What determines the cost of braces?
The price of braces (pendakap gigi) is set by your individual case, not by a fixed menu. Two people can walk into the same clinic and pay very different fees for the same type of braces.
Four things move the price the most:
- How much correction you need. Mildly crowded teeth are quicker and cheaper to fix than a severe bite problem that needs more adjustment over more months.
- The type of braces you choose. Metal, ceramic and clear aligners sit at different price points (compared below).
- How long treatment takes. Longer treatment means more appointments and adjustments, which adds to the total.
- What’s included. Some quotes cover records, X-rays, adjustments and retainers; others charge separately. Always ask what a price includes before you compare.
This is why an honest clinic assesses your teeth before giving a number. A single advertised “braces price” usually hides more than it tells you.
What are the main types of braces?
There are three common options in Kota Kinabalu, and they trade off visibility, comfort and cost. Metal braces are the most affordable and effective for almost any case; ceramic braces are less visible; clear aligners are the most discreet and the most expensive.
| Type | Visibility | Typical duration | Comfort | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Most visible | 18–24 months | Takes a few days to adjust to | $ (most affordable) |
| Ceramic braces | Tooth-coloured, low profile | 18–24 months | Similar to metal | $$ (mid-range) |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | Nearly invisible, removable | 12–24 months | Smooth, no brackets | $$$ (highest) |
Metal braces remain the workhorse — they handle the widest range of cases and give the most treatment for your money. Ceramic and metal braces are both fixed to your teeth, while Invisalign clear aligners are removable trays you change every couple of weeks. If you’re weighing the last two, our guide on Invisalign vs braces breaks down the real differences.
How long does braces treatment take?
Most cases take 18 to 24 months. The length depends on how far your teeth need to move.
- Mild crowding or spacing: often 6–12 months
- Average cases: 18–24 months
- Complex bite correction: 24–36 months
Treatment time matters for cost because you’ll have regular adjustment visits throughout. A shorter case is usually a lower total fee.
Can I pay for braces in instalments?
Yes — most orthodontic patients pay monthly rather than all at once. At FTS Chin Dental, we spread the fee across your treatment so it’s manageable, and we lay out the full schedule before you commit. You’ll always know what you’re paying and when.
Why FTS Chin Dental quotes you personally
We don’t publish a one-size-fits-all braces price because it wouldn’t be honest — it would over-charge simple cases and under-quote difficult ones. Instead, we look at your teeth, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear fixed fee before any treatment starts. We won’t invent a number, and nothing begins until you know the cost.
For over 17 years, families across Likas, Inanam, Menggatal and the rest of Kota Kinabalu have trusted us for gentle, honest orthodontic care — with a 4.9-star rating from 409 Google reviews. Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of your smile and we’ll help you take the first step.