Kids Braces in Bangkok: When to Start & Treatment Costs (Specialist Guide)

Many parents wonder how kids braces differ from adult treatment and what the ideal age to start is. This guide provides evidence-based medical insights to help you make an informed decision, including transparent costs and a detailed breakdown of the treatment process.
What is Early Orthodontics? Is it necessary?
Orthodontics for children (Early Treatment) is more than just aesthetics; it is "Preventive Care." It focuses on correcting jaw structure and tooth alignment during the mixed dentition stage (when a child has both baby and permanent teeth).
Primary Objectives:
- Preventing more severe dental issues in the future (Preventive)
- Guiding proper jaw growth (Interceptive)
- Reducing the need for jaw surgery in adulthood
Please note that early braces are not mandatory for every child. Our specialists will only recommend treatment if specific jaw or bite irregularities are present.
What is the best age for Kids Braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a first evaluation at age 7 [1]. At this stage, permanent teeth are emerging, and jaw growth is at an ideal point for assessment. Treatment typically follows these phases:
- Age 7 (The Screening Age): The first molars emerge, and the orthodontist determines if immediate intervention is "necessary."
- Ages 8-9 (The Golden Period): Ideal for structural corrections, such as expanding the palate (to fix crossbites) or correcting protruded lower jaws.

9 Warning Signs your child may need braces
⚠️ Note: If you notice these symptoms, we recommend consulting a pediatric orthodontist.
1. Jaw & Structural Issues
Underbite
Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth.
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Open Bite
Gap between teeth when biting, often from thumb sucking.
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Crossbite
Upper teeth bite inside lower teeth due to a narrow palate.
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Deep Bite
Upper teeth overlap lower teeth excessively.
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Protrusion
"Buck teeth" which are prone to accidental fracture.
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2. Alignment & Spacing Issues
Crowding
Insufficient jaw space causes teeth to overlap.
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Excessive Spacing
Large gaps between teeth.
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Anterior Crossbite
Specific teeth are misaligned when biting.
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3. Functional Habits
Oral Habits
Such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing.
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Types of braces for kids
Orthodontic appliances for children are categorized based on their clinical goals. We offer four primary types:
Functional Appliances

- What they are: Specialized devices used to stimulate or redirect jaw growth, such as the Facemask (pulls upper jaw forward) [2], RPE (expands the palate), or Twin Blocks to correct lower jaw position [3,4].
- Used for: Children with skeletal or jaw growth imbalances.
- Price: Facemask 12,000 THB / RPE 8,000 THB / Twin Blocks 8,000 THB.
Removable Plate Appliances

- What they are: Acrylic plates (similar to retainers) with components to move specific teeth. They are removable for easy cleaning.
- Used for: Children aged 7-10 with minor spacing issues or simple jaw expansion needs.
- Price: Active Plates start from 6,000 THB.
Invisalign First for Kids

- What it is: Clear aligners specially designed for growing children. They are more comfortable and can be removed for eating. [5]
- Best for: Children who play sports or musical instruments, or those prioritizing comfort.
- Price: 99,000 THB.
Fixed Metal Braces (Sectional)

- What it is: Metal brackets bonded to specific permanent teeth.
- Best for: Cases requiring highly precise tooth movement.
- Price: 15,000 - 20,000 THB (for sectional/partial treatment).
Price List: Kids Braces Bangkok (2026 Update)
Initial Consultation is Free!
If you choose to proceed with treatment, the first records fee is 3,000 THB (includes Photos, X-rays, and Digital Scanning/Impressions).
| Appliance Type |
Best For |
Price (THB/Est. USD) |
Twin Blocks
(Mandibular Stimulator) |
Overbites, small lower jaw. |
8,000.-*
(~$235 USD) |
Facemask + RPE
(Maxillary Stimulator) |
Underbites, protruding lower jaw. |
20,000.-
(~$590 USD) |
| RPE (Palatal Expander) |
Snoring, narrow upper jaw. |
8,000.-
(~$235 USD) |
| Removable Plates |
Specific tooth alignment, minor spacing. |
6,000 - 7,000.-*
(~$175-205 USD) |
| Sectional Fixed Braces |
15,000 - 20,000.-
(~$440-590 USD) |
| Invisalign First |
Aesthetics, comfort, hygiene. |
99,000.-
(~$2,900 USD) |
* Note: Same price for locals and residents. (USD estimates based on $1 = 34 THB).
- Please note that pediatric orthodontics is exclusively for long-term residents or those working in Thailand, as it requires consistent, long-term monitoring.
- A 1,000 THB fee applies for expansion screws if required.
- Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every 4-8 weeks.
- Fees for appliance repair or replacement apply in case of damage or loss.
Understanding "Two-Phase Treatment"
For complex cases, orthodontists often plan treatment in two phases to achieve the most stable and aesthetic results:
Phase 1: Structural Foundation

Age: Approx. 7-10 years (Mixed Dentition).
Goal: Correcting "Jaw Structure" issues and creating space for permanent teeth.
Expectation: This phase aims to solve major bite issues rather than achieving 100% perfect tooth alignment.
Resting Period

During this time, we wait for all permanent teeth to emerge.
Children must wear a retainer to maintain the jaw progress made in Phase 1.
Phase 2: Final Alignment

Age: Once all permanent teeth are in (Ages 12+).
Goal: Full braces treatment to finalize alignment and perfect the bite.
Cost: This phase is billed separately (Approx. 40,000 - 60,000 THB for metal braces).
Note: Not every child needs two phases. If the issue is mild, we may recommend waiting until the child is older to do everything in one stage.
Success Factors for Parents
The success of early orthodontic treatment depends on two main factors:
- Patient Compliance: Results depend heavily on wearing the appliance consistently as directed. If the appliance is not worn for the required hours, the goals may not be met.
- Genetics: Jaw growth is partly determined by DNA, a factor that even the most skilled orthodontists cannot control 100%.
Summary: Why it’s worth it. Starting early is almost always better than waiting. It reduces the severity of problems, improves the child's quality of life, and makes future treatment much simpler. [6]
Case Reviews: Visible Structural Improvements
Here are examples of how interceptive orthodontics can transform a child’s profile and dental health.
Case 1: Correcting an Underbite (Anterior Crossbite)

- Issue: Insufficient upper jaw growth causing the lower teeth to sit in front.
- Treatment: A Facemask was used to guide the upper jaw forward.
- Result: After 8 months of wearing the device at home and while sleeping, the bite was corrected and the profile became balanced.
Case 2: Fixing Protrusion (Buck Teeth)

- Issue: Protruding upper teeth, increasing the risk of dental trauma.
- Treatment: A Twin Block appliance was used to reposition the lower jaw.
- Result: Significant improvement in the side profile and reduced risk of tooth injury.
Case 3: Narrow Palate & Snoring Issues

- Issue: A narrow upper jaw constricted the airway, leading to snoring.
- Treatment: Used a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) to widen the jaw and improve nasal breathing.
- Result: Improved breathing and reduced snoring (Results vary; OSA cases require a multi-disciplinary approach).
Case treated by Dr. Pitipat Tunksook (Dr. Jam). All rights reserved.
Choosing a Pediatric Orthodontist near me
We highly recommend choosing a clinic with Board-Certified Orthodontists. In Thailand, while there are many general dentists, only a small percentage are university-trained specialists in orthodontics. Early treatment requires a deep understanding of growth assessment and pediatric biomechanics.
You can verify specialist credentials at the Thai Association of Orthodontists website. We encourage parents to consult with specialists to find the best treatment plan for their child.
Why CDC Dental?
- Specialist Team: Our Orthodontists and Pedodontists (Child Dentists) work together to manage both clinical results and pediatric psychology.
- iTero 5D Technology: We use digital tooth scanning, eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional putty molds.
- Convenient Locations: Two accessible branches in Bangkok with English-speaking staff.
- Saphan Khwai Branch: Next to BTS Saphan Khwai (Ari/Phahonyothin area).
- Ladprao 109 Branch: Near Bang Kapi with ample parking.
Schedule a screening for your child today
Early screening can save time and costs in the future. Contact our English-speaking team:

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Article by
Dr. Pitipat Tunksook
Thai Dental Council License: 17030
Board-Certified Orthodontist
MSc in Orthodontics, Mahidol University
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Article by
Dr. Pitipat Tunksook (Dr. Jam)
Orthodontist