More Filipino adults are getting orthodontic treatment than ever — and the most common thing we hear in the chair is "I wish I'd done this sooner." If you're in your 20s, 30s or 40s and weighing braces against clear aligners, here is a straightforward comparison: what each costs in Metro Manila, how long it takes, what daily life is like, and which cases suit which option.
Is it too late for braces as an adult?
No. Teeth move at any age because the bone around them is constantly remodelling. Adult treatment can take a little longer than in teenagers and we check gum health more carefully first, but the results are the same. A large share of orthodontic patients at Modern Smiles are working adults.
How much do braces cost in the Philippines?
At Modern Smiles, metal braces start at ₱70,000 and self-ligating braces start at ₱120,000. Both include the orthodontic consultation, bracket placement and regular adjustment visits through to finishing. Clear aligner pricing is confirmed in writing after your consultation and digital assessment, because the fee depends on how much tooth movement your case needs and how many aligner sets that takes. Installment plans are available for all three. Guide prices last reviewed October 2026.
Metal braces
The durable, time-tested option that works for every case complexity, from mild crowding to significant bite correction. Metal braces are the workhorse of orthodontics: reliable, the most affordable, and not dependent on how disciplined you are about wearing them, because they're fixed. The trade-offs are visibility, some food restrictions (hard, sticky and chewy foods), and a little more effort to clean around the brackets.
Self-ligating braces
These use a small sliding clip instead of elastic ties to hold the wire, which can reduce friction, improve comfort and shorten adjustment appointments. They're a popular middle ground for adults who want fixed, predictable treatment with quicker visits. Clinically they treat the same range of cases as metal braces.
Clear aligners
Removable, nearly invisible trays changed every one to two weeks, each moving the teeth a fraction further. They're excellent for mild to moderate crowding or spacing and are much easier to keep clean, since you take them out to eat and brush. The honest caveats: they must be worn around 20–22 hours a day to work, so they suit disciplined wearers; complex bite corrections and large tooth movements may still do better with braces; and the total cost is usually higher than metal braces. We'll tell you plainly at your consultation if your case is a good fit, rather than selling you the option you asked for.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most cases finish in 6–18 months; complex corrections take longer. Every plan starts with a consultation, photos and X-rays or a digital scan, followed by a treatment roadmap you review before anything starts. Expect adjustment visits every four to eight weeks for braces, and check-ins every six to ten weeks for aligners. After treatment, retainers are not optional — teeth drift back without them, so plan for retainer wear as part of the result, not an afterthought.
What is daily life like with each option?
With braces, the first week after placement and the few days after each adjustment are the sore ones; orthodontic wax and soft food get you through. Eating out is fine, but you'll carry a travel toothbrush. With aligners, the discomfort is milder and comes with each new tray; the discipline challenge is remembering to put them back in after meals and coffee (anything other than water should be drunk with the trays out). For people who speak for a living, aligners can cause a slight lisp for the first few days only.
Which should you choose?
If discretion and convenience matter most and your case is mild to moderate — aligners. If value, complexity or the certainty of a fixed appliance is the priority — metal or self-ligating braces. If you want fixed treatment with quicker visits — self-ligating. The decision is easier after a scan, because then we're comparing options for your actual teeth rather than in the abstract.
Common questions
Does HMO cover braces?
Almost never. Philippine HMO dental benefits typically cover consultations, cleaning and simple fillings. Flexible monthly payment options make both braces and aligners more accessible than most people expect.
Do I need teeth removed first?
Sometimes, for severe crowding. Many adult cases are treated without extractions. Your treatment plan will say so clearly before you start.
Can I switch from braces to aligners or vice versa?
Occasionally, if the plan allows. It's better to choose once, so take the consultation seriously.
Will I need retainers forever?
Night-time retainer wear long term is the realistic answer. It's the price of keeping the result.
Explore braces and orthodontics, read about clear aligners, or book an ortho consultation in Pasig or Mandaluyong.
Written by Dr. Karla Domingo-Cuison, Head Dentist · Last reviewed October 2026. Prices are Modern Smiles' published guide fees and are confirmed after clinical evaluation.