Braces and clear aligners

Treatment that moves teeth into a new position over many months, with fixed braces or removable aligners.

Key points

  • A full course of braces or aligners usually takes 12 to 24 months.
  • Fixed braces need regular in-person adjustments, which is hard to do from abroad.
  • With aligners, many clinics monitor progress over video between visits.

Top clinics for braces and clear aligners

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Demo Clinics marked Demo are examples that show how listings will look. They aren't real and can't be contacted.

  1. Han River Smile ClinicHan River Smile Clinic DemoHải Châu, Da NangNo reviews yetFrom US$2,200
  2. Saigon Riverside Dental StudioSaigon Riverside Dental Studio DemoDistrict 1, Ho Chi Minh CityNo reviews yetFrom US$2,400

Orthodontic treatment moves teeth slowly. A full course usually takes 12 to 24 months, and the dentist needs to see you regularly along the way.

Is it practical on a trip?

Fixed braces need adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks, so they work best if you live in Vietnam or visit often. Clear aligners are easier: after the first scan, many clinics send several sets at once and check progress over video, with an in-person visit every few months.

Ask the clinic how they will monitor you once you're home, and what happens if an aligner doesn't fit or a bracket breaks.

Questions to ask the clinic

  • Is the treating dentist an orthodontist?
  • Which aligner system do you use, and how many sets are included?
  • Are retainers included at the end?
  • What does a refinement round cost if the teeth don't track as planned?

Frequently asked questions

Can I start aligners in Vietnam and finish at home?

Sometimes. Ask both clinics first. Many dentists won't take over another clinic's aligner case part-way through.

Sources

  1. American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Braces.
  2. AAO. American Association of Orthodontists.

This article is general information, not medical advice. A dentist who has examined you is the right person to recommend treatment.