Choosing orthodontics in Jeddah isn't a simple decision between metal and clear — there are 4 clinical factors that determine which is best for your case, and most have nothing to do with appearance. This guide is from the team at the orthodontics department at AQUA Dent Clinics — where 3 ABO-board-certified consultant orthodontists treat every type of case. Here we explain the actual difference between Invisalign, metal, ceramic, and lingual braces, the cost of each in Jeddah 2026, expected duration, and how to know which is best for your case before spending a riyal.
11 min read · By the AQUA Dent team · May 2026
30-second summary
- For mild-to-moderate cases (light crowding, gaps, cosmetic issues): Invisalign or clear aligners — comfortable, near-invisible, but requires commitment (22 hours/day).
- For complex cases (crossbite, deep bite, surgical cases, children): conventional metal or ceramic braces — strongest movement, doesn't depend on patient compliance.
- For someone seeking aesthetics during treatment but needing metal-grade movement: ceramic braces (tooth-colored).
- For someone who wants completely invisible orthodontics: lingual braces — behind the teeth, highest cost.
The cost in Jeddah 2026 ranges from 10,000 SAR for partial metal braces to 39,000 SAR for full lingual orthodontics. Try the cost calculator for an approximate estimate based on your case.
Orthodontic options available in Jeddah 2026
1. Conventional metal braces
The oldest and most effective technique for complex cases. Consists of metal brackets + an orthodontic wire. Advantages: Strongest and fastest movement, doesn't depend on patient compliance, lowest cost. Drawbacks: Visible, requires more cleaning care. Cost at AQUA Dent: 18,000–24,000 SAR for a full case (1.5–2 years).
2. Ceramic braces
Same principle as metal but the brackets are tooth-colored ceramic. Advantages: Less visible than metal, same movement effectiveness. Drawbacks: More fragile (can break), more expensive than metal, the wire stays visible. Cost: 21,000–24,000 SAR for a full case.
3. Invisalign and clear aligner orthodontics
A series of clear aligners replaced every 1–2 weeks. Each aligner moves the teeth slightly. Advantages: Near-invisible, removable (for eating and cleaning), less painful. Drawbacks: Requires strict commitment (22 hours/day), unsuitable for all cases (severely complex cases don't work), highest cost. Cost: 22,000 SAR (Invisalign Express 3–6 months) to 35,000 SAR (Invisalign Comprehensive). Complete Invisalign cost guide for Jeddah 2026.
4. Lingual braces
Metal brackets fixed behind the teeth (on the tongue side) — completely invisible from the front. Advantages: Invisible, moves teeth like metal does. Drawbacks: Harder adaptation period (touches the tongue), speech is temporarily affected, highest cost. Cost: 35,000–39,000 SAR.
Complete comparison table
| Property | Metal | Ceramic | Invisalign | Lingual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (SAR) | 18–24K | 21–24K | 22–35K | 35–39K |
| Duration | 18–24 mo | 18–24 mo | 3–24 mo | 18–30 mo |
| Visibility | Visible | Semi-visible | Invisible | Invisible |
| Removable | No | No | Yes | No |
| Needs high commitment | No | No | Yes (22 h/day) | No |
| Complex cases | Excellent | Excellent | Limited | Good |
| Cleaning difficulty | High | High | Low (removable) | Very high |
4 clinical factors that determine the best option
1. Complexity of your case
Mild cases (1–3 mm crowding, small gaps, post-orthodontic relapse): all options work. Moderate cases (3–5 mm crowding, mild crossbite): Invisalign Comprehensive or metal/ceramic. Complex cases (>5 mm crowding, deep bite, open bite, jaw surgery cases): metal or ceramic preferred.
2. Your commitment to wearing the appliance
Invisalign only works if you wear it 22 hours a day. If you forget or remove it often, results delay or regress. Fixed orthodontics (metal/ceramic/lingual) doesn't depend on your commitment — it works automatically.
3. Your age and stage of jaw growth
For children (8–14): metal braces are the optimal choice because the bone is still growing and aligners can't handle rapid changes. Dr. Laila Bamashmous explains when pediatric orthodontics begins. For adolescents and adults: all options are available.
4. Your budget
The gap between cheapest (metal 18,000) and most expensive (lingual 39,000) is more than double. Invisalign Express starts at 22,000 SAR (for mild 3–6-month cases). All orthodontic options at AQUA Dent are eligible for installments via Tabby/Tamara/Madfu.
Cost of each orthodontic type in Jeddah 2026
| Type | Price at AQUA Dent | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partial orthodontics (one arch) | 10,000–12,000 SAR | 6–12 months |
| Full metal braces | 18,000–24,000 SAR | 1.5–2 years |
| Ceramic braces | 21,000–24,000 SAR | 1.5–2 years |
| Invisalign Express (3–6 months) | 22,000–25,000 SAR | 3–6 months |
| Invisalign Comprehensive | 30,000–35,000 SAR | 12–24 months |
| Lingual (internal) braces | 35,000–39,000 SAR | 18–30 months |
| Orthodontics with jaw surgery | 24,000–30,000 SAR + surgery | 2–3 years |
| Post-orthodontic retainer | 300–750 SAR per arch | Worn at night |
Expected treatment duration
Duration depends on case complexity, type of orthodontics, and patient commitment. Average cases at AQUA Dent:
- Simple cases: 6–12 months — Invisalign Express or partial orthodontics
- Moderate cases: 12–18 months — any type of orthodontics
- Complex cases: 18–30 months — metal/ceramic preferred
- Surgical cases: 2–3 years (pre-surgery orthodontics + surgery + post-surgery orthodontics)
Follow-up visits: Every 4–6 weeks for fixed orthodontics, every 6–8 weeks for Invisalign (with delivery of new aligners).
Orthodontic treatment stages at AQUA Dent
- First consultation (60 min): Comprehensive exam, panoramic + cephalometric X-rays, face photographs and an iTero 3D scan, goal discussion.
- Written treatment plan: Detailed diagnosis, available orthodontic options for your case, prices, expected duration. No commitment to start.
- Fitting orthodontics (or first Invisalign box delivery): 1–2 hours.
- Periodic follow-up visits: Every 4–8 weeks.
- Removing orthodontics and fitting retainer: 30–60 minutes.
- Retainer follow-up: Annual checks to confirm result stability.
5 common orthodontic myths
Myth 1: "Orthodontics is for children only." Wrong. 30%+ of AQUA Dent cases are adults over 30. Adult bone responds to orthodontics — just slightly slower.
Myth 2: "Invisalign is always better than metal." Wrong. Each case has its optimal choice. Invisalign is limited in some complex cases.
Myth 3: "Orthodontics weakens teeth." Wrong. Research proves orthodontics doesn't affect tooth strength or longevity if done under a consultant's supervision.
Myth 4: "I don't need a retainer after orthodontics." Major mistake. Teeth move throughout life. The night retainer is essential to keep the result.
Myth 5: "Orthodontics changes my face." Partly true — it improves the lower-face features when correcting tooth occlusion, but it doesn't change the overall face shape.
FAQ on orthodontics in Jeddah
Q: Is orthodontics painful?
A: Not painful, but uncomfortable for 3–5 days after each tightening visit. Manage discomfort with simple painkillers (Panadol, Ibuprofen). Sensitivity disappears after a week.
Q: Can I eat normally?
A: With metal/ceramic: avoid hard foods (nuts, ice, whole apples). With Invisalign: no restrictions because you remove the aligners to eat.
Q: Does medical insurance cover orthodontics?
A: Most Saudi insurance plans cover 30–50% of orthodontics for adults, 50–80% for children. AQUA prepares the paperwork so you can file a reimbursement claim yourself. Complete insurance guide.
Q: How often must I visit during treatment?
A: Every 4–6 weeks for fixed orthodontics, every 6–8 weeks for Invisalign. Visits are short (15–30 minutes).
Q: What if I lose an Invisalign aligner or break a bracket?
A: Contact the clinic immediately. For a lost aligner: wear the previous one until we provide a replacement. For a bracket: emergency visit to re-bond it (free at AQUA during the first year).
Q: Can I have orthodontics if I'm being treated for gum disease?
A: Gum inflammation must be treated first. Dr. Assaggaf (periodontics consultant) coordinates with the orthodontic team to prepare you before starting. Periodontics department.
Q: When should my child start orthodontic screening?
A: Age 7, per the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommendation. Early intervention (Phase I) reduces the need for more complex treatments later. More on first pediatric orthodontic exam.
The first orthodontic consultation at AQUA Dent includes: comprehensive exam + X-rays + a written treatment plan + a signed quote. No commitment to start.
Meet the orthodontic team at AQUA Dent →
Try the cost calculator now →
Book your consultation →