Braces in Bangkok: Dental Centers, Treatments, and Costs

Braces in Bangkok: Dental Centers, Treatments, and Costs

I had braces a few years ago, and it turned out to be the greatest thing I’ve done to boost my confidence.

Previously, my teeth were so badly aligned. They actually changed the shape of my face. I wasn’t able to fully smile because of it.

But once I had braces, it changed my life. And I did it in Bangkok.

In this guide, I’m going to explain the process and cost of getting braces in Bangkok. I’ll give you three popular dental centers to help narrow down your choices.

Then, I’ll walk you through my consultation with the dentist. I’ll show you step-by-step the process of preparing for and having braces put on, what to do once they’re on, and the end results.

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Is It a Good Idea to Get Braces in Bangkok?

If you will be living in Bangkok for at least a year or two and want to wear braces, this is a great opportunity to do so. 

Thailand is a popular destination for medical tourism for two main reasons: the quality is good, and the cost is affordable. 

There are many great dental clinics in Bangkok that offer braces. They have experienced orthodontists and modern facilities, and the cost can be at least two times lower than in the West. 

The language barrier is not a problem, as many dentists in Bangkok speak English fluently. In fact, many of them have graduated abroad from countries like the USA, UK, and Germany. 

These orthodontists work according to Western standards and use the latest orthodontic methods with modern equipment and facilities at a fraction of the price you would pay back home.

Types of Braces

There are many types of braces available in Bangkok, including metal braces, ceramic braces (clear braces), Damon braces (self-ligating braces), lingual braces, Invisalign braces, and Brius braces. Each type has different pros and cons. 

For example, metal braces, while durable and customizable, can be uncomfortable. In contrast, Invisalign braces are more comfortable and nearly invisible, but they are expensive and require a long treatment time. 

Invisalign braces
Invisalign braces are becoming popular over the year since they are less painful and more comfortable than metal braces.

Since every person’s situation is unique, I recommend having a dentist check your teeth and ask for a recommendation. 

To give you an overview of each type of braces, here’s a rundown and some general pros and cons.

Metal Braces

Metal braces have been around the longest. And when people hear the word “braces,” it’s the first image that pops into their heads. But metal braces have come a long way. They’ve gotten a lot smaller and the technology behind them has changed.

I chose metal braces because I didn’t mind wearing visible braces, and because they fit within my budget. 

Pros

  • Cheapest choice
  • Can be customized
  • Durable

Cons

  • Most noticeable
  • Eating restrictions
  • Uncomfortable

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces have been around since the 80s. They were the first answer to less visible forms of braces. Some may call them clear braces. 

They’re popular with adults because the ceramic blends in with the natural color of teeth, making them somewhat hidden.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Match color of teeth
  • Durable

Cons

  • Visible
  • Expensive
  • Not suitable for all cases

Damon Braces

Damon braces are unique because they are self-ligating. This means they push and pull your teeth without orthodontists frequently tightening the wires. 

Because of their size, wearing Damon braces is easier to get used to than wearing metal braces. But they can be expensive and painful. 

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Fast results
  • Shorter dental visits

Cons

  • Painful
  • Expensive
  • Fixed to teeth

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are the least common type of braces. They are made of the same material as traditional braces, and follow similar technology. The only difference? They sit behind your teeth instead of in front of them.

Pros

  • Completely invisible
  • Can treat severe cases
  • Cost effective

Cons

  • Difficult to clean
  • Expensive
  • Hard to adjust

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign, or clear aligners are popular with adults who want to hide their braces. Although Invisalign isn’t 100% invisible, they are hard to notice unless you’re close to them.

Pros 

  • Discreet
  • No food restrictions
  • Removable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Long treatment time
  • Not suitable for all cases

Brius Braces

Brius braces are one of the newest orthodontic treatments to arrive in Thailand. 

With this method, brackets are placed behind the teeth like lingual braces, making them barely visible. 

Because Brius braces use individual brackets, no wires are connected to the teeth. This makes it easier to brush and floss. This method supposedly helps cut down treatment time by half and usually requires only one adjustment.

Brius braces are the most expensive type of braces. You should prepare to spend at least 200,000 baht for them.

Pros

  • faster treatment
  • invisible
  • less painful 

Cons

  • expensive
  • not suitable for all cases

Choosing Orthodontists

A key to getting braces in Bangkok is about choosing an orthodontist. 

Since you’re going to be spending at least two years visiting your orthodontist, you want to have good rapport with them.

Whichever orthodontist and dental center you pick for your braces, you want to be sure that they are competent and can speak English. Unless, of course, you’re fluent in Thai. 

Otherwise the communication process is going to be challenging. 

If you want to check the orthodontist’s competency, ask them how long they’ve been treating people with braces. Ask to see before and after pictures of their previous clients.

And don’t always go with the most expensive dental center, thinking you’re going to get the best service. I had a friend who went to an expensive dental center and the orthodontist didn’t even remove the glue from her teeth after he took her braces off. 

And if you think you’re going to save money by going to the cheapest dental center, think about how much money it’ll cost you if they make a mistake and you have to have your treatment done all over again.

Where to Get Braces in Bangkok 

Most of the dental clinics you find on the streets of Bangkok can do braces, but that doesn’t mean you should get them from just any clinic. 

Instead, it’s a good idea to only get them from a clinic that has an experienced orthodontist. 

Due to the large number of dental clinics in Bangkok, it’s hard to mention all of them. 

So, in this section, I will point out good clinics where you can get your braces. 

All of these clinics have English-speaking dentists, modern facilities, and experienced orthodontists.

Bangkok International Dental Center

Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC) is one of the biggest dental centers in Thailand. Their office in Bangkok is a megalith, a seven-story building packed with the latest in dental equipment located at Ratchadapisek Road near MRT Huai Khwang station. 

BIDC Thailand headquarter
BIDC is the biggest dental clinic in Thailand with a seven-story building.

Additionally, they have their branches conveniently located inside the Siam Paragon and EmQuartier shopping malls.

Services

When it comes to orthodontics, BIDC offers metal, clear, lingual, self-ligating, Damon, Invisalign, clear aligners, and retainers. But their services don’t end there. They also do general and cosmetic dentistry, implants, prosthetics, periodontics, root canals, tooth extractions, and preventive dentistry.

Dentist Experience

Most of their orthodontists have graduated from Japan, the UK, USA, and Australia. And they are all accomplished and qualified. 

Some of their dentists sit on the Thai Board of Orthodontics. Others lecture at universities.

Support

Whether you’re an expat in Thailand or you’re coming here for a medical vacation, BIDC can help you. They will assist you with your hotel and travel arrangements. And they’ll even schedule tours for you while you’re on your downtime.

Prices

When it comes to the cost of braces, BIDC has competitive prices. Its braces are priced similarly to other international and private dental clinics throughout Thailand. 

However, treatment at BIDC costs about 20 percent to 30 percent more than smaller local dental clinics. 

For example, it can cost you 65,000 THB to get metal braces at BIDC while smaller clinics may charge you 50,000 THB. 

But as you can tell from the above info, it provides orthodontic services with only the most modern equipment, techniques, and internationally trained dentists.

So, if you won’t mind paying extra, it’s a good idea to get braces from BIDC. You can use this page to make an appointment with them directly

Smile Signature

If you’re looking for an affordable option while still receiving quality treatment, Smile Signature is a good choice. They have ten locations in Bangkok, including Ratchadapisek, Siam Square, and Onnut.

Smile Signature at Siam Square branch
Smile Signature at Siam Square branch

Services

Although the dental clinics of Smile Signature might not be as large as other dental clinics, they still offer a full range of dental treatments, from teeth cleaning to root canals and dental implants. Smile Signature offers four types of braces: metal braces, ceramic braces, Damon braces, and Invisalign braces.

Dentist Experience

Most orthodontists at Smile Signature graduated locally from leading universities in Thailand. Some of them have also received special training abroad for Invisalign braces.

Support

The overall support from Smile Signature is good. Based on online reviews, customers, both locals and expats, are happy with their services. They also regularly remind you of your next appointment.

Price

Price is one of the great advantages of Smile Signature. They are quite affordable compared to other branded clinics. For example, you can expect to pay around 50,000 THB to 60,000 THB for metal braces, while Thantakit may charge you 100,000 THB.

Therefore, Smile Signature is generally recommended if you want to get braces from experienced orthodontists at an affordable price. 

You can use this form to book an appointment with them directly.

Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok Hospital is one of Thailand’s and Southeast Asia’s biggest private hospitals. It has a dedicated dental center on the second floor on its Bangkok branch on Petchaburi Road. 

Bangkok Hospital Logl

They are internationally accredited by Joint Commission International, one of the world’s most reputable medical accreditation bodies.

While Bangkok Hospital boasts an excellent dental center, the cost of dental treatment there is among the highest in Thailand.

Services

Bangkok Hospital is popular for its Invisalign procedures and frequently offers treatment packages and promotions. 

They also offer pediatric dentistry, geriatric dentistry, and dental implants and crowns.

Dentist Experience

Bangkok Hospital has many internationally trained specialists that offer dental services in a variety of dental fields.

Support

Bangkok Hospital offers expat support services, such as transportation from the airport to the hospital and other places like restaurants, hairdressers, and banks.

Prices

The cost of braces at Bangkok Hospital is among the highest in Thailand. 

For example, getting ceramic braces there can cost up to 200,000 THB, which is more expensive than at a specialized dental center such as BIDC. 

Therefore, if money isn’t an issue for you or you live around Petchaburi Road, Bangkok Hospital can be your option. 

Otherwise, it’s better to get braces from other clinics.

Bangkok Smile Dental Group

Bangkok Smile Dental Group, or Bangkok Smile Dental, has been around since 2003 and is part of the MAYO Clinic network. It has ten locations – eight in Bangkok and two in Phuket under the name Sea Smile Dental Clinic.

bangkok smile dental clinic logo

Services

Bangkok Smile doesn’t have as many options for braces as BIDC. But it does offer metal braces, Damon braces, and Invisalign. It also does implants, tooth extractions, and root canals

Dentist Experience

Most of the dentists at Bangkok Smile have graduated from Chulalongkorn or Mahidol University. A few have graduated from universities in the USA. And some of their dentists sit on the Thai Board of Orthodontics.

Support

Bangkok Smile has an expat support office like BIDC. They can arrange your hotel and transportation for you. And they can set up trips to shopping centers or tourist attractions.

Prices

When it comes to cost, Bangkok Smile’s orthodontic services are comparable to Smile Signature for metal braces and ceramic braces. 

However, its Invisalign treatments are more expensive. 

Thantakit International Dental Center

Thantakit International Dental Center has been in the dental business since World War II. 

thantakit international dental center

Unlike dental centers that pride themselves on their expansive networks, Thantakit prides themselves on being a third generation, family owned and operated business. Thantakit International Dental Center is located at 1939 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok.

Services

Thantakit offers general dentistry services, cosmetic work, tooth extraction, and root canals. With orthodontics, they provide metal, lingual, Damon, Invisalign, and ceramic braces, as well as retainers.

Dentist Experience

You’ll have to do some leg work to find out about the dentists at Thantakit. But once you do, you’ll find out that most of their dentists are qualified and competent. Most of them are members of the Thai Dental Council and a few of them have graduated from overseas.

Support

Thantakit might not be able to help you arrange tours while you’re in Thailand. However, its staff will help you book hotels and transportation. And as a Thantakit patient, you can choose from a list of its partner hotels for special discounts and offers. 

Prices

Orthodontic treatment at Thantakit is roughly 20% higher than BIDC. In fact, they might be the most expensive dental clinic in Thailand. 

Thonglor Dental Hospital

Thonglor Dental Hospital (TDH) is a well-established dental clinic that opened in 2011.

Thonglor Dental Hospital

It currently has six locations in Bangkok, with the Thonglor branch being the most popular. TDH is known for treating many Thai celebrities and TV personalities. 

Services

TDH provides a variety of orthodontic treatments, including metal braces, Damon braces, and Invisalign. It also offers many other dental services, from cosmetic to implant surgery.

Experience

TDH has specialists in each department who’ve graduated from top universities in Thailand. 

They have a team of Invisalign specialists who have been designated as Black Diamond Providers, which means they handle over 300 Invisalign cases each year. 

Support

Because it caters more to the local market, TDH doesn’t provide medical tourism services such as booking hotels or tours. If it’s not convenient for you to visit its branches, you can book an online video consultation to ask any questions you may have. 

Prices

TDH heavily promotes their invisaligh braces. Price is comparable to BIDC. 

Costs

The cost of getting braces in Thailand varies depending on a few factors, such as the type of braces used, severity of the orthodontic issue, and the dental clinic. 

Here’s the total cost of getting braces in Thailand. 

Clinic/Brace TypeMetalCeramicInvisalign
General Local Clinic39,000 – 50,00055,000 – 80,000
Smile Signature50,000 – 60,00065,000 – 85,00079,000 – 160,000
BIDC65,000 – 75,00075,000 – 90,00079,000 – 160,000
Bangkok Smile42,000 – 60,000n/a79,000 – 179,000
Thantakit50,000 – 100,00070,000 – 100,00089,000 – 250,000

You won’t need to pay this cost in full. Instead, it’s usually paid in installments every time you visit the dentist.

Please note that most of the time, health insurance won’t cover the cost of getting braces

That said, here is a general breakdown of the cost of getting braces in Bangkok.  

Consultation

Some dental clinics offer free consultations while others charge between THB300 and THB1,000. This includes an examination as well as lasts around 30 to 45 minutes. 

Other fees that you may incur during the consultation are x-rays or clinic service fees if it’s your first time visiting the dental clinic. 

These should total around THB600 to THB1,000 at most. 

Complexity 

The cost of braces in Thailand varies depending on the type of braces you choose. Traditional metal braces are the most affordable option. Expect to pay between THB50,000 and THB75,000 for metal braces at top-tier dental clinics. 

Brius braces are currently the most expensive on the market, with prices starting at THB250,000. Lingual type braces are only slightly cheaper.

Ceramic and Damon braces are priced similarly, ranging from THB70,000 to THB95,000.

The cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of your dental issues. Prices range from THB60,000 for mild cases to THB200,000 for those who need longer treatment times.

Follow-Up Treatments

The cost of follow-up appointments is usually included in the total cost of the treatment. 

However, if you need additional services such as x-rays or diagnostic tests, there may be additional costs. 

Retainers

After your braces are removed, you will usually get a retainer to maintain your teeth position. 

The cost of retainers ranges from THB5,000 to THB15,000, with removable retainers being cheaper than fixed retainers.  

Procedures

Here is a recount of my personal experience with getting metal braces in Bangkok. The process includes everything from consultation to the final removal two years later. 

The process will be similar regardless of the braces you choose. However, the duration of treatment can vary depending on your oral condition. 

Typically, it takes only 2-3 years, but in some cases, it can extend to more than 5 years.

Consultation 

I consulted with a few orthodontists to get a general idea of the cost and time I’d need to spend. I asked them these three main questions: 

  • What is the process like?
  • What are my choices?
  • How much will it cost? 

They all said it would take around two years to adjust my teeth. They also said I could pay in installments with each visit. 

After deciding on the orthodontist, he examined my teeth and took x-rays to determine the best treatment. The plan was explained to me, including treatment time, frequency of appointments, and costs.

My advice to you during the consultation is that if you don’t like the orthodontist you are talking to, it’s a good idea to find another one. 

Getting braces is a long process, and you will be stuck with the same orthodontist for these years. So, choose the one with whom you feel most comfortable.

Treatment Plans

After a consultation with the dentist, I had x-rays taken of my mouth and a mold made of my teeth. The x-rays showed I needed to have some teeth removed. The dentist used the mold of my teeth to explain the entire process. 

invisalign showcase
Before getting braces, leading clinics can show you what your teeth will look like after the treatment.

He then took me to a dental specialist to have eight of my teeth removed—four wisdom teeth and the four teeth next to my upper and lower canine teeth. It took a few months to extract the eight teeth. Then I was ready to have my teeth cleaned and inspected. 

Fortunately, I didn’t have any decaying teeth. This initial process was much longer than any of the future treatments.

Fitting the Braces

When the day came to have my braces put on, I was so excited. The dentist first put brackets on my teeth using special cement. Then he inserted the metal wire through the brackets. When it came time to choose the color of my rubber bands, my inner child was screaming pink. 

But in the end I opted for a natural gray color because it blended with my teeth. 

When the braces were on, it felt like something was pulling on my teeth at all times. It was hard to get used to and really painful.

The dental assistant showed me how to brush my teeth and what kind of toothpaste to use. 

She also gave me a special set of toothbrushes. They were small spindle brushes and toothbrushes for braces. The small spindle brush removed food pieces around the braces brackets and from between the wires and my teeth.

After the braces were put I also had many problems. I couldn’t control my mouth to speak or drink or eat. When I tried to speak, my tongue wasn’t sure where it should be. I couldn’t speak clearly. 

But the worst thing was eating. My teeth were powerless. I had to eat light foods. It took around two weeks to get used to talking, eating, and drinking again. 

After two weeks, I was able to eat normally again. But I couldn’t chew bubble gum, or eat chocolate, sticky, crunchy foods, and hard fruits.

Follow-up Appointments

Once every three months, I had to go back to the dentist to have my braces adjusted. And each time, the dentist inserted a different wire to either push or pull my teeth. The pain from each adjustment lasted two or three days. These adjustments continued for two years.

The frequency of your visits might be different though. Some people need to have monthly checkups. Others can finish their treatments after only a year. And severe cases may take more than two years.

While I had braces, I had to keep my teeth and mouth as healthy as possible. I brushed my teeth after each meal. And I needed to clean and check for cavities every six months.

Final Results

When the day came to finally have my braces taken off, I was as excited as I was to have them put on. First, the dentist removed the rubber bands and wires. Then he took off the brackets. 

Finally, he filed down the cement on my teeth. 

At first, when I ran my tongue across the front of my teeth, I could feel they weren’t smooth. But this went away after a few days. The color of my teeth were also uneven. So three months after I had the braces removed, I had my teeth cleaned.

Even after the braces were off I still had to maintain the alignment of my teeth. So for the next six months, I had to wear a retainer. Then six months after that, I had to wear the retainer only at night. 

When it came time to wear the retainer one or two days a week, I could feel a big difference in my mouth. The retainer felt so small because my teeth moved back to the right places.

My teeth were beautiful.

Is It Painful?

I had metal braces and I must admit that getting them was painful. However, it was bearable. The pain was most intense after I first got the metal braces, but then it felt much better. 

After that, there was pain every time the dentist adjusted my teeth, which was every three months, but it only lasted for a few days. 

If you want to avoid the pain associated with braces, it’s better to get Invisalign braces. You will only feel discomfort. However, they are much more expensive than metal braces.

Is It Worth It? 

It’s definitely worth it. I have much more confidence after getting braces. 

So, if you have a problem due to the alignment of your teeth, I would recommend talking to a dentist about getting braces.

Now, on to You

I’ve given you an overview of getting braces in Bangkok based on my experience. Your needs may be a little different than mine. 

It’s important to choose a reputable dental center because getting braces is a long-term commitment of time and money.

Picking the wrong place could cost you money, extend your treatment time, and even further damage your teeth. 

If you don’t have time to research a dental center, fill out this form and our ExpatDen team will help you find the place you should go to.

Please note: The information provided by ExpatDen is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for medical or healthcare advice. It is strongly recommended that you seek guidance and consultation from a licensed medical practitioner or qualified healthcare professional pertaining to your specific circumstances and healthcare needs.

John Wolcott is the global editor for ExpatDen. He's a New Jersey native who now lives in Bangkok with his wife and two daughters.

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