What if we told you that there is an alternative to the expensive orthodontic work you get in the US? An orthodontist in Tijuana is the answer. And guess what? They’re just across the US – Mexico border– a short road trip away!
Whether you want to find the best orthodontist in Tijuana, Mexico, or compare braces costs, this post will help.
Five Reasons To Visit Orthodontist in Tijuana
What is the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment in Tijuana?
The cost of braces in Tijuana is around $2,000 – $4,500. In comparison, the price for the same in the US is $5,500 to $9,000.
Costs vary from case to case, but you can save up to 65%.
Getting braces in Tijuana can involve multiple appointments (8 – 36 visits ) depending on the complexity of the case.
The cost of orthodontic treatment is typically comprehensive and includes all appointments.
An added cherry on top is that the monthly adjustment charges are included in the overall cost.
Orthodontic Treatment Cost in Tijuana, Mexico Vs. US
| Treatment | US | Tijuana | Savings |
| Metal braces | $5,500 | $2,000 | 63% |
| Ceramic braces | $6,000 | $3,000 | 50% |
| Invisalign | $7,000 | $4,000 | 43% |
| Damon braces | $5,600 | $3,800 | 32% |
| Lingual braces | $9,000 | $4,535 | 50% |
*Costs taken are an average price and may be subject to change.
Orthodontics and other dental work are expensive in most parts of North America.
In the US, dental costs are high due to a lack of dental insurance coverage, high educational costs, expensive dental products, lab fees, and skyrocketing living costs.
For braces, you’ll need to return every 4 – 6 weeks for check-ups. Hence, it isn’t always practical to go to another country for cheap orthodontic treatment.
Getting braces in Tijuana is a sensible choice if you reside close to the border.
Due to high dental fees in the US, thousands of Americans cross the border into Mexico every day [1] for affordable dental care, including orthodontic treatment.
Ultimately, it’s possible to get cheap braces in Tijuana, Mexico, without compromising quality.
What Affects the Cost of Braces?
When it comes to orthodontic treatments like braces, there is no standard fee.
That’s because many factors dictate price.
These include:
- The complexity of the correction
- The type of appliance used
- Treatment duration
What Affects the Cost of Braces?
Why Choose an Orthodontist in Tijuana?
Whether you’re planning on traveling to Mexico for teeth implants, braces, or a simple whitening, one thing is for sure: Tijuana is an excellent option.
Aside from the affordable cost of braces in Mexico, there are several reasons to cross the border for dental care.
1. Proximity to the USA
Tijuana is right across the border from San Diego, California – so it’s easy to reach. And any revisits mean cheaper costs.
Road Route – US Cities to Tijuana, Mexico
2. High-quality Orthodontic Treatments
- Many of our dentists are certified orthodontic specialists.
- Most of our network dental physicians speak excellent English.
- The clinics use the same cutting-edge technologies as US clinics.
3. Save Time with Quick Treatments
Unlike other US cities, you won’t suffer the extremely long appointment wait times.
Tijuana orthodontists know that there are time constraints when you come to get braces in Mexico and that you need to get in, out, and on your way quickly.
So, they strive to get you into the dentist’s chair as soon as possible.
Reasons for Low-cost Orthodontic Work in Mexico
- Subsidized education – Mexican dentists have no debt after graduation, so they don’t pass on higher prices to their customers. [2]
- Malpractice insurance is not mandatory – Mexican dentists don’t have to purchase high-priced malpractice insurance as it is in the US. [3]
- Strong US dollar vs. Mexican peso – Costly treatments appear cheap to an American dental tourist.
- Lower cost of living – Mexico’s cost of living is 65% less than the US. [4]
Your neighbors just saved ~63%! 👀 It's your turn!
Claim a FREE quote!About Tijuana
Tijuana is one of the premier destinations for dental tourism in Mexico. That’s why thousands of Americans search online for a quality orthodontist in Tijuana.
Many up-to-date clinics offer foreign patients substantial savings on dental care.
Top Orthodontic Clinics in Tijuana
As already stated, many top dental clinics offer affordable orthodontic work in Tijuana. So let’s talk about some of the best orthodontic clinics in the area.
- Excellent reputation for innovation, and the clinic is comfortable and well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
- Located just 3 minutes from the border, the team has a special interest in Invisalign.
- Team provides world-class treatments to local and international patients.
- Offer a full orthodontics service in Tijuana, Mexico, including traditional braces, orthodontic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners.
Dr. Implant Dentist
- 15+ years of experience in dentistry
- 1-5 years warranty on dental treatments
- Provide shuttle service & hotel bookings from San Diego airport to the clinic
Quality International Dental Clinic
- 20 minutes drive from Tijuana airport (TIJ)
- Equipped with the latest technologies like CT scan, digital x-rays
- Offer free video consultations
Wellness Dental Clinic
- 10+ years of experience
- Use the latest equipment such as 3D tomography, intraoral 3D scanner, and Kometabio Smart Dentin Grinder.
- The dentists are affiliated with American Dental Association (ADA) & Mexican Dental Association (ADM)
Dental 3 Smiles
- A 35-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Offer free video consultations
- Provide free airport pick-up & drop-off services
ImproveDent
- 10+ years of experience
- 8-minute drive from US-Mexico border
- Equipped with an in-house lab and the latest technologies
Best Orthodontists in Tijuana
In orthodontics, most of the results depend on the skill of your dentist. Hence, it is important that you carefully pick one out after thorough research.
Here are the profiles of some of the best orthodontists in Tijuana:
Expertise
Aligners, BracesEducation
Intercontinental University of Mexico City- Has post doctorate degree in Orthodontics
- Expert lies in Conventional Orthodontic Treatments and Invisalign
- Post Doctorate degree in Orthodontics
- Expert in Invisalign and Smile Design technology
Expertise
Aligners, BracesEducation
Autonomous University of Baja California- Academic History Degree – Céd.Prof. 7463342
- Specialty – Céd.Prof. 11029176
- Highly experienced in orthodontics
Expertise
Braces, dental implants, crownsEducation
The Autonomous University of Baja California- Specialty in orthodontics
- Digital scanning in Cerec system and 3D printing management
- Experience in teeth whitening
Expertise
Aligners, BracesStop burning your savings on orthodontic work!
Save ~63% in TijuanaOrthodontic Treatment in Tijuana, Mexico: Reviews
I am totally amazed at how wonderful the entire staff is. Can't compare the treatment you get here to any other US clinic.
Bill Duffy
US
Friendly, respectful, clean dentist on revolution ave in Tijuana. Super affordable compared to US Dentists. Highly recommended!
Drew Ross
US
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a way of moving teeth to improve their appearance and/or functionality.
Teeth move using fixed & removable oral appliances like braces or clear aligners.
Braces
Braces and clear aligners apply sustained and gentle force to shift teeth into position over time.
While braces use brackets and wiring to pull teeth into position, clear aligners [5] use compression and tension forces to move teeth into place.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Apart from spoiling your smile, severe teeth misalignments can make it difficult to chew, speak and breathe.
Crooked teeth can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. [6]
On the other hand, an esthetic smile can dramatically improve self-confidence and quality of life.
Crooked Teeth – Adult
Crooked Teeth – Child
Modern braces and aligners can help with many bite alignment problems (malocclusions), including:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Tooth crowding
- Uneven tooth spacing
Straighter teeth lead to better oral health, which, in turn, lowers the cost of dental treatment in the future.
Types of Braces
If you are looking to visit an orthodontist in Tijuana, Mexico, you will want to know your options. Let’s take a look.
Traditional Fixed Metal Braces
Fixed metal braces are the most common form of orthodontic appliances and are popular amongst children and teens. [7]
Fixed metal braces can help with many misalignment problems.
They are recommended in complex cases where compliance may be an issue or discretion isn’t a priority.
In Tijuana, dentist prices for metal braces are the most affordable form of orthodontic treatment.
Metal braces
They consist of a series of brackets cemented to the front of the teeth, through which metal wiring is threaded.
When the metal wire is tightened, it applies force, which, in turn, moves the teeth.
Aesthetic Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces; only they are more discreet and less visible.
Tooth brackets are made from polycrystalline alumina [8] (the hardest known transparent ceramic), which blends with natural tooth color.
Ceramic braces are costlier than traditional metal braces but are the preferred choice to straighten teeth without sporting a metal smile.
Ceramic braces
Self-ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces work similar to traditional fixed braces and are available in metal or ceramic materials.
Instead of using elastic ties to attach wiring to the brackets, self-ligating models utilize a door-like mechanism [9] that opens and closes to hold the wire in place.
The mechanism allows for faster tooth movement, particularly over the first three months, [10] and moves with greater freedom.
For the patient, this means lighter forces, which equates to less discomfort.
The other benefit is that intervals between dental visits are longer – every 8-12 weeks instead of 4-6 weeks.
Self-ligating braces such as Damon braces cost more than metal braces in Tijuana but less than ceramic.
Self-ligating braces
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces – those that function behind the teeth – are one of the most specialized forms of orthodontic treatment.
Therefore, not every orthodontist in Tijuana, Mexico, provides this service.
Because lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, they are invisible.
As such, they’re well-suited to those who have complex orthodontic needs but who want to straighten teeth discreetly.
Lingual braces
While in the US, the cost of lingual braces is high. In Tijuana, it is possible to save over 70%.
Clear aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners have seen a surge in popularity [11] over the last decade, popularized by Invisalign during the late 1990s.
Invisalign
Clear aligners are easily removed and made from a transparent polyurethane material, unlike fixed braces.
Rather than being secured onto the teeth, aligners are custom-made to fit over teeth like an invisible mouthguard.
The trays are removed to eat, so there are no food restrictions like traditional braces.
Each custom aligner (tray) is worn sequentially, and collectively, they gradually guide the teeth into the correct position.
Because clear aligners are without brackets or wiring, they are comfortable to wear, but most importantly, they remain discreet.
The trade-off is that they are one of Tijuana’s more expensive orthodontic treatments and can’t help with complex bite problems (malocclusions).
Invisalign vs. Fixed Braces
The timespan for orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient and case to case, but how long do they take on average? Check out the table below.
| Braces Type | Average Treatment Time |
| Fixed braces (metal and ceramic) | 24.6 month [12] |
| Self-ligating (Damon) braces | Up to 36 months [13] |
| Lingual braces (SureSmile) | 15 months [14] |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | 12 – 18 months [15] |
*Timescales may change according to individual circumstances & case complexity
How To Plan Your Trip
Before considering cheap braces in Tijuana, Mexico, you might want to plan your trip. Remember to:
✅ Carry a valid passport
✅ Keep all your documents safe and in one place
✅ If you are staying over, book a hotel close to the clinic
✅ Before travel, ensure your dental appointment remains valid.
How to Reach?
There are four ways to get to Tijuana. You can:
- Walk from San Diego border
- Drive yourself
- Take the Tourismo Express Bus [16]
- Take transport help from the clinic
Image courtesy: Mexicoach
Some of our clinics arrange an Uber to get you to and from the clinic.
Others provide transportation to the clinic from the hotel if you are staying across the border in San Diego.
Things to Do Before or After Dental Treatment
Visit Tijuana Cultural Center
Visit Playa Tijuana Frontera
Try Caesar Salad
Conclusion
If you’re ready to make a difference in your smile and want to find a good orthodontist in Tijuana, Mexico, contact Dentavacation.
We can not only help you find the right orthodontist, but we will also assist you in finding cheap airfare, booking hotels, and planning your itinerary.
Kickstart your journey by filling out the request form on the right to receive more information.
FAQs
Getting braces in Tijuana is easy.
The city boasts specialist orthodontists and highly-trained dentists, and costs range from $2,000 for metal braces to $3,500 for clear aligners.
In the US., equivalent fees would be around $5,500 for metal braces and $5,700 for clear aligners.
In Canada, you will pay approximately $3,900 for metal braces and $4,500 for Invisalign.
Depending on treatment complexity, you can expect between 8 and 36 monthly visits; all treatment visits are included in the overall cost.
Yes. Several dental clinics offer Invisalign aligners in Tijuana, Mexico, where you can benefit from a 65% saving versus prices in the US.
Invisalign is a proven and effective treatment in many mild to moderate bite alignment cases.
An abundance of specialist orthodontists and customer-focused support staff means lower prices don’t compromise quality.
Patients can expect to see their dentist/orthodontist in Tijuana every 4-6 weeks after the initial fitting.
The number of return visits varies depending upon treatment type and complexity, but the orthodontist will build this into your treatment plan.
Typically, you can expect to return between 8 and 36 times throughout treatment, and the price of visits is included in the overall cost.
Yes. Although Tijuana is one of the best places to get cheap orthodontics in Mexico, many clinics also provide comprehensive & affordable dentistry services in Tijuana.
You can save up to 70% on dental treatment fees when compared to the US Services, including:
- Dental Implants
- Teeth whitening
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Fixed dentures
- Porcelain veneers
- Gum depigmentation
- Crown lengthening
