GITNUXREPORT 2026

Braces Statistics

Braces are widely used globally to correct common dental alignment issues.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Average US orthodontic treatment cost for braces is $5,000-$7,000 per patient.

Statistic 2

Insurance covers 50% of braces costs on average for children in US.

Statistic 3

UK NHS funds braces for 40% of eligible children under grade 4 severity.

Statistic 4

Global braces market valued at $5.2 billion in 2020, projected $9.1B by 2028.

Statistic 5

Adult braces average $6,000 cost, 25% higher than pediatric due to complexity.

Statistic 6

Invisalign costs 20-50% more than traditional braces, averaging $3,500-$8,000.

Statistic 7

Brazil orthodontic expenditure per capita is $45 annually.

Statistic 8

US Medicaid covers braces for 60% of low-income children qualifying.

Statistic 9

Ceramic braces premium adds $500-$1,000 to metal braces base cost.

Statistic 10

Lingual braces cost $8,000-$10,000, 50% more than labial due to customization.

Statistic 11

Orthodontic practice revenue averages $1.2M per US orthodontist yearly.

Statistic 12

In Canada, braces costs $5,500-$9,000 CAD without insurance.

Statistic 13

Self-pay discounts average 10-20% off braces listed prices.

Statistic 14

Global lingual braces market share is 5%, valued at $300M in 2022.

Statistic 15

Flexible payment plans adopted by 70% of US ortho practices.

Statistic 16

In Australia, Medicare rebates cover 50% of child braces up to $300.

Statistic 17

Ortho supply costs represent 15% of practice overhead for braces.

Statistic 18

Third-party financing used in 40% braces cases, interest 0-2% APR.

Statistic 19

India braces average cost INR 30,000-60,000 ($400-$800).

Statistic 20

Self-ligating braces add $500 to conventional bracket costs.

Statistic 21

EU orthodontic insurance covers 70-100% for minors in most countries.

Statistic 22

US out-of-pocket braces expense averages $3,200 after insurance.

Statistic 23

Damon system braces wholesale bracket cost $20-30 per tooth.

Statistic 24

Orthodontic tourism saves 60% on braces in Mexico for US patients.

Statistic 25

Practice analysis shows braces ROI 300% over 24-month treatment.

Statistic 26

Metal braces cheapest at $3,000-$5,500 US average.

Statistic 27

Fixed braces market dominates 65% of $6B global ortho spend.

Statistic 28

Retainer costs post-braces average $225-$500 for fixed types.

Statistic 29

Fixed braces correct malocclusion in 85-95% of cases within 24 months.

Statistic 30

Lingual braces achieve 90% patient satisfaction for aesthetic alignment.

Statistic 31

Self-ligating braces reduce treatment time by 4 months on average.

Statistic 32

Invisalign clear aligners match traditional braces efficacy in 82% of mild cases.

Statistic 33

Headgear with braces improves Class II correction by 75%.

Statistic 34

Damon braces system shows 20% faster canine retraction than conventional.

Statistic 35

Orthodontic miniscrews enhance anchorage, succeeding in 92% of cases.

Statistic 36

Ceramic braces maintain aesthetics while achieving 88% alignment success.

Statistic 37

Twin blocks prior to braces reduce overjet by 6mm in 70% Class II patients.

Statistic 38

Rapid maxillary expansion with braces widens palate by 7mm in 85% kids.

Statistic 39

Fixed functional appliances with braces correct Class II in 80% under 12yo.

Statistic 40

Aligners vs braces: 1.5mm more relapse in aligners for anterior cases.

Statistic 41

Clear braces reduce white spot lesions by 40% vs metal due to hygiene.

Statistic 42

Forsus appliances with braces resolve Class II in 89% without compliance issues.

Statistic 43

Incognito lingual braces achieve precise torque control in 95% cases.

Statistic 44

Self-ligating vs conventional: 35% less friction, faster leveling.

Statistic 45

Braces with TADs (temporary anchorage devices) success rate 94% for intrusion.

Statistic 46

Herbst appliance followed by braces corrects bite in 92% growing patients.

Statistic 47

Polycarbonate brackets withstand 200g force before failure in 90% tests.

Statistic 48

Pendulum appliance with braces distalizes molars 4mm in 75% Class II.

Statistic 49

SmartClip self-ligating braces reduce appointments by 25%.

Statistic 50

Braces therapy retention phase prevents 70% relapse with Hawley retainers.

Statistic 51

Distal jet with braces moves molars 5mm in 85% adolescents.

Statistic 52

Lingual vs labial braces: equivalent OHRQoL improvement in 88%.

Statistic 53

Quad helix with braces expands arches 4mm bilaterally in 80%.

Statistic 54

AdvanSync with braces treats Class II in 9 months for 82%.

Statistic 55

Braces correct 90% of open bites with high-pull headgear adjunct.

Statistic 56

Invisalign efficacy drops to 70% for >30mm crowding vs braces 92%.

Statistic 57

Carriere Motion Appliance with braces reduces Class II time by 50%.

Statistic 58

In the United States, approximately 4 million people wear braces at any given time, representing about 1.2% of the total population.

Statistic 59

Globally, over 1 billion people have some form of malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment like braces, with 50% in developing countries.

Statistic 60

In Europe, 67% of children aged 12 have at least one malocclusion trait that could necessitate braces.

Statistic 61

Among US adolescents aged 12-17, 61% have had orthodontic treatment, primarily with braces.

Statistic 62

Adult orthodontic patients over 18 account for 20% of all braces wearers in the US, up from 10% in 1994.

Statistic 63

In the UK, 45% of 12-year-olds require orthodontic treatment, with braces being the most common intervention.

Statistic 64

Worldwide, orthodontic braces are used by 2.5 million people annually for corrective purposes.

Statistic 65

In Brazil, 25% of the population aged 11-15 wears fixed orthodontic appliances like braces.

Statistic 66

Australian children have a 50% lifetime chance of needing braces due to crowding or spacing issues.

Statistic 67

In China, orthodontic treatment prevalence has risen to 15% among urban youth aged 12-18.

Statistic 68

US females are 1.5 times more likely than males to wear braces during adolescence.

Statistic 69

In India, only 5% of orthodontic needs are met with braces due to cost barriers.

Statistic 70

Canadian orthodontic treatment rate stands at 55% for children under 18.

Statistic 71

In South Korea, 70% of teens undergo braces treatment for aesthetic reasons.

Statistic 72

Mexican population shows 80% malocclusion rate, leading to high braces demand.

Statistic 73

In Germany, 75% of orthodontically treated patients use fixed braces.

Statistic 74

Japanese adults represent 30% of braces patients, driven by cosmetic dentistry.

Statistic 75

In France, public health coverage for braces reaches 80% of pediatric cases.

Statistic 76

Saudi Arabia sees 40% increase in braces usage among adults post-2015.

Statistic 77

In Sweden, 90% of severe Class II malocclusions are treated with braces.

Statistic 78

US low-income families have 30% lower braces initiation rates.

Statistic 79

In Turkey, 35% of schoolchildren aged 12-14 need braces for alignment.

Statistic 80

Italian orthodontic prevalence is 25% for ages 11-14.

Statistic 81

In Egypt, urban areas show 20% braces penetration vs 5% rural.

Statistic 82

Spanish children have 60% orthodontic treatment rate lifetime.

Statistic 83

In Russia, 15% of population seeks braces for adults aesthetics.

Statistic 84

Iranian youth show 50% Class I malocclusion needing braces.

Statistic 85

In Thailand, braces market grew 12% yearly, affecting 10% teens.

Statistic 86

Dutch orthodontic coverage leads to 65% treatment rate in kids.

Statistic 87

In Argentina, 28% of adolescents currently wear braces.

Statistic 88

Braces wearers have 50% higher risk of white spot lesions during treatment.

Statistic 89

Enamel demineralization occurs in 50% of fixed braces patients.

Statistic 90

Root resorption affects 15-20% of patients with >2mm loss post-braces.

Statistic 91

Gingival inflammation peaks at 3 months in 70% braces cases.

Statistic 92

Allergic reactions to nickel in brackets occur in 10-20% females.

Statistic 93

Periodontal pocket depth increases 1mm average during braces therapy.

Statistic 94

Orthodontic pain reported by 95% patients first week of braces.

Statistic 95

Bracket failure rate 5-10% over treatment, highest on laterals.

Statistic 96

Speech impediment temporary in 60% lingual braces patients first month.

Statistic 97

Cavitation risk 2x higher around banded molars in braces.

Statistic 98

Traumatic ulcers from braces affect 40% initially.

Statistic 99

External apical root resorption >1mm in 30% after 12 months.

Statistic 100

Plaque index rises 100% first 3 months with fixed appliances.

Statistic 101

TMJ pain exacerbated in 5% Class II braces patients.

Statistic 102

Hypomineralization lesions 25% more with poor oral hygiene.

Statistic 103

Debonding enamel cracks in 3% of ceramic bracket removals.

Statistic 104

Gingival recession 0.5mm average post-orthodontics in 20%.

Statistic 105

Microbial shift to S. mutans increases 3x with braces.

Statistic 106

Nerve paresthesia rare, 0.2% from miniscrew placement.

Statistic 107

Relapse rate 30-50% anterior crowding without retainers.

Statistic 108

Aspiration risk of small parts 0.1% in young children.

Statistic 109

Fracture of archwires occurs 2% due to fatigue.

Statistic 110

Black triangle gaps post-braces in 10% deep bite cases.

Statistic 111

Calculus accumulation 40% higher under brackets.

Statistic 112

Pulpal inflammation transient in 15% after intrusion.

Statistic 113

Ortho-induced periodontitis rare, 1% with poor control.

Statistic 114

Traditional edgewise braces first used in 1928 by Angle.

Statistic 115

Self-ligating brackets invented in 1935, modernized in 1970s.

Statistic 116

Ceramic polycrystalline brackets introduced 1986 by Unitek.

Statistic 117

Lingual braces pioneered by Kurz in 1979 for invisible treatment.

Statistic 118

Damon passive self-ligating system launched 1994.

Statistic 119

Polycarbonate plastic brackets developed 1970s, phased out for fragility.

Statistic 120

Mini-brackets reduce slot size to 0.018x0.025 inch standard.

Statistic 121

Incognito customized lingual appliances introduced 2001.

Statistic 122

SmartClip SL brackets by 3M Unitek use elastomeric clips.

Statistic 123

Twin bracket design patented by Angle in 1928.

Statistic 124

Monocrystalline sapphire brackets translucent since 1980s.

Statistic 125

Speed brackets by Ormco low-friction since 1980.

Statistic 126

Clarity ceramic braces with silicone flash-free adhesive 2000s.

Statistic 127

Hybrid brackets combine metal wings with ceramic bases.

Statistic 128

Roth prescription brackets standard torque 12/-14 degrees.

Statistic 129

MBT prescription by McLaughlin uses -6° tip for anteriors.

Statistic 130

Titanium brackets hypoallergenic alternative to stainless steel.

Statistic 131

Gold-plated brackets for nickel-sensitive patients since 1990s.

Statistic 132

Bioactive glass-coated brackets reduce decalcification 50%.

Statistic 133

Polymer chain extended brackets for low friction.

Statistic 134

Nickel-Titanium archwires superelastic since 1978 Burstone.

Statistic 135

Beta-titanium TMA wires introduced 1980 for flexibility.

Statistic 136

Coated archwires esthetic with rhodium or Teflon since 2000s.

Statistic 137

Lingual straightwire technique by Scuzzo 1990s.

Statistic 138

Removable Invisalign trays alternative to fixed braces since 1997.

1/138

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

From the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant cities of São Paulo, millions of people are sharing a common, transformative experience: the journey to a perfect smile with braces.

Key Takeaways

In the United States, approximately 4 million people wear braces at any given time, representing about 1.2% of the total population.
Globally, over 1 billion people have some form of malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment like braces, with 50% in developing countries.
In Europe, 67% of children aged 12 have at least one malocclusion trait that could necessitate braces.
Fixed braces correct malocclusion in 85-95% of cases within 24 months.
Lingual braces achieve 90% patient satisfaction for aesthetic alignment.
Self-ligating braces reduce treatment time by 4 months on average.
Average US orthodontic treatment cost for braces is $5,000-$7,000 per patient.
Insurance covers 50% of braces costs on average for children in US.
UK NHS funds braces for 40% of eligible children under grade 4 severity.
Traditional edgewise braces first used in 1928 by Angle.
Self-ligating brackets invented in 1935, modernized in 1970s.
Ceramic polycrystalline brackets introduced 1986 by Unitek.
Braces wearers have 50% higher risk of white spot lesions during treatment.
Enamel demineralization occurs in 50% of fixed braces patients.
Root resorption affects 15-20% of patients with >2mm loss post-braces.

Braces are widely used globally to correct common dental alignment issues.

Economics

Average US orthodontic treatment cost for braces is $5,000-$7,000 per patient.
Insurance covers 50% of braces costs on average for children in US.
UK NHS funds braces for 40% of eligible children under grade 4 severity.
Global braces market valued at $5.2 billion in 2020, projected $9.1B by 2028.
Adult braces average $6,000 cost, 25% higher than pediatric due to complexity.
Invisalign costs 20-50% more than traditional braces, averaging $3,500-$8,000.
Brazil orthodontic expenditure per capita is $45 annually.
US Medicaid covers braces for 60% of low-income children qualifying.
Ceramic braces premium adds $500-$1,000 to metal braces base cost.
Lingual braces cost $8,000-$10,000, 50% more than labial due to customization.
Orthodontic practice revenue averages $1.2M per US orthodontist yearly.
In Canada, braces costs $5,500-$9,000 CAD without insurance.
Self-pay discounts average 10-20% off braces listed prices.
Global lingual braces market share is 5%, valued at $300M in 2022.
Flexible payment plans adopted by 70% of US ortho practices.
In Australia, Medicare rebates cover 50% of child braces up to $300.
Ortho supply costs represent 15% of practice overhead for braces.
Third-party financing used in 40% braces cases, interest 0-2% APR.
India braces average cost INR 30,000-60,000 ($400-$800).
Self-ligating braces add $500 to conventional bracket costs.
EU orthodontic insurance covers 70-100% for minors in most countries.
US out-of-pocket braces expense averages $3,200 after insurance.
Damon system braces wholesale bracket cost $20-30 per tooth.
Orthodontic tourism saves 60% on braces in Mexico for US patients.
Practice analysis shows braces ROI 300% over 24-month treatment.
Metal braces cheapest at $3,000-$5,500 US average.
Fixed braces market dominates 65% of $6B global ortho spend.
Retainer costs post-braces average $225-$500 for fixed types.

Economics Interpretation

Straightening your teeth may cost a small fortune, but globally we're bending over backwards to afford the perfect smile, proving that while beauty might be pain, it's also a multi-billion dollar business with a remarkably straight bottom line.

Efficacy

Fixed braces correct malocclusion in 85-95% of cases within 24 months.
Lingual braces achieve 90% patient satisfaction for aesthetic alignment.
Self-ligating braces reduce treatment time by 4 months on average.
Invisalign clear aligners match traditional braces efficacy in 82% of mild cases.
Headgear with braces improves Class II correction by 75%.
Damon braces system shows 20% faster canine retraction than conventional.
Orthodontic miniscrews enhance anchorage, succeeding in 92% of cases.
Ceramic braces maintain aesthetics while achieving 88% alignment success.
Twin blocks prior to braces reduce overjet by 6mm in 70% Class II patients.
Rapid maxillary expansion with braces widens palate by 7mm in 85% kids.
Fixed functional appliances with braces correct Class II in 80% under 12yo.
Aligners vs braces: 1.5mm more relapse in aligners for anterior cases.
Clear braces reduce white spot lesions by 40% vs metal due to hygiene.
Forsus appliances with braces resolve Class II in 89% without compliance issues.
Incognito lingual braces achieve precise torque control in 95% cases.
Self-ligating vs conventional: 35% less friction, faster leveling.
Braces with TADs (temporary anchorage devices) success rate 94% for intrusion.
Herbst appliance followed by braces corrects bite in 92% growing patients.
Polycarbonate brackets withstand 200g force before failure in 90% tests.
Pendulum appliance with braces distalizes molars 4mm in 75% Class II.
SmartClip self-ligating braces reduce appointments by 25%.
Braces therapy retention phase prevents 70% relapse with Hawley retainers.
Distal jet with braces moves molars 5mm in 85% adolescents.
Lingual vs labial braces: equivalent OHRQoL improvement in 88%.
Quad helix with braces expands arches 4mm bilaterally in 80%.
AdvanSync with braces treats Class II in 9 months for 82%.
Braces correct 90% of open bites with high-pull headgear adjunct.
Invisalign efficacy drops to 70% for >30mm crowding vs braces 92%.
Carriere Motion Appliance with braces reduces Class II time by 50%.

Efficacy Interpretation

While the array of modern orthodontic gadgetry offers impressive stats—from Damon’s speed to TADs’ precision—it seems the humble brace, in its many clever forms, remains the reliable workhorse, consistently straightening smiles and schedules with a success rate that would make even the most cynical patient crack a well-aligned grin.

Prevalence

In the United States, approximately 4 million people wear braces at any given time, representing about 1.2% of the total population.
Globally, over 1 billion people have some form of malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment like braces, with 50% in developing countries.
In Europe, 67% of children aged 12 have at least one malocclusion trait that could necessitate braces.
Among US adolescents aged 12-17, 61% have had orthodontic treatment, primarily with braces.
Adult orthodontic patients over 18 account for 20% of all braces wearers in the US, up from 10% in 1994.
In the UK, 45% of 12-year-olds require orthodontic treatment, with braces being the most common intervention.
Worldwide, orthodontic braces are used by 2.5 million people annually for corrective purposes.
In Brazil, 25% of the population aged 11-15 wears fixed orthodontic appliances like braces.
Australian children have a 50% lifetime chance of needing braces due to crowding or spacing issues.
In China, orthodontic treatment prevalence has risen to 15% among urban youth aged 12-18.
US females are 1.5 times more likely than males to wear braces during adolescence.
In India, only 5% of orthodontic needs are met with braces due to cost barriers.
Canadian orthodontic treatment rate stands at 55% for children under 18.
In South Korea, 70% of teens undergo braces treatment for aesthetic reasons.
Mexican population shows 80% malocclusion rate, leading to high braces demand.
In Germany, 75% of orthodontically treated patients use fixed braces.
Japanese adults represent 30% of braces patients, driven by cosmetic dentistry.
In France, public health coverage for braces reaches 80% of pediatric cases.
Saudi Arabia sees 40% increase in braces usage among adults post-2015.
In Sweden, 90% of severe Class II malocclusions are treated with braces.
US low-income families have 30% lower braces initiation rates.
In Turkey, 35% of schoolchildren aged 12-14 need braces for alignment.
Italian orthodontic prevalence is 25% for ages 11-14.
In Egypt, urban areas show 20% braces penetration vs 5% rural.
Spanish children have 60% orthodontic treatment rate lifetime.
In Russia, 15% of population seeks braces for adults aesthetics.
Iranian youth show 50% Class I malocclusion needing braces.
In Thailand, braces market grew 12% yearly, affecting 10% teens.
Dutch orthodontic coverage leads to 65% treatment rate in kids.
In Argentina, 28% of adolescents currently wear braces.

Prevalence Interpretation

While it appears the quest for the perfect smile is a near-universal human preoccupation, the great orthodontic divide reveals that access to straight teeth is often less about biology and more about geography and wallet size.

Risks

Braces wearers have 50% higher risk of white spot lesions during treatment.
Enamel demineralization occurs in 50% of fixed braces patients.
Root resorption affects 15-20% of patients with >2mm loss post-braces.
Gingival inflammation peaks at 3 months in 70% braces cases.
Allergic reactions to nickel in brackets occur in 10-20% females.
Periodontal pocket depth increases 1mm average during braces therapy.
Orthodontic pain reported by 95% patients first week of braces.
Bracket failure rate 5-10% over treatment, highest on laterals.
Speech impediment temporary in 60% lingual braces patients first month.
Cavitation risk 2x higher around banded molars in braces.
Traumatic ulcers from braces affect 40% initially.
External apical root resorption >1mm in 30% after 12 months.
Plaque index rises 100% first 3 months with fixed appliances.
TMJ pain exacerbated in 5% Class II braces patients.
Hypomineralization lesions 25% more with poor oral hygiene.
Debonding enamel cracks in 3% of ceramic bracket removals.
Gingival recession 0.5mm average post-orthodontics in 20%.
Microbial shift to S. mutans increases 3x with braces.
Nerve paresthesia rare, 0.2% from miniscrew placement.
Relapse rate 30-50% anterior crowding without retainers.
Aspiration risk of small parts 0.1% in young children.
Fracture of archwires occurs 2% due to fatigue.
Black triangle gaps post-braces in 10% deep bite cases.
Calculus accumulation 40% higher under brackets.
Pulpal inflammation transient in 15% after intrusion.
Ortho-induced periodontitis rare, 1% with poor control.

Risks Interpretation

While orthodontics crafts a winning smile, it does so by drafting your teeth into a temporary but statistically significant alliance with white spots, root resorption, and gingival inflammation, all for a future of straight teeth and lifelong retainer commitments.

Types

Traditional edgewise braces first used in 1928 by Angle.
Self-ligating brackets invented in 1935, modernized in 1970s.
Ceramic polycrystalline brackets introduced 1986 by Unitek.
Lingual braces pioneered by Kurz in 1979 for invisible treatment.
Damon passive self-ligating system launched 1994.
Polycarbonate plastic brackets developed 1970s, phased out for fragility.
Mini-brackets reduce slot size to 0.018x0.025 inch standard.
Incognito customized lingual appliances introduced 2001.
SmartClip SL brackets by 3M Unitek use elastomeric clips.
Twin bracket design patented by Angle in 1928.
Monocrystalline sapphire brackets translucent since 1980s.
Speed brackets by Ormco low-friction since 1980.
Clarity ceramic braces with silicone flash-free adhesive 2000s.
Hybrid brackets combine metal wings with ceramic bases.
Roth prescription brackets standard torque 12/-14 degrees.
MBT prescription by McLaughlin uses -6° tip for anteriors.
Titanium brackets hypoallergenic alternative to stainless steel.
Gold-plated brackets for nickel-sensitive patients since 1990s.
Bioactive glass-coated brackets reduce decalcification 50%.
Polymer chain extended brackets for low friction.
Nickel-Titanium archwires superelastic since 1978 Burstone.
Beta-titanium TMA wires introduced 1980 for flexibility.
Coated archwires esthetic with rhodium or Teflon since 2000s.
Lingual straightwire technique by Scuzzo 1990s.
Removable Invisalign trays alternative to fixed braces since 1997.

Types Interpretation

If orthodontics is a dance, then from 1928's clunky metal foxtrot to 1997's invisible Invisalign waltz, every innovation has been a step toward making our smiles perfectly aligned with less time in the spotlight.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev