
4. Periodic adjustments
Every 3-6 weeks to adjust forces, change wire, or hand out the next aligner set. Total duration: 18-24 months for most cases.
5. Retention
After active treatment, a fixed retainer (bonded behind the teeth) or removable retainer (Essix-style) keeps the new position. Retention is for life — without it, teeth tend to drift back partially.
The most common mistake in orthodontics is not wearing retainers properly after treatment. Teeth have memory — if you don't maintain the position, they move back. — Clínica Endodontics
Adult orthodontics
There's no upper age limit. We routinely treat adult patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, provided gums and supporting bone are healthy. Adult orthodontics works as effectively as adolescent treatment — movements happen at a slightly slower pace, but the end result is the same.
- Children (7-10): early evaluation to detect issues better addressed before growth ends.
- Teens (11-16): most common window for full treatment, with permanent teeth in place.
- Adults: treatment possible at any age. Clear aligners are especially popular in this group.
Why El Salvador for orthodontics?
- Cost. Orthodontic treatment here costs 50-70% less than equivalent US treatment, including clear aligner cases.
- USD currency. El Salvador uses USD as legal tender — no exchange-rate surprises.
- English-speaking team. Communication is never a barrier.
- Monthly installments. Treatments are typically paid in monthly installments throughout the active period, making them very accessible.
- Hybrid follow-up. If you split your time between El Salvador and the US, we can plan adjustments around your visits and combine WhatsApp/iMessage check-ins.
How much does it cost?
Cost varies widely by type and complexity:
- Metal brackets: the most affordable, paid in monthly installments across the full treatment.
- Ceramic brackets: mid-range.
- Clear aligners: highest tier, depending on number of trays required.
All options come out significantly cheaper than equivalent US treatment. For a personalized quote, contact us via WhatsApp or iMessage — send a recent photo of your teeth if possible.
What patients often ask us
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatments last 18 to 24 months. Simple cases can resolve in 8-12 months; complex cases may require up to 30 months.
After active treatment, retainers are needed to maintain results — retention is for life.
Metal brackets, ceramic brackets or clear aligners?
Metal brackets are the most affordable and effective for any complexity.
Ceramic brackets are less visible, mid-range in cost.
Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, but require discipline (at least 22h per day) and don't resolve every case.
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
No upper age limit — we treat adult patients of any age as long as gums and bone are healthy.
The ideal age to start full treatment is between 10-14 years when most permanent teeth have erupted. Early pediatric evaluation can begin sooner.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
Not during bracket placement. It's normal to feel mild discomfort for the first 3-5 days after each adjustment, manageable with common painkillers.
Aligners generate less discomfort than brackets but can cause pressure when changing trays every 1-2 weeks.
How much does orthodontics cost in El Salvador vs the US?
Orthodontic treatment in El Salvador typically costs 50-70% less than in the United States. Treatments are usually paid in monthly installments throughout the active treatment period.
For a personalized quote, contact us via WhatsApp or iMessage.
Ready for orthodontics?
Schedule an evaluation. We'll walk you through options, pricing and timing based on your specific case.