Getting braces is one of the biggest dental decisions you’ll make, and in the U.S. it’s also one of the most expensive. That’s why more patients from San Diego and Southern California are looking at braces in Tijuana. The questions are always the same: what types are available, how much can you save, and how often do you really need to cross the border?

Types of braces we offer

At Allo Dental we offer every main type of orthodontic treatment, so the choice comes down to your teeth, your lifestyle and how visible you want your braces to be.

Type	What it looks like	Good fit for
Traditional metal braces	Metal brackets and wires on the front of the teeth	Most cases, including complex bites; the most durable option
Ceramic (clear) braces	Tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in	Adults and teens who want something less noticeable
Self-ligating braces	Brackets with a built-in clip instead of elastic ties	Patients who want fewer elastics and simpler adjustments
Lingual braces	Brackets placed on the back of the teeth	Patients who want braces that can’t be seen from the front
Clear aligners	Removable, nearly invisible plastic trays	Mild to moderate cases; patients who want fewer in-office adjustments

Not sure which one is right for you? That’s exactly what your first evaluation is for. Your orthodontist will look at your bite, take records and recommend the option that fits your case.

What braces cost in the U.S. vs Tijuana

In the U.S., braces are a major out-of-pocket expense, and many dental plans cover orthodontics only partly, or not at all for adults. These are typical U.S. price ranges, according to ConsumerAffairs:

Type	Typical U.S. cost
Traditional metal braces	$3,000 – $7,000
Ceramic braces	$4,000 – $8,500
Lingual braces	$5,000 – $13,000
Clear aligners	Up to $8,500

At Allo Dental, the same types of treatment cost significantly less than typical U.S. prices. The exact cost depends on your case, so we give you a clear estimate after your evaluation, before you commit to anything.

When you compare, look at the total cost of treatment, not just the monthly payment. Ask whether the estimate includes adjustment visits, emergency repairs and your retainer at the end.

How long treatment takes

Most braces treatments take between one and two years. Ceramic braces can take a little longer, often 18 to 36 months, and clear aligners average 12 to 18 months. Your exact timeline depends on how much your teeth need to move and how consistently you keep your appointments.

How often you need to visit

With braces, you’ll come in for an adjustment about every 6 to 8 weeks. Some cases need visits as often as every 4 weeks, and others can stretch to every 10 weeks (NHS Health Research Authority). In practice, that’s roughly 6 to 9 visits a year, usually short appointments.

Clear aligners can mean fewer in-office visits, because you switch to each new set of trays at home and come in for periodic check-ins.

Planning your trips from San Diego

Regular visits are the part U.S. patients worry about most. We make each trip as simple as possible:

• Shuttle service from the border to our office and back, so you don’t have to drive or find parking in Tijuana. See how our concierge works.
• Medical pass to help you cross back into the U.S. with a shorter wait.
• Planned appointments: we schedule your next adjustment before you leave, so you can plan your trips months ahead.
• An English-speaking team to answer your questions before and after each visit. Learn what to expect.

If a bracket comes loose or a wire bothers you between visits, contact us and we’ll tell you whether it can wait for your next appointment.

Braces for kids

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7 (Harvard School of Dental Medicine). At that age, an orthodontist can spot problems early, even if treatment isn’t needed yet.

We treat children at Allo Dental by appointment, after a prior evaluation. It’s a good way to know early whether your child will need braces and when the best time to start would be.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth getting braces in Tijuana if I live in San Diego?

For many families, yes. The savings on a full treatment can be significant, and with a shuttle from the border and appointments planned ahead, each visit is easy to fit into your schedule.

How many times will I need to cross the border?

With traditional braces, plan on an adjustment about every 6 to 8 weeks, or roughly 6 to 9 visits a year. Clear aligners usually need fewer in-office visits.

Can I choose clear aligners instead of braces?

Often, yes, especially for mild to moderate cases. Your evaluation will show whether aligners can give you the result you want.

At what age can my child start?

We recommend a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Children are seen by appointment after a prior evaluation.

What happens at the first visit?

Your orthodontist checks your bite, takes records and explains your options. You leave with a personalized treatment plan and a clear estimate. Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page.

Ready to see your options?

Schedule your evaluation with our English-speaking team. We’ll review your case, recommend the right type of braces and give you a clear estimate before you start. You can also read what other patients say in our reviews.