Metal Braces, often called "traditional braces," are the most popular orthodontic option in Thailand — giving predictable results even for complex cases, at a more affordable price than other types. This article covers everything you need to know before deciding: price, process, and pros and cons, from Panda Dental Clinic.
What Are Metal Braces?
Metal braces use metal brackets bonded to the tooth surface, together with wires and elastic bands, to gradually pull teeth into their planned position. It’s the longest-used orthodontic technology, with the clearest track record of results.
Pros and Cons of Metal Braces
Pros
- More affordable than clear aligners
- Treats every case, even complex, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Strong and durable, doesn’t come loose easily
Cons
- More visible than clear aligners
- Harder to clean, requires interdental brushes too
- May irritate the cheeks at first
Metal Braces Price at Panda Dental Clinic
- Metal braces: 36,000 baht (price depends on case complexity assessment)
- Dental scan: 1,000 baht
- X-ray Ceph/Pano: 1,000 baht
If your mouth needs prep work before braces, such as scaling or fillings, there will be extra cost depending on your dental condition. Your dentist will confirm the total price clearly after examination and treatment planning. Free initial consultation and assessment at the clinic.
Metal Braces Treatment Steps
- Oral exam and treatment planning
- X-ray and scan to design your target tooth position
- Mouth prep (scaling/fillings if needed)
- Fit metal braces
- Regular monthly adjustment appointments
- Remove braces once teeth are aligned as planned, and fit a retainer to maintain results
How Long Do Metal Braces Take?
Generally about 1.5–3 years, depending on each case’s complexity and how consistently you follow care instructions. Your dentist can give you a clear timeline after examination and treatment planning.
Do Metal Braces Hurt?
You may feel mild tightness or sensitivity for 2–3 days right after fitting and after each monthly adjustment — this is normal and improves on its own. If a bracket irritates your cheek, you can ask the clinic for orthodontic wax to reduce irritation.
Caring for Your Teeth During Metal Braces Treatment
- Brush after every meal, along with interdental brushes to clean around the brackets
- Avoid hard or sticky food that could loosen or break the braces
- Keep monthly adjustment appointments on time so treatment stays on track
- Avoid smoking and reduce staining drinks, to prevent tartar buildup during treatment
After Braces Come Off, You Need a Retainer
Once treatment is done and braces are removed, you need to wear a retainer to hold your teeth in place and stop them shifting back. Panda Dental Clinic offers colored and clear retainers at 3,990 baht a pair, or Hawley-type retainers at 5,990 baht a pair.
Other Braces Options at Panda Dental Clinic
If metal braces don’t suit everything you need, there are other options to compare:
- Damon Braces — self-ligating system, no elastic bands, less painful, fewer dentist visits, but pricier
- Clear Aligners — invisible, removable while eating, suited to less complex cases
Summary
Metal braces are a reliable option that delivers predictable results at a great value, suited to every case from mild crowding to complex cases. At Panda Dental Clinic Udon Thani and Nong Bua Lamphu, starting at 36,000 baht, with free consultation and assessment before you decide, or see all our dental services.
