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02 · Orthodontics & Invisalign

Orthodontics, planned — not manufactured.

Three orthodontists, all American Board (ABO) certified, lead orthodontics at AQUA — Invisalign, traditional braces, and complex cases that need more than one specialty. We don't assign cases to whoever is available — we match every case to the right specialist.

Direct answer

Orthodontics is a medical treatment that corrects tooth position and bite using metal braces or clear aligners (Invisalign). At AQUA Dent Clinics in Jeddah, it's led by American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Diplomates for children, teens, and adult cases.

Visits Every 4-6 weeks for fixed braces; every 6-8 weeks for Invisalign
Duration 6-30 months depending on case complexity (average 14-22 months for adult cases)
Price range 12,000 – 39,000 SAR
What changes price Type (Invisalign, ceramic, metal, lingual), case complexity, treatment duration, extraction need. Final pricing is set in writing at the consultation.

Who this treatment is for

  • Crowding or spacing between teeth
  • Malocclusion (open bite, deep bite, crossbite)
  • Protruding or misaligned teeth
  • Pre-prosthetic or pre-surgical alignment
  • Interceptive orthodontics in children (ages 7-9)

When this treatment isn't ideal

  • Untreated periodontal disease
  • Active untreated decay
  • Patients unable to commit to strict oral hygiene (for fixed braces)

Risks & limitations

  • Mild root resorption (rare)
  • Caries around brackets if hygiene is neglected
  • Relapse after debonding without retainer wear
  • Temporary sensitivity after adjustments

Alternatives

  • Veneers (for minor cosmetic changes only)
  • Invisalign clear aligners (alternative to metal brackets)
  • Orthognathic surgery (for severe skeletal cases)
Comparison

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

Reviewed by AQUA specialists · see doctor profile

CriterionInvisalign (Clear Aligners)Traditional Metal Braces
VisibilityAlmost invisibleHighly visible
Removable?Yes (must wear 20-22 h/day)No — fixed
Eating restrictionsNone (remove to eat)Many (no sticky/hard foods)
Office visitsEvery 8-12 weeksEvery 4-6 weeks
Best for severe casesLimited (very severe → metal)Yes — gold standard
Average duration12-24 months18-24 months
Price in Jeddah 2026 (SAR)22,000-35,00018,000-24,000
Compliance dependencyVery high (results lost if not worn)Low (always on)
Speech impact3-7 days adaptation1-2 weeks adaptation
Suitable for children?Invisalign Teen from age 13+Yes — best for children
Led by

Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous

Co-founder · KAU Dental Public Health Chair · ABO Diplomate

Co-founder of AQUA, Chair of Dental Public Health at King Abdulaziz University, and an American Board-certified orthodontic consultant. He works with Dr. Dalia Meisha and Dr. Laila Bamashmous to assign every orthodontic case to the right specialist.

Dr. Bamashmous · ABO Dr. Meisha · ABO + ABDPH Dr. Laila Bamashmous · ABO
Read profile Book an orthodontic consultation
Watch

Post-orthodontic care.

Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous explains bonding care after orthodontic treatment — daily routine, the fixed retainer, and when it needs adjustment.

@aquadentistry on YouTube

Treatments

What we offer.

From classic Invisalign to surgical cases and early orthodontics for children — every path begins with a full exam and a 3D digital plan.

01

Invisalign & Clear Aligners

Custom clear aligners with a 3D digital plan that previews tooth movement from start to result. Switch every 7–14 days, with virtual check-ins between visits.

Duration6–24 months
VisitsEvery 6–8 weeks
02

Traditional Metal Braces

The most mechanically powerful option for complex cases. We use advanced self-ligating brackets to reduce friction and speed up movement.

Duration12–30 months
Best forComplex cases
03

Ceramic Braces

Same efficiency as metal braces, with tooth-coloured brackets — for adults who want a less visible option than metal, and a faster result than Invisalign.

Duration12–24 months
Best forAdult aesthetics
04

Lingual Braces

Brackets fixed to the inner surface of the teeth — completely invisible. Used in specific cases where invisibility is the top priority.

Duration18–30 months
VisibilityInvisible
05

Early / Interceptive Orthodontics

Early treatment during the mixed dentition phase (ages 7–10) — we guide jaw growth to avoid permanent extractions or later surgery. Crossbites and early jaw discrepancies.

Ages7–10
GoalPrevent surgery later
06

Surgical Orthodontics

For significant jaw discrepancies — joint planning with the maxillofacial surgeon, pre-surgical orthodontics, then final alignment after healing.

Duration24–36 months
WithMaxillofacial surgeon
07

Pre-cosmetic Orthodontics

Aligning teeth before veneers or implants — coordinated with Dr. Jamil Aref in cosmetics and Dr. Mohanad Atwah in prosthodontics.

WithCosmetic team
Duration6–18 months
08

Retainers & Follow-up

Fixed and removable retainers, plus a regular review schedule. Orthodontics isn't a one-time treatment — it's long-term maintenance to protect the result.

For life· ongoing
Reviews6–12 months
Who this is for

Are you a candidate for orthodontics?

Orthodontics isn't just for children — about a third of our patients are adults. The right age is now, as long as your gums are healthy and there's no active decay.

You're a good candidate if…

  • Your teeth are crowded or spaced, or your bite doesn't align.
  • Your gums are healthy — or can be treated before starting.
  • There's no active decay that needs treatment first.
  • You're committed to regular appointments (every 6–8 weeks).
  • You understand orthodontics is a long path — 6 months to 3 years depending on the case.
  • You're age 7 or older — there's no upper age limit when bone and gum health are good.
Your journey

From consultation to smile.

Four stages — from several months to several years depending on your plan.

01

Consultation & exam

Full exam, 3D scan, X-rays — and a treatment plan that previews the digital result before we begin.

02

Starting treatment

Brackets are placed or the first set of Invisalign aligners is delivered, with written guidance for the adjustment period.

03

Regular follow-up

Visits every 6–8 weeks to adjust forces. Virtual updates between visits through Invisalign Virtual Care.

04

Removal & retainers

Brackets are removed, a custom retainer is made, and reviews every 6–12 months keep the result in place.

Compare options

Invisalign, ceramic, or metal braces?

Three options that reach almost the same result — the difference is your daily experience and how visible the treatment is.

The middle option

Ceramic Braces

Appearance
Less visible than metal
Comfort
Moderate — same as metal
Commitment required
Continuous — fixed to the teeth
Follow-up visits
Every 4–6 weeks
Eating
Avoid hard and sticky foods
Best for
Patients who want the look without the Invisalign commitment
The strongest

Metal Braces

Appearance
Visible — silver metal
Comfort
Needs 1–2 weeks of adjustment
Commitment required
Continuous — fixed to the teeth
Follow-up visits
Every 4–6 weeks
Eating
Avoid hard and sticky foods
Best for
Complex cases, children, and patients who struggle with Invisalign commitment

Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous — Chair of Dental Public Health at King Abdulaziz University — determines the right option after an initial exam and cephalometric X-rays. The efficiency difference between the three is minimal; the real difference is your experience.

Treatment timeline

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Approximate ranges based on thousands of cases. Your precise estimate comes after the first exam.

3–6 months

Simple cases

Mild spacing, front-tooth alignment only, or a near-complete case (relapse from skipping retainers).

12–18 months

Moderate cases

Most adults — moderate crowding, minor bite correction, closing gaps.

18–24 months

Full cases

Severe crowding, major bite correction, cases requiring orthodontic extractions.

24–36 months

Surgical cases

Jaw discrepancies that require coordination with an oral surgeon. Orthodontics before and after surgery.

Lifelong

Retainers

After the braces come off, wear a retainer at night to hold the result. No case is ever truly "finished" — teeth move throughout life.

Coverage & financing

Payment options.

Medical insurance

We don't accept medical insurance directly at the clinic. You pay for treatment at each visit, and we prepare itemised invoices and the medical reports you need to submit your own claim. Orthodontics is rarely fully covered under Saudi medical policies, but its components (exam, X-rays, orthodontic extractions if needed) may be partially reimbursed depending on your policy.

Installments over the treatment period

Spread the cost of orthodontics across the months of treatment itself. We also offer Tabby and Tamara for shorter plans (3–12 months) with no interest.

A transparent plan before you start

You receive a written plan with the full price for every stage (treatment + retainers + follow-up) before anything begins — no hidden costs, no surprises mid-treatment.

What patients say

Verified Google reviews

4.8 · 288 reviews

★★★★★

Truly royal treatment for patients, a clinic that is oriented towards treatment of its patients and not just making profits. Exceptionally polite and professional orthodontist Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous. Hope to be back!

Alpha Centauria · 2 years ago
★★★★★

عيادة مريحة ونظيفة. الدكتور محمد بامشموس أعتبره أفضل دكتور تقويم أسنان. عملت عنده لابني وبنتي — نتائج سريعة وممتازة.

elham baamer · a year ago

Curated from 288 Google reviews · 4.8 ★ average

Common questions

What patients ask.

Invisalign or metal braces — which is better?

It depends on your case. Invisalign suits most patients, is comfortable, and invisible — but it requires the discipline to wear it 20–22 hours a day. Metal braces are a stronger option for complex cases and for patients (especially children) who may struggle with aligner compliance. The difference in final efficacy is very small — the bigger difference is in patient experience.

How long does treatment take?

Most adult cases take between 12 and 24 months. Simple cases (mild spacing, front-only alignment) may resolve in 6 months. Complex and surgical cases can extend to 3 years. We give you an accurate estimate after the first exam.

Are braces painful?

Not painful, but there is pressure and rubbing in the first week after each adjustment. We recommend mild pain relievers (paracetamol) and soft foods for the first 3 days. Most patients fully adapt within two weeks of starting treatment.

Can I start orthodontics if I'm over forty?

Yes. There is no upper age limit for orthodontics, as long as your gums and jawbone are in good condition. About a third of our patients are over 30. Adults sometimes need coordination between orthodontics and gum treatment — which is where we collaborate with Dr. Mohamed Assaggaf.

How much do braces cost?

We can't give an exact figure without an exam. Pricing depends on appliance type (metal / ceramic / Invisalign), treatment duration, and case complexity. We offer comfortable installment plans and present full pricing before starting — no surprises.

Plan ahead

Three free tools before you book.

Ready to start?

A specialist orthodontic consultation.

Exam, initial X-rays, a preliminary treatment plan, and pricing — all in one short visit, before any commitment.

Book Appointment See Pathways
Specialty conditions

Specialized orthodontic treatments.

Beyond cosmetic and corrective orthodontics, the AQUA orthodontic team treats more complex conditions that require multidisciplinary planning: cleft lip and palate, TMJ disorders (TMD), adult sleep apnea and snoring, and pediatric airway development. These conditions intersect with other specialties — oral-maxillofacial surgery, ENT, sleep medicine — and successful treatment starts with accurate diagnosis.

Cleft lip and palate

Multi-stage orthodontic care under Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous from birth through adolescence. Includes nasoalveolar molding (NAM) plates for newborns, mixed-dentition orthodontics for children (ages 7–12), and pre-surgical orthodontics for adolescents. We coordinate with oral-maxillofacial surgery and Jeddah-area craniofacial centers for a comprehensive treatment journey.

Read the full cleft-care page →

TMJ disorders (TMD)

Jaw pain, clicking, restricted opening, bite-related headaches — all symptoms of TMJ disorders. Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous approaches these cases scientifically: comprehensive exam, MRI imaging when indicated, then a stepwise plan from specialized occlusal splints (Stabilization, Anterior repositioning) to orthodontic intervention if needed.

Read the full TMD page →

Adult snoring and sleep apnea

Mild-to-moderate sleep apnea (AHI 5–30) is treatable with a custom oral device (MAD — Mandibular Advancement Device) that gently advances the lower jaw forward during sleep to open the airway. An excellent alternative to CPAP for patients who can't tolerate it. We work from a sleep study issued by a sleep-medicine specialist.

Read the full sleep-apnea page →

Pediatric airway development

Mouth breathing, snoring, or a narrow palate in children can be treated early (ages 5–10) with palatal expanders or functional appliances (Twin Block). Early intervention reduces the need for later surgery and improves sleep quality and long-term facial development.

First orthodontic screening is recommended at age 7 — before crowding or problems appear.

Orthodontics technology at AQUA

Every orthodontic case starts with a digital scan on the iTero Lumina or 3Shape TRIOS 5 — no silicone impressions, no distortion. The 3D face scanner in the Viso G7 completes the picture by measuring facial proportions and the impact of tooth movement on facial features. Invisalign ClinCheck simulates tooth movement before treatment begins, and retainers and splints are printed in-house on the Planmeca Creo.

See all technology →
Next service — Dental Implants →
Glossary

Orthodontic glossary

Invisalign
A series of medical-grade clear aligners. Patient changes the tray every 1–2 weeks; teeth move gradually. Only Invisalign-certified providers can prescribe.
Metal braces (brackets)
Conventional brackets-and-wires. Most effective for complex cases and deep bite issues. Treatment duration typically 18–30 months.
Ceramic braces
Same mechanics as metal braces but with tooth-colored ceramic brackets. An aesthetic option when Invisalign isn't suitable.
Lingual braces
Braces fitted to the inner (tongue-side) surface of teeth — completely invisible externally. More specialized and slightly longer treatment time.
IPR (interproximal reduction)
Removing 0.2–0.5 mm of enamel between teeth to create space without extractions. Completely safe and imperceptible.
Retainer
A device worn after braces — fixed or removable — to prevent teeth shifting back. Worn for life (nightly after the first year).
TADs (mini-implants)
Temporary skeletal mini-implants used as anchor points for tooth movement without relying on other teeth. Removed after treatment.
Palatal expander
A pediatric device that widens the upper jaw before puberty — solves crowding and avoids extractions.
Malocclusion (Class I/II/III)
Angle's classification of jaw relationships. Class I: normal relationship with crowding. Class II: lower jaw retruded (overbite). Class III: lower jaw protruded (underbite).
Open bite
Upper and lower front teeth don't meet when biting. Often caused by habits (thumb-sucking, tongue thrust) or genetic. Requires orthodontic + behavioral treatment.
Phase I (interceptive) orthodontics
Early orthodontic treatment between ages 7–10 to correct jaw problems before permanent dentition is complete. Reduces the need for later extractions or surgery.
Self-ligating brackets (Damon)
Brackets that grip the wire without elastic ligatures — less friction, faster tooth movement, and less frequent visits (every 8–10 weeks instead of 4–6).
Functional appliance (twin block)
A pediatric device that advances the lower jaw forward to correct Class II malocclusion. Worn 14–18 months before fixed braces.
Fixed lower bonded retainer
A thin wire bonded behind the lower six front teeth post-orthodontics. Invisible, stays for life, and prevents the most common type of relapse.
ClinCheck treatment simulation
A 3D simulation software from Align Technology showing the patient every tooth movement step-by-step before signing. The foundation of Invisalign plan approval.
Cleft lip and palate
A congenital malformation in the formation of the lip and/or palate. Care requires a multidisciplinary team (oral-maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics) from birth through adolescence.
Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) plate
A custom plastic plate worn by infants with cleft lip and palate during the first weeks to bring the segments closer before surgical repair. Improves long-term occlusal outcome.
Pre-surgical orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment performed before orthognathic jaw surgery for severe malocclusion. Lasts 12–18 months and aligns the teeth to their new positions post-surgery.
Twin Block (mandibular advancement)
A functional orthodontic appliance worn at night that advances the lower jaw. Treats Class II in children (ages 10–14) and is also used to manage adult snoring and mild sleep apnea.

See the full dental glossary →

Compare your options

Invisalign or metal braces?

Each technology suits specific cases. Here's the objective comparison:

Invisalign

  • ✓ Nearly invisible
  • ✓ Removable for eating and brushing
  • ✓ No emergencies (broken wires, loose brackets)
  • ✓ Check-ins every 6–8 weeks
  • ✗ Requires strict compliance (22 hours/day)
  • ✗ Not suitable for all complex cases
  • ✗ 20–40% higher cost

Metal braces

  • ✓ Highest precision in tooth movement
  • ✓ Suitable for all cases including the most complex
  • ✓ Not dependent on patient compliance
  • ✓ Lower cost
  • ✗ Visible
  • ✗ Requires extra cleaning attention
  • ✗ Possible emergencies (broken wires, loose brackets)
  • ✗ Monthly check-ins
Long-term outcomes

After braces — how long do results last?

Retainer compliance

For life

Teeth move throughout life from lip and tongue pressure. The retainer prevents this drift. Year 1: 12 hours/day. After: nightly only.

Retention period

12–24 months

Check-ups every 4–6 months after braces come off to confirm stability and check the retainer. Included free in AQUA plans.

Re-treatment risk

Rare with compliance

Less than 5% chance of relapse with proper retainer wear. Significantly higher if discontinued.

Investment & payment

Full transparency before any treatment begins.

At the first consultation you receive a written, signed quote for each treatment plan — number of sessions, materials, technicians and lab, warranty period, and installment options. No surprise costs later.

We accept: cash, Visa, Mastercard, Mada, Apple Pay, and MyFatoorah. Installment plans up to 12 months are available through MyFatoorah on most treatment plans.

Insurance policy: AQUA does not bill insurers directly. We prepare all receipts, treatment reports, and X-rays in the standard format your insurer accepts so you can submit a reimbursement claim yourself.

Your specialists

Meet the specialists who perform this procedure

Bilingual consultant team combining international board certifications with academic backing from King Abdulaziz University.

Patient cases · Before & After

Real cases from this service

A few representative cases. All photos and details published with the patient's written consent. Click any case to see the full before/after on the doctor's Instagram.

View all orthodontics cases →
Author & clinical reviewer

Orthodontics & Invisalign

Author
Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous
Dental Public Health

Dr. Mohamed Bamashmous, AQUA Dent co-founder. KAU Chair of Dental Public Health and ABDPH Diplomate. Book in Jeddah.

Clinically reviewed by
Dr. Laila Bamashmous
Orthodontics