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 braces
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 braces
Functionally identical to metal braces 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).
Invisalign 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 braces.
Treatment process
- 1
Initial diagnosis
Clinical exam + intraoral and extraoral photographs + a digital periapical radiograph and study models. That defines the plan: which teeth move, where to, and an estimated duration.
- 2
Treatment plan
Movement design, duration estimate, appliance options with pros and cons. We present the full plan before starting.
- 3
Appliance placement
Braces: 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 month to adjust forces, change the archwire, or hand over the next aligner set. Typical duration: 18 months.
- 5
Retention
After active treatment, removable retainers (Essix-style) keep 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. Invisalign is especially popular in this group.
Why El Salvador for orthodontics?
- Cost. Orthodontic treatment here costs a fraction of 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 check-ins.
How much do braces cost in El Salvador?
- The monthly fee covers wires, elastics and adjustments
- Interest-free installments with BAC cards, up to 6 months
- Evaluation with X-ray: $35
- Cash, card, bank transfer
The starting fee and the monthly amount depend on the system you choose. Metal braces are the most affordable; ceramic and sapphire sit in the middle for esthetics; Invisalign clear aligners are the top tier. Which one fits your case is decided at your evaluation, and you leave with a firm price.
In the United States, metal braces run $3,000–$7,500 and clear aligners average $5,108 without insurance. Here the same treatment is paid monthly, in US dollars — El Salvador uses the dollar, so there is no currency conversion.1
1 US prices: national averages without dental insurance, 2025–2026, compiled from the ADA Survey of Dental Fees, FAIR Health, Delta Dental and CareCredit. Clínica Endodontics prices are the ones published on this site.
What patients often ask us
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Typical treatment time is 18 months, with monthly adjustments. 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 braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign?
Metal braces are the most affordable and effective for any complexity.
Ceramic braces are less visible, mid-range in cost.
Invisalign 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 braces 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 costs a fraction of what it costs in the United States. Treatments are usually paid in monthly installments throughout the active treatment period.
For a personalized quote, contact us via WhatsApp.
Ready for orthodontics?
Schedule an evaluation. We'll walk you through options, pricing and timing based on your specific case.