Braces Prices 2026
Calculate your TDB 2026 reference price by bracket type — metal, ceramic, or self-ligating — and case complexity.
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This figure reflects the TDB 2026 minimum guideline tariff. For a personalised quote, please get in touch.
Reference fees are based on the TDB 2026 Guideline Tariff (7-10, 7-11, 7-12). Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. The definitive treatment cost is determined after a specialist examination.
Braces prices are among the most researched topics for patients planning orthodontic treatment. Braces treatment is a long-established orthodontic method in which brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by metal wires to move the teeth into the correct position. With variations including metal, ceramic, and lingual brackets, braces treatment remains one of the most widely used approaches in orthodontics today, with decades of clinical experience behind it.
At our clinic Doredent in Avcılar, Istanbul, all orthodontic treatments are planned and carried out by our orthodontist Dr. Merve Özkan Akagündüz, who holds Invisalign Diamond Provider status. In addition to traditional braces, our clinic also offers Invisalign clear aligner treatment, and our patients can choose between the two methods without budget being a deciding factor.
The cost of braces treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the type of bracket chosen, the complexity of the case, treatment duration, the number of check-up appointments, and the need for any additional procedures. Even two patients treated with the same type of bracket can have different treatment times and total costs. For that reason, quoting a single fixed price online is neither clinically nor legally appropriate.
The Braces Treatment Process
Understanding how braces treatment progresses helps explain why the cost varies from patient to patient. Each stage of treatment involves different materials, clinical expertise, and procedural steps — and the total cost reflects all of these together. At Doredent, braces treatment follows these stages:
Comprehensive Examination and Diagnosis
The first step of treatment is a detailed intraoral examination by the orthodontist. A panoramic X-ray, a cephalometric (lateral skull) film, and intraoral and extraoral photographs are taken at this stage. A 3D digital impression is captured with the iTero scanner, and the scope of any orthodontic problems and jaw relationships are analysed in detail. This comprehensive assessment is essential for building an accurate treatment plan.
Building the Treatment Plan
The examination findings, radiographic analyses, and digital scan data are reviewed together to build a personalised treatment plan. The plan defines the type of brackets to be used, the estimated treatment duration, whether any extractions are needed, whether additional appliances will be used, and the overall stages of treatment. Our orthodontist walks you through the plan in detail, sets out the treatment goals, and explains what to expect throughout the process.
Bonding the Brackets and Starting Treatment
Once the plan is approved, the chosen bracket system is bonded to the teeth with a dedicated adhesive, and the orthodontic wire is threaded through the brackets. The first session typically uses a thin, flexible wire that applies gentle force to begin initial alignment. Bonding the brackets is painless and takes around 45–60 minutes on average. Mild sensitivity and pressure in the first few days are normal.
Active Treatment and Routine Check-ups
After bonding, treatment is monitored through check-ups every 4–6 weeks on average. At each visit, the archwires are changed or tightened, the elastics are renewed, and progress is reviewed against the plan. As treatment advances, thicker and stiffer wires are used to guide the teeth into their target positions. Our orthodontist explains the course of treatment at every appointment and plans the next step. Where indicated, elastics, mini-screws (TADs), or additional appliances can be added.
Debonding the Brackets
Once the teeth reach their target positions and the bite is corrected, the brackets and wires are removed and active treatment is complete. Debonding is painless and quick. Once the brackets are off, any adhesive residue is cleaned from the tooth surfaces and the teeth are polished.
Retention Phase
Once active treatment is complete, the retention phase begins to keep the teeth in their new positions long term. This involves either a fine bonded retainer wire behind the teeth, a removable retainer worn at night, or both. Retention is critical for preserving the result for years to come — if neglected, the teeth tend to drift back towards their original positions, as we discuss in detail in this article.
Factors Affecting Braces Prices
To understand why braces treatment cannot be expressed as a single fixed price, it helps to know the components that make up the total. Each of the factors below has a direct impact on the overall investment:
Bracket Type and Material Quality
The type of bracket used is one of the most decisive factors in the cost of braces treatment. Metal brackets are the most economical option and have been used safely for decades thanks to their durability and treatment effectiveness. Ceramic (porcelain) brackets offer an aesthetic advantage with their tooth-coloured appearance, but they are more expensive than metal brackets. Lingual brackets, bonded to the back of the teeth, offer a completely invisible treatment — and, owing to the complexity of fabrication and placement, are the most expensive option. The brand and manufacturing technology of the brackets also affect cost — imported bracket systems made to international standards are more expensive than domestic alternatives.
Case Complexity and Scope
Every mouth is different, and the complexity of orthodontic problems directly determines the treatment plan. Mild crowding and advanced cases of deep bite, open bite, crossbite, or significant jaw discrepancy require very different treatment approaches. The greater the complexity of orthodontic problems, the longer treatment takes, the more check-ups it requires, and the more likely it is that additional appliances will be needed. There is also a difference in scope and cost between single-arch and double-arch treatment.
Treatment Duration and Check-ups
Braces treatment averages 12–24 months, though this can range from 6 to 36 months depending on the complexity of the case. Throughout treatment, check-up appointments are held every 4–6 weeks for wire changes, elastic renewal, and a review of progress. Longer treatments naturally involve more check-ups and more material use. The total time the orthodontist spends on treatment is also a significant cost component.
Adjunct Orthodontic Procedures
Some cases require additional procedures to be successful. These include extractions for space (typically wisdom teeth or premolars), mini-screws (TADs — Temporary Anchorage Devices) for bony anchorage, rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances to widen the upper jaw, functional appliances, and various elastic regimens. The scope and number of these procedures vary by case and can affect the total cost.
Retention Phase
Whether the retainers used after active treatment are included in the treatment package is another important driver of total cost. The retention phase involves a bonded retainer wire and/or a removable retainer. These appliances are mandatory for preserving the result and should be considered an integral part of orthodontic treatment.
The Orthodontist’s Experience
Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry. Treatments performed by certified, experienced orthodontists deliver noticeably better accuracy of planning, complication management, and predictability of outcomes. At Doredent, all orthodontic treatments are planned and delivered by Dr. Merve Özkan Akagündüz, who holds Invisalign Diamond Provider status. Specialist experience directly affects success rates and is one of the factors that keeps long-term costs lowest.
Braces Types vs. Clear Aligners Comparison
One of the most common questions from patients planning orthodontic treatment is which method is right for them. The table below compares metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners across the key criteria. Because all three options are offered at the same price at Doredent, you can base your decision purely on your clinical needs and lifestyle:
| Criterion | Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Invisalign Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Price at Doredent | Same | Same | Same |
| Treatment Predictability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Removable | No | No | Yes |
| Suitable Case Range | All cases | All cases | All cases |
| Avg. Treatment Duration | 12 – 24 months | 12 – 24 months | 3 – 18 months |
| Ease of Oral Hygiene | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Digital Planning | No | No | ClinCheck 3D |
Because all of these treatment methods are offered at the same price at Doredent, the table above puts clinical characteristics rather than price front and centre. For more detail on clear aligner treatment, see our dedicated page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both bracket types deliver effective orthodontic results. Metal brackets are smaller, more durable, and have a lower coefficient of friction, which can make them more efficient in some case types. Ceramic brackets offer an aesthetic advantage thanks to their tooth-coloured appearance — particularly favoured by adult patients and those mindful of how braces look. Their downsides are that they are slightly more brittle than metal brackets and can pick up some staining over time from heavily pigmented foods. The right bracket type for you is decided together with your orthodontist after examination, based on your clinical needs and preferences.
Braces treatment time varies widely with the complexity of the case. Mild crowding can be treated in as little as 6–12 months; moderate cases generally take 12–18 months; and severe cases can take 18–30 months or longer. The main factors affecting treatment time include the severity of the crowding, the type of bite issue, jaw relationships, the patient’s age, whether extractions are needed, and how well the patient sticks with treatment (keeping check-up appointments, wearing elastics, and so on). Your orthodontist will share an estimated timeline with you when the treatment plan is built.
Yes. At Doredent, traditional braces treatment and Invisalign clear aligner treatment are offered at the same price. This is an uncommon practice in the sector, and it is designed to ensure our patients don’t feel forced to compromise on treatment method because of budget. Which method is right for you is a decision you make together with our orthodontist, based purely on clinical needs.
This decision depends on the clinical needs of your case and your personal preferences. Traditional braces are known for giving the orthodontist direct mechanical control over tooth movements. Invisalign, by contrast, offers advantages such as being removable, having a more aesthetic appearance, causing less discomfort, and being easier to clean. Because both options are offered at the same price at Doredent, budget doesn’t factor into this decision. We compare the two in depth in Braces or Clear Aligners?
For the first 3–5 days after the brackets are bonded — and after each wire change — you may feel sensitivity, pressure, and mild discomfort in your teeth. This is the sign that the teeth are starting to move and is entirely normal. The pain is generally mild and easily managed with the pain relief your orthodontist recommends. Some friction from the brackets against the inner lip and cheek in the first few weeks can also cause irritation; orthodontic wax provides relief in these cases. As treatment progresses, the body adapts to the new situation and discomfort decreases noticeably.
Oral hygiene needs particular attention throughout braces treatment. Because food debris can build up around the brackets, you should brush after every meal and get into the habit of using interdental brushes. Very hard foods (nuts, roasted chickpeas, ice), sticky sweets (chewing gum, caramel, Turkish delight), and very hard fruits should either be avoided or cut into small pieces — otherwise the risk of bracket breakage or wire detachment increases. Keeping to your check-up appointments, wearing the elastics your orthodontist recommends, and maintaining good oral hygiene are the most important factors affecting both the success and duration of treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be assessed by an orthodontist by age 7. Comprehensive braces treatment, however, usually begins between the ages of 11 and 14, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. For some skeletal issues (such as crossbite or a narrow upper jaw), earlier intervention (ages 7–10) may be needed; this is referred to as “early-phase” or “interceptive” orthodontics. To find out whether your child needs orthodontic treatment and when, book an assessment appointment with our orthodontist.
Absolutely. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment — anyone with healthy gums and adequate bone support can benefit from braces. Tooth movement may be slightly slower in adults than in children, but treatment results are just as successful. Adult patients often prefer ceramic brackets or Invisalign clear aligner treatment for aesthetic reasons. A significant proportion of the patients we treat at Doredent are adults.
The price set at the start of treatment usually covers the entire treatment process. However, if a patient’s lack of cooperation (missed appointments, not wearing elastics, broken brackets, etc.) causes treatment to extend, the treatment agreement will set out whether any additional fee applies. At Doredent, this is explained clearly before treatment begins so that there are no surprises.
SGK only contributes to orthodontic treatment in specific medically necessary cases, such as cleft lip and palate or severe orthognathic cases requiring jaw surgery. Cosmetic or functional orthodontic treatments are not covered. Some private health insurance policies do include orthodontic cover, however; we recommend checking with your insurance provider.
At Doredent, flexible payment plans tailored to your treatment are available. Once your treatment plan is finalised and the total cost is known, our patient coordinator will walk you through suitable payment options in detail.
By the nature of orthodontic treatment, neglecting the retention phase can lead to relapse — teeth drifting back towards their original positions. If retainer wear is followed as recommended by your orthodontist, however, this risk is minimal. At Doredent, retention is treated as an integral part of the treatment plan. We cover this in depth in our article Why Have My Teeth Shifted After Orthodontic Treatment?