Orthodontics in Bogotá — Dr. Evelyn Melo, Bogotá, Colombia

Traditional braces, self-ligating systems and invisible aligners. I recommend the right system based on your bite, daily life and aesthetic expectations. Prior digital planning and lasting results.

For international patients

Dr. Evelyn Melo treats patients from the United States, Europe and Colombians living abroad. The process starts remotely: a free video consultation, then you send your dental records and receive a preliminary diagnosis and a written treatment plan before you travel to Bogotá. Specialist procedures in Colombia typically cost 50–70% less than equivalent care in the U.S. Read how the international patient process works.

What is orthodontics and when is it needed?

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the position of teeth and the relationship between jaws to achieve a functional bite and a harmonious smile. It is not just cosmetic: a misaligned bite generates accelerated dental wear, joint pain (TMJ), difficulty chewing, hygiene problems (crowded teeth are hard to clean) and, long-term, bone loss.

The most common reasons to start orthodontics: dental crowding, separated teeth (diastemas), crossbite, open bite, deep bite, aesthetic smile problems and preparation for restorative treatments (sometimes we move teeth before placing veneers or crowns to optimize the result).

In consultation I evaluate your bite with photographic analysis, digital models and, when necessary, panoramic X-ray and cephalometry. With that I recommend the correct system: not all patients are candidates for invisible aligners, and not all need metal braces. The decision is made on clinical evidence, not commercial preference.

Types of orthodontics available

Orthodontics in adults: what you need to know

30% of my orthodontic patients are adults between 25 and 55 years old. The idea that orthodontics is only for adolescents is completely outdated — teeth can be moved at any age as long as there is good periodontal health. Adults tend to have better discipline with treatment, greater commitment to hygiene and excellent aesthetic results.

However, there are important differences: in adults movements are slower (bone metabolism is less active), treatment times are typically 18-30 months with braces or 12-24 months with aligners. It is critical to evaluate gum health beforehand — orthodontics in a mouth with active periodontal disease can worsen the problem.

Another key difference: many adults arrive with previous treatments (old crowns, root canals, restorations) that condition the orthodontic plan. That's why I like to combine my Oral Rehabilitation training with orthodontics: I plan the case thinking about the comprehensive final result, not just aligning the teeth.

How the orthodontic process works

  1. Initial assessment

    45-60 minutes. Photographic analysis, bite and periodontal health evaluation. I provide a plan with treatment options and price ranges.

  2. Complete digital diagnosis

    If you decide to proceed: digital models (intraoral scanner), panoramic X-ray and cephalometry. Cephalometric analysis to determine exact movements. Detailed phased plan.

  3. System placement / delivery

    Braces placed in a 60-90 minute session. Aligners delivered in complete set or in stages. I explain how to care for them, what to avoid and what to expect the first weeks.

  4. Periodic check-ups

    Conventional braces: every 4-5 weeks. Self-ligating: every 6-8 weeks. Aligners: every 8-12 weeks to evaluate progress. Each check-up takes 20-30 minutes.

  5. Appliance removal

    When the planned result is achieved. The appliance is removed (painless) and dental polishing is done.

  6. Retention (not optional)

    Fixed retainer on inner face of anterior teeth + removable nighttime retainer. Retention is lifelong for the first 5 years, then only nightly. Without retention teeth recover original positions within months.

Orthodontics + Smile Design: the ideal combination

Many patients arrive thinking they need veneers or a smile design, but the optimal result is achieved by first aligning the teeth with orthodontics. Once aligned, subsequent aesthetic treatments are more conservative (less tooth wear) and last longer.

The ideal plan in complex aesthetic cases: 12-24 months of orthodontics (with aligners if viable, so as not to interfere with daily life), followed by professional whitening and, if still necessary, minimally invasive veneers for final touch-ups. Since I have training in both orthodontics and oral rehabilitation, I plan the complete case from day one. You save the time and money of starting with one specialist and discovering halfway through that you needed another.

Indicative pricing — Orthodontics in Bogotá

Frequently asked questions — Orthodontics

How much does orthodontics cost in Bogotá?
Price varies according to the system chosen (metal braces, ceramic, self-ligating or invisible aligners) and case complexity. Metal braces are the most economical option; self-ligating and invisible aligners are progressively more expensive. At the initial assessment I provide a detailed quote with all options and monthly payment plans to distribute the investment over the treatment months. No commitment.
How long does orthodontics last in adults?
In adults, orthodontics typically lasts between 18 and 30 months with braces, and between 12 and 24 months with invisible aligners. Duration depends on case complexity (mild, moderate or severe crowding), the chosen system and patient compliance. Simple aesthetic alignment cases can complete in 8-12 months. I provide a specific timeline at the digital diagnosis after the initial assessment.
Do braces hurt?
Braces generate sensitivity and discomfort the first 5-7 days after placement and after each monthly adjustment. It's manageable discomfort with common analgesics (ibuprofen, acetaminophen). Most patients describe the sensation as 'pressure' rather than pain. Invisible aligners generate less overall discomfort but also produce sensitivity the first 2-3 days with each new tray.
What are invisible aligners and am I a candidate?
Invisible aligners are transparent removable trays that change every 1-2 weeks to progressively move teeth. They are almost invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and allow normal lifestyle. However, NOT all cases are candidates: complex movements (severe rotations, surgical cases, complex posterior crossbites) are better controlled with braces. At the assessment I determine whether your case is an aligner candidate or whether braces will be more effective.
Is there a minimum or maximum age to start orthodontics?
Minimum age depends on the case. Interceptive orthodontics in children can start from age 7-9 to correct bone problems during growth. Traditional corrective orthodontics typically begins between ages 12-14 when second molars have erupted. There is no maximum age — I treat adult patients up to 60+ years with excellent results. The condition is adequate periodontal health.
What happens if I don't use retainers after?
If you don't use retainers, teeth return to their original positions within months — this is called orthodontic relapse. Teeth 'have memory' after years in their previous positions, and periodontal ligaments tend to reorganize to their previous form. Retention is MANDATORY and lifelong in the first 5 years (nightly use most of the time). After it can be reduced to 2-3 nights per week. Without retention, you lost time, money and discomfort.

About Dr. Evelyn Melo

Dr. Evelyn Melo is a dentist and Oral Rehabilitation specialist, graduate and professor of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, with more than 11 years of clinical experience and over 250 active patients. She works by appointment only, designs every treatment plan case by case with a detailed written quote at no obligation, and treats patients fully in English or Spanish in northern Bogotá (Chapinero/Chicó area). International patients receive a free video consultation and a written treatment plan before traveling to Colombia.

Other treatments with Dr. Evelyn Melo in Bogotá