Braces in El Paso are not just for teenagers. Adults straighten their teeth every day, often with clear aligners that are hard to spot in conversation. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, and a bite that lines up properly spreads chewing forces more evenly across your teeth. Many patients also simply want to smile in photos without thinking about it.
Your options for straightening teeth
Metal braces
Brackets bonded to each tooth and joined by a wire. They suit almost every kind of crowding, spacing and bite problem, and they work around the clock because you cannot take them out.
Clear or tooth-colored braces
The same idea with ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth. Popular with adults and older teens who want braces that are less visible.
Clear aligners such as Invisalign
A series of thin, removable plastic trays, each one moving your teeth a small step. You take them out to eat and brush, and you wear them most of the day. They suit many mild to moderate cases. Results depend on wearing the trays as directed, so they work best for patients who will keep them in.
Who provides braces and Invisalign in El Paso
Braces and clear aligners are offered by general dentists and by orthodontists, who are dentists with extra training in moving teeth. Some El Paso practices handle straightforward aligner cases in house and refer complex bite problems to an orthodontist. When you book, ask who will plan and supervise your treatment and how many aligner or braces cases the office treats. You can check any Texas dentist on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners public license search.
What happens at a braces or Invisalign consultation
- 1Exam and records: the dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite, and usually takes X-rays, photos and impressions or a digital scan.
- 2Your options: you hear which methods suit your case, how long each might take and what each costs.
- 3A written plan: ask for the full price, what it includes (retainers, refinement trays, follow-up visits) and the payment options before you start.
Gum disease and cavities are usually treated first, because teeth need healthy support before they move.
What braces and clear aligners cost
National averages from the CareCredit dental cost guide (2023 to 2024 data, not El Paso prices):
| Treatment | National average |
|---|---|
| Metal braces | $6,343 |
| Clear aligners | $5,108 |
Your price depends on how much your teeth need to move and how long treatment takes. Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, often with a lifetime maximum, so ask the practice to check your plan. Monthly payment plans are common for braces and aligners. See the El Paso dental cost guide for other treatments.
After treatment: retainers
Teeth tend to drift back after braces or aligners come off. A retainer, worn as your dentist directs, holds them in their new place. Ask whether the first retainer is included in your quote and what a replacement costs.
Common questions
Is Invisalign or braces better?
Neither is right for everyone. Braces handle a wider range of problems; aligners are removable and less visible. The dentist will tell you which suits your teeth after an exam.
How long does treatment take?
It varies from several months for small corrections to a couple of years for complex cases. Your dentist gives an estimate at the consultation.
Am I too old for braces?
Adults of any age can straighten their teeth if their gums and bone are healthy. Ask at your consultation.
Can children get braces?
Yes. Some children benefit from an early check while baby teeth are still present. Ask your dentist when to start.
Other services
Family Dentistry
Checkups, cleanings, X-rays and fillings for children, parents and grandparents in one practice.
Dental Implants
Single-tooth implants, implant bridges and implant-held dentures to replace missing teeth.
Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening and custom take-home trays, planned after a dental check.