What braces actually cost in 2026
Honest pricing for every type of orthodontic treatment, including what's hidden in the fine print.
Pricing for orthodontic treatment in India is often deliberately vague. You walk into a clinic, get a number, walk into the next clinic, get a different number, and have no way to compare them. This guide breaks it down honestly, what each treatment costs, what the price actually includes, and what gets quietly added later at lower-end clinics.
The five real treatment options
Metal braces · ₹35,000–55,000
The most affordable, most proven option. Modern metal brackets are smaller and less obvious than they were a decade ago. They work for almost any case. The cost difference vs other options isn't because they're worse, it's because the materials are cheaper.
Ceramic braces · ₹50,000–75,000
Same brackets, but tooth-coloured. From a metre away, they're hard to spot. About 30% more than metal because the ceramic itself is more expensive and the technique is slightly more demanding.
Self-ligating braces · ₹60,000–95,000
A more sophisticated bracket design (Damon and similar systems) that uses less friction. Often finishes treatment 4–6 months faster, requires fewer adjustments, and is genuinely more comfortable mid-treatment. Worth the extra cost for many adult cases.
Clear aligners · ₹1,80,000–3,50,000
The Invisalign range. Why so much more? You're paying for the digital planning software, the lab production of every tray, the certified provider training, and the genuine product (not a no-name aligner). For most people the cost difference is real but the invisibility is the reason.
Lingual braces · ₹2,50,000–4,00,000
Braces glued to the back of your teeth, completely invisible from the front. The most expensive option because each bracket is custom-made and the technique requires significant additional training. For people who can't have anything visible at all.
What should be included in the price
- Initial consultation and examination
- Records: digital scans or impressions, OPG and cephalometric X-rays, photographs
- Treatment planning and case discussion
- All bracket placement, wire changes, and aligner fittings
- Every monthly check-up for the entire treatment duration
- One set of retainers (upper and lower) at the end
- Initial post-treatment follow-ups
If a quote doesn't include all of the above, ask. A ₹35,000 quote that adds ₹2,000 per visit can become ₹70,000 over a 24-month treatment.
What's usually extra
- Tooth extractions if your case needs them, usually ₹1,500–4,000 per tooth
- Additional aligners if your case needs refinements at the end (varies by Invisalign tier)
- Replacement retainers if you lose them, about ₹3,000–6,000 per pair
- TADs (mini-implants) for difficult tooth movements, ₹3,000–8,000 each
- Surgical orthodontics if a jaw discrepancy needs surgery, separate from ortho cost entirely
Good clinics tell you about these likely extras during the consultation, not after you've started.
Why prices vary so much across clinics
Three things drive the variation:
- Specialist vs general dentist. A general dentist in India can do orthodontic treatment without specialty training. A specialist orthodontist (MDS) has 3 extra years of training in nothing but tooth movement. Specialists charge 30–60% more, and for complex cases the outcome difference is significant.
- Location. Tier-1 metros are 20–40% more expensive than Tier-2. Within Bangalore, Indiranagar/Koramangala/Whitefield are 15–25% more than Jayanagar or Yelahanka.
- Brand premium. Some chain clinics charge a brand premium without offering meaningfully different treatment. Some boutique specialists charge a premium that genuinely buys better technique and longer chair time per visit.
EMI options that actually exist
Most clinics partner with Bajaj Finserv, ZestMoney, or SaveIN to offer no-cost EMI on orthodontic treatment. Typical breakdowns:
- Metal braces · ₹1,500–2,500/month for 24 months
- Self-ligating · ₹2,500–4,000/month for 24 months
- Invisalign · ₹6,000–12,000/month for 24 months
There's also dental insurance, but coverage for orthodontics in India is rare and limited. Don't count on it.
How to evaluate a quote
When you sit across from any orthodontist, ask these five questions:
- What's included in this price, and what would be extra?
- Are you a specialist orthodontist (MDS) or a general dentist who does ortho?
- How many cases similar to mine have you treated?
- What happens if treatment takes longer than estimated, do I pay more?
- Do you offer EMI, and through which partner?
A clinic that answers all five clearly is one you can trust on cost. One that gets vague is one where the final bill will surprise you.
Common questions
Why are Invisalign costs so much higher than braces?+
Genuine Invisalign includes proprietary planning software, lab production of every individual tray, certified provider training, and the brand premium. Some of this is real value (the planning), some is brand. Cheaper aligner brands exist but quality varies significantly.
Can I get braces under insurance?+
Most Indian dental insurance plans don't cover orthodontics, or cover only a small percentage. Some corporate health plans include limited dental, but ortho is usually excluded as 'cosmetic'. Check your specific policy, but plan to self-fund.
Are cheap braces okay?+
Cheap doesn't always mean bad. The risks are: a non-specialist treating a complex case beyond their training, hidden fees added later, or low-quality brackets that break frequently. Ask about specialty training and what's included before assuming you're getting a deal.
Will the price stay fixed if treatment takes longer?+
At reputable specialist clinics, yes, once you sign, the quoted price is locked even if treatment runs over. Confirm this in writing before starting. Some clinics charge per visit, which can balloon the cost.