Braces and Orthodontics — Types, Cost and Age

Quick summary

Braces come in several varieties: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign. The cost for adults typically ranges from 25,000 to 80,000 NOK, while children under 18 with documented treatment needs may receive support through HELFO. Most orthodontists recommend a first assessment around age 7, but active treatment usually begins between ages 10 and 14. Adults can be treated at any age as long as teeth and gums are healthy.

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment involves straightening crooked teeth, closing gaps and correcting bite issues. The treatment is carried out by an orthodontist — a dentist with specialist training in tooth positioning and jaw alignment. Correct tooth alignment is not just about aesthetics: it contributes to better chewing ability, easier oral hygiene and can prevent issues such as jaw pain and uneven wear.

Types of braces

Traditional metal braces

The most well-known form of orthodontic treatment. Small metal brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by a metal archwire that gradually moves the teeth into the correct position.

• Advantages: Effective for all types of bite issues, most affordable option, strong and durable
• Disadvantages: Visible, can cause discomfort in the first days after adjustments, requires thorough cleaning
• Treatment duration: 12-24 months

Ceramic braces

Work in the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made of tooth-coloured ceramic that makes them less noticeable.

• Advantages: Less visible than metal, equally effective
• Disadvantages: More expensive than metal, ceramic can stain, somewhat more fragile
• Treatment duration: 12-24 months

Invisalign and clear aligners

A series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays that gradually move the teeth. The aligners are replaced every two weeks and should be worn 20-22 hours per day.

• Advantages: Nearly invisible, removable (can be taken out for eating and brushing), comfortable
• Disadvantages: Requires discipline (must be worn enough hours), more expensive, not suitable for all bite issues
• Treatment duration: 6-18 months for most cases

Lingual braces

Brackets are attached to the inside of the teeth so they are completely invisible from the outside.

• Advantages: Completely invisible
• Disadvantages: Most expensive option, can temporarily affect speech, harder to clean
• Treatment duration: 12-24 months

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

Prices vary considerably depending on the type of braces, treatment complexity and location in Norway. Here are typical price ranges (updated March 2026):

Type of braces	Price range for adults (NOK)
Traditional metal	25,000 - 50,000
Ceramic braces	30,000 - 60,000
Invisalign / clear aligners	30,000 - 80,000
Lingual braces	50,000 - 90,000
Retainer after treatment	2,000 - 5,000

HELFO support for children and young people

Children and young people under 18 with documented treatment needs can receive support from HELFO (the Norwegian health reimbursement scheme). The support covers a portion of the treatment cost depending on severity:

• Group A (very high need): Highest reimbursement, covers most of the cost
• Group B (high need): Good reimbursement, but a co-payment applies
• Group C (clear need): Lower reimbursement, higher co-payment

The orthodontist assesses your child and applies to HELFO for reimbursement. You only pay the co-payment. Children who do not fall into any HELFO group must pay the full price.

When should you start orthodontic treatment?

Children

The Norwegian Dental Association and most orthodontists recommend a first orthodontic assessment around age 7. This does not mean treatment starts then, but it allows the orthodontist to identify problems early.

Active treatment usually starts between ages 10 and 14, when most permanent teeth have come through. Some conditions, such as underbite or severely crowded teeth, may require early treatment (phase 1 treatment) from around age 7-8.

Adults

There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. An increasing number of adults are choosing to straighten their teeth, and with options like Invisalign the treatment is discreet. The prerequisite is healthy teeth and gums. Any cavities, gum disease or other issues must be treated before orthodontic treatment can begin.

Treatment duration for adults may be somewhat longer than for children and teenagers, because the bone is fully developed and less malleable.

What happens during treatment?

1. First consultation: The orthodontist examines teeth and jaw, takes X-rays and impressions, and creates a treatment plan.
2. Fitting: Brackets are bonded to the teeth (or you receive your first set of aligners).
3. Check-ups: Regular visits every 4-8 weeks for wire adjustments or to collect new aligners.
4. Completion: Once the teeth are in the correct position, the brackets are removed. You receive a retainer (removable trays or a fixed wire behind the teeth) to prevent the teeth from shifting back.

Retainers — essential for lasting results

Without a retainer, teeth will gradually shift back towards their original position. Most orthodontists recommend permanent retainer use, either as a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth or as removable trays worn at night.

Tips for daily life with braces

• Oral hygiene: Use special brushes and interdental brushes to clean around brackets. With Invisalign, brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners.
• Diet: Avoid sticky and hard foods that can damage brackets (chewing gum, nuts, hard sweets). Invisalign users remove the aligners when eating.
• Pain: Mild soreness after adjustments is normal and lasts 2-3 days. Painkillers and soft food help.
• Sport: Wear a mouthguard during contact sports to protect your teeth and braces.

Find a dentist on Flextooth

Use Flextooth to find an orthodontist near you. Compare specialists and book a consultation for yourself or your child.