Braces
Braces in Vietnam for New Zealand patients
Braces at Picasso Dental Clinic Vietnam — metal from NZD 1,600, ceramic from NZD 2,400, NZ benchmark NZD 5,000–10,000. Monthly adjustments mean Invisalign suits most Kiwis better.
As of May 2026, traditional metal braces at Picasso Dental Clinic cost NZD 1,600–3,067 for a full course and ceramic braces NZD 2,400–3,867, compared with a New Zealand benchmark of NZD 5,000–10,000; because braces require adjustment visits every four to eight weeks over 12–24 months, most New Zealand patients who want orthodontic treatment at Picasso choose Invisalign aligners instead, using 1 NZD = 15,000 VND, May 2026.
Braces are available at Picasso Dental Clinic and the prices are a significant step below New Zealand benchmarks. But before you start planning a dental tourism orthodontic trip, there is one practical issue that affects almost every Kiwi patient who considers braces overseas.
Traditional braces need adjustment appointments every four to eight weeks. Over a 12–18 month treatment, that is between 8 and 18 in-clinic visits. Flying from New Zealand for each one is not realistic for most people.
This page is for Kiwi patients for whom braces at Picasso still make sense: those spending extended time in Vietnam, those with clinical reasons to choose fixed brackets over clear aligners, and those who want the most cost-effective route for a complex case. If you are visiting Vietnam once or twice and want orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is almost certainly the more practical choice.
Types of braces we offer
Traditional metal braces
Standard stainless steel brackets bonded to the tooth surface with archwires ligated using small elastic ties. Metal braces are the most durable and economical option and are appropriate for the full range of case complexity, from mild crowding to significant bite correction. They are the bracket system used most widely in orthodontics globally.
Self-ligating metal braces
Self-ligating brackets use a built-in sliding door mechanism rather than elastic ties to hold the archwire. This reduces friction and allows the wire to move more freely. Some clinicians consider self-ligating systems to require slightly fewer adjustment visits and cause marginally less discomfort at wire changes, though the evidence is mixed. They are mechanically similar to standard metal brackets and appropriate for the same case range.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic brackets use tooth-coloured or clear material rather than stainless steel, making them significantly less visible than metal. The archwire may be tooth-coloured or silver. Ceramic brackets are more aesthetically appealing, particularly for adult patients who want a less obvious appliance. They are slightly more fragile than metal brackets — more susceptible to chipping under heavy biting load — and more expensive. Ceramic braces are suitable for most cases but may not be recommended for patients with very heavy bites or posterior bracket placement where forces are greatest.
Our brace prices in NZD — May 2026
Prices below are for a full course of treatment on both arches using 1 NZD = 15,000 VND. The range in each tier reflects case complexity — a simple mild-crowding case sits at the lower end of the range; severe crowding, significant spacing, multiple rotations, or a jaw-relationship issue requiring more complex mechanics will sit at the upper end.
| Brace type | NZD price range | Typical duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | NZD 1,600–3,067 | 12–24 months | Most economical; full case range |
| Self-ligating metal braces | NZD 2,267–3,733 | 12–22 months | Reduced-friction bracket system |
| Ceramic braces | NZD 2,400–3,867 | 12–22 months | Less visible; slightly more fragile |
Prices are for the bracket system and treatment course. Retainers, additional records (OPG, CBCT, iTero scan), or auxiliary appliances are quoted separately. Confirm the full scope of treatment in writing before any bracket bonding.
See full pricing for all orthodontic and other treatment costs.
For the full New Zealand-vs-Vietnam breakdown with city-by-city benchmarks, see our braces cost guide.
New Zealand vs Vietnam — the economics
The cost difference between braces at Picasso and private orthodontic treatment in New Zealand is substantial.
| Treatment course | New Zealand benchmark | Picasso Dental Clinic | Indicative saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces, full course | NZD 5,000–10,000 | NZD 1,600–3,067 | NZD 2,000–7,400 |
| Ceramic braces, full course | NZD 6,000–10,000+ | NZD 2,400–3,867 | NZD 2,100–7,600 |
The New Zealand benchmark is an indicative planning range for 2026 based on general market observation, not a quote from any specific clinic.
The saving is real, but two factors affect whether travel makes practical sense for most Kiwi patients: the monthly adjustment visit requirement, and the 12–24 month treatment timeline. Orthodontic treatment is not like a veneer case or a single implant, where a one-off procedure can be completed in a short trip.
The monthly visit reality — why most Kiwi patients choose Invisalign
Bracket and wire orthodontics works by applying controlled forces to teeth through archwires of progressively different gauges and shapes. To change those forces, a clinician must physically adjust the wire — typically every four to eight weeks.
Over a standard 12-month metal brace course, that is six to twelve adjustment visits. Over 18 months, it is nine to eighteen visits. Each appointment usually runs 20–45 minutes.
Flying from New Zealand for each of those visits is not feasible. The cost of return flights alone — often NZD 700–1,200 each — would erode the price advantage within a few trips, and the time off work is significant.
For this reason, most New Zealand patients who want orthodontic treatment at Picasso choose Invisalign aligners instead. Invisalign allows all planning, scanning, attachment placement, and the first aligner sets to be completed in one or two Vietnam trips. Subsequent aligner changes happen at home in New Zealand on a set schedule, with remote progress monitoring via photos.
If Invisalign is the right clinical fit for your case, it is almost certainly the better dental tourism choice. Read the Invisalign page for a full breakdown of packages, prices, and the remote-monitoring model.
Who is a good candidate for braces at Picasso?
Braces at Picasso make sense for a specific group of Kiwi patients.
Patients relocating to or spending three or more months in Vietnam. If you will be living or working in Vietnam for an extended period, the adjustment visit model is no longer a problem. Braces initiated at Picasso can continue through the duration of your stay.
Patients clinically not suitable for clear aligners. Some cases are better managed with fixed brackets. Severe crowding requiring significant interarch mechanics, large rotations that need bracket torque control, or specific tooth movements that clear aligners do not perform predictably can all favour traditional braces. Dr. Thuan Phung will identify this at the orthodontic assessment.
Patients who prefer a fixed appliance. Some adults and most children find a removable aligner hard to comply with over months or years. A fixed appliance is always in place and does not rely on the patient wearing it the required 20–22 hours per day.
Patients already in Vietnam for extended treatment. Patients who are in Hanoi or Da Nang for several months of implant, bone grafting, or full-mouth reconstruction work sometimes want to address crowding or bite alignment at the same time. In this scenario, the adjustment visits are already built into a longer stay.
Ceramic vs metal braces — the choice
| Feature | Traditional metal | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Noticeable | Much less visible |
| Strength | Very durable | More prone to chipping |
| Cost at Picasso | NZD 1,600–3,067 | NZD 2,400–3,867 |
| Best for | All case types including heavy bites | Patients prioritising aesthetics; moderate biting forces |
| Staining risk | Minimal | Ligatures and some brackets can stain with coffee, tea, turmeric |
| Suitability for complex cases | Yes | Yes, with some exceptions for very heavy posterior bite forces |
For most adult patients who are staying in Vietnam long-term, ceramic braces are the more popular choice because they are less conspicuous in everyday professional or social settings. Metal braces remain the standard for younger patients or anyone where durability and cost are the primary considerations.
The orthodontic assessment at our clinic
No braces are placed without a thorough assessment. At your first orthodontic appointment, Dr. Thuan Phung’s team will take:
- Clinical photographs — front facial, profile, three-quarter view, and intraoral close-ups of the occlusion
- OPG (panoramic X-ray) — if you do not have a recent one, this will be taken at the clinic
- iTero digital scan — a 3D model of your teeth and bite used for treatment planning and future records
- Cephalometric X-ray — a side-profile skull X-ray taken if the bite relationship or jaw position needs measuring
- Study model analysis — a digital or plaster model of your arches used to plan bracket positions
You will receive a written treatment plan including: diagnosis, bracket system recommendation, estimated treatment duration (as a range), and costs, before any bracket bonding takes place. No treatment is started on the same day as assessment.
The typical Kiwi brace timeline
This table applies to patients spending extended time in Vietnam. It is not a model for a one-trip dental tourism visit.
| Stage | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-travel | Send photos and OPG for pre-assessment; receive written cost estimate | 1–2 weeks remote |
| Day 1 — assessment | Clinical exam, OPG, iTero scan, photographs, cephalometric analysis if needed, written treatment plan | 1 appointment |
| Day 2 — bracket bonding | Brackets bonded to teeth; initial wire placed; patient instructions given | 1 appointment |
| Adjustment phase | Wire changes and progress checks every 4–8 weeks throughout treatment | 12–24 months |
| Debond | Brackets removed; teeth polished; impressions or scan for retainer | 1 appointment |
| Retainer delivery | Retainer fitted; wear instructions and care plan given | 1 appointment |
| Retention phase (ongoing) | Retainer wear — typically full-time initially, then nights long-term | Ongoing |
Mild cases: 12–14 months active treatment. Moderate cases: 14–18 months. Complex cases with significant crowding, spacing, or bite discrepancy: 18–24 months. Duration estimates are provided in writing after the assessment — they are not guarantees.
Retention after braces
The retention phase is as important as the active treatment phase. Teeth that have been moved will always tend to move back without support. This is standard orthodontic biology, not a complication.
Picasso provides a retainer on completion of brace treatment. Options include:
- Clear removable retainer — worn over the teeth; requires consistent use
- Hawley retainer — acrylic and wire removable retainer; robust and adjustable
- Fixed wire retainer — a thin wire bonded to the inside surface of the front teeth; provides continuous passive retention; may be recommended in addition to a removable retainer for high-relapse-risk teeth
Retainers should be worn as directed — typically full-time for the first three to six months, then nights long-term. This is not temporary. Orthodontic guidance universally recommends long-term or indefinite retainer wear.
When you return to New Zealand, your regular dentist can monitor retainer fit and condition at routine check-ups. If a retainer needs replacing, any New Zealand dentist can take impressions or a digital scan and fabricate a new one. You do not need to return to Vietnam for a replacement retainer.
See warranty and aftercare for Picasso’s post-treatment policy.
When braces are the wrong choice for a dental tourism trip
If you can visit Vietnam only once or twice a year, braces are not the right orthodontic choice. The treatment requires consistent clinic access throughout its duration.
If you have mild crowding that could be resolved with Invisalign Essentials or Invisalign Lite, clear aligners will likely cost less over the full treatment when accounting for multi-trip travel costs and are far more compatible with a dental tourism model.
If you are unsure whether braces or Invisalign is the right clinical fit, mention this in your initial enquiry. Picasso will assess which appliance system best suits your case after a proper examination and, where possible, advise on suitability before you book flights.
Read about Invisalign as an alternative
What to send for an orthodontic assessment
Send the following records before travelling. A photo screen cannot replace an in-person assessment, but it allows Picasso to give a preliminary cost estimate and identify cases that should not be started overseas.
- Recent OPG (panoramic X-ray) — if available from a New Zealand dentist
- Front facial photo (natural smile, relaxed)
- Profile photo (side view, lips at rest)
- Close-up intraoral photos: teeth together from the front, left bite, right bite, upper arch, lower arch
- Description of your concerns — what bothers you aesthetically and functionally
- Details of any existing dental work: crowns, implants, root-canal-treated teeth, previous orthodontic treatment or retainers
Send to [email protected]. Quote responses typically arrive within one business day New Zealand time.
Aftercare in New Zealand
Once you are back in New Zealand with your retainer:
- Wear your retainer as instructed. If in doubt, wear it more rather than less.
- Attend routine dental check-ups in New Zealand every six to twelve months. Ask your dentist to check retainer fit and any fixed wire retainer at each visit.
- If a clear retainer cracks, warps, or no longer fits, have a replacement made locally rather than going without. Any New Zealand dentist can take impressions or a digital scan.
- If a fixed wire retainer comes loose, have a New Zealand dentist rebond it promptly. An unbonded wire retainer provides no retention.
- Picasso can provide records — photos, treatment notes, retainer prescription — to assist a New Zealand dentist. Request these before you leave Vietnam.
See aftercare guidance and warranty for Picasso’s full post-treatment policy.
Next step
If you are spending extended time in Vietnam and braces are the right clinical choice, or if you want to understand whether your case is better suited to braces or Invisalign before deciding, send your records and we will assess.
Request a free NZD quote · Invisalign as the practical alternative for most Kiwis · Full pricing · Is dental tourism safe?
Contact: [email protected]
About this page
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Thuan Phung
Orthodontist, Picasso Dental Clinic
DDS · 10+ years in orthodontics · 1,500+ cases completed
Clinical focus: Orthodontics · Invisalign · Fixed appliances
Dr. Thuan Phung is an orthodontist at Picasso Dental Clinic with over ten years of clinical experience and more than 1,500 orthodontic cases completed, covering metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign.
Frequently asked questions
How much do braces cost at Picasso Dental Clinic in NZD?
As of May 2026, Picasso prices full-course braces at NZD 1,600–3,067 for traditional metal, NZD 2,267–3,733 for self-ligating metal, and NZD 2,400–3,867 for ceramic braces. The range reflects case complexity — mild crowding sits at the lower end; severe crowding, spacing, or bite discrepancies at the upper end. Prices use 1 NZD = 15,000 VND.
How much do braces cost in New Zealand?
A full-course of braces with a private orthodontist in New Zealand typically costs NZD 5,000–10,000 depending on case complexity, arch count, bracket type, and the practice. These are indicative planning benchmarks based on general market observation for 2026, not a quote from any specific clinic.
Why do monthly adjustments create a problem for dental tourism?
Traditional braces need wire changes, bracket checks, and progress assessments every four to eight weeks throughout treatment. Over a typical 12–18 month course, that is 8–18 clinic appointments. Flying from New Zealand for each visit is not practical for most patients. This is why Picasso recommends most Kiwi orthodontic patients explore Invisalign, which can be initiated in one or two trips with the remaining aligner changes managed at home.
Who is a suitable candidate for braces at Picasso rather than Invisalign?
Braces at Picasso are suitable for patients spending three or more months in Vietnam; patients with clinical presentations not suited to clear aligners (severe crowding, significant rotations, or specific tooth movements requiring bracket anchorage); patients who prefer fixed appliances; and patients already in Vietnam for extended implant or reconstruction treatment who want to address orthodontics at the same time.
What is the difference between metal braces and Invisalign for Kiwi dental tourists?
Invisalign at Picasso requires one to two Vietnam trips, with aligner changes and remote monitoring happening in New Zealand. Metal or ceramic braces require in-clinic adjustments every four to eight weeks throughout the 12–24 month treatment. For most Kiwi patients, the travel model makes Invisalign the practical choice. For patients living in or near Vietnam, braces are viable and offer a lower-cost option for complex cases.
How long does brace treatment typically take?
Treatment duration depends on case complexity. Mild crowding or spacing may resolve in 12–14 months. Moderate cases typically take 14–18 months. Complex cases involving significant bite correction, rotations, or large discrepancies may take 18–24 months or more. Dr. Thuan Phung provides a written timeline estimate after the orthodontic assessment — these are estimates, not guarantees.
What retainer is needed after braces?
Retention is required after braces to prevent relapse — this is standard orthodontic practice. Picasso provides a retainer on completion of active treatment. Options include removable clear retainers, Hawley retainers, and fixed wire retainers bonded behind the front teeth. Retainer wear is long-term. If a retainer needs replacement after you return to New Zealand, a local dentist can fabricate one from new impressions or a digital scan.
What records should I send for an orthodontic assessment before travelling?
Send a recent OPG (panoramic X-ray) if available, front facial photo, profile photo, close-up smile photos with teeth together and teeth apart, and a brief description of your concerns — what bothers you, any history of previous orthodontic treatment, and any dental work (crowns, implants, root-canal-treated teeth) currently in place. Email [email protected]. A pre-travel assessment helps identify whether braces or Invisalign is the better clinical fit before you book flights.