Orthodontist in Alicante
Our youngest daughter was ten when our dentist advised us to see an orthodontist. If we had still been living in the Netherlands, I would have known exactly where to start. But here in Alicante? I had no idea. Which clinic could I trust? And how does orthodontic treatment work in Spain?
I've now lived in Alicante for over twenty years. After doing plenty of research and asking a close friend for recommendations, we ended up at Novasmile Ortodoncia in Alicante . It turned out to be an excellent choice. Here's why, along with everything expats should know when looking for an orthodontist on the Costa Blanca.
The difference between a dentist and an orthodontist in Spain
In Spain, any dentist is legally allowed to fit braces. An orthodontist, however, is a specialist who focuses exclusively on correcting the alignment of teeth and bite problems. That distinction is particularly important when it comes to treating children.
Novasmile specialises exclusively in orthodontics. They don't offer implants or cosmetic dentistry, just orthodontic treatment, and they've been doing so since 1982. That level of focus was one of the main reasons I chose them. The greater the specialisation, the more experience a practice has and the better the results are likely to be.
What expats should know before starting orthodontic treatment
There are a few things I wish I'd known sooner , and which are especially useful if you're new to Spain.
Your first consultation at Novasmile is completely free. You'll receive a full examination, a personalised treatment plan and a detailed quotation, all without any obligation.
They work with a presupuesto cerrado; a fixed total price agreed in advance. That means no unexpected costs later on. It may sound obvious, but many clinics in Spain charge additional fees during or after treatment for extra procedures or follow-up care.
Orthodontic treatment isn't covered by Spain's public healthcare system, so you'll pay for it yourself. Novasmile does, however, offer flexible payment plans. Overall, treatment costs are similar to those in the Netherlands, with most standard treatments costing around €3,000 to €3,500. If you have private health insurance, it's worth checking whether orthodontics is included in your policy, as some insurers do provide partial coverage.
Perhaps most importantly, orthodontic treatment usually lasts between one and two years. During that time, you want to fully understand what's happening. At Novasmile, members of the team speak English, making communication easy throughout the entire process. And nowadays, with AI translation tools, communicating in Dutch has become much easier as well.
Clear aligner or traditional braces?
The two most common treatment options are traditional fixed braces (metal or ceramic brackets) and clear removable aligners.
Clear aligners have improved enormously over the past few years and can now successfully treat many complex orthodontic cases. Their biggest advantage is that they're almost invisible, and you can remove them when eating or brushing your teeth. The downside is that they only work if you wear them consistently.
Our daughter did an amazing job wearing hers every day. According to María, one of the orthodontists, children are often even more disciplined than adults when it comes to wearing aligners. And let's be honest, when you're a teenager, it's nice that hardly anyone notices you're wearing braces.
Not every orthodontist has the same level of experience with Invisalign. The system uses certification levels ranging from Silver to Diamond. Dr José López at Novasmile is a Diamond Elite Provider , the highest level awarded by Invisalign. This means the team successfully treats hundreds of Invisalign cases every year.
At Novasmile, every patient receives personalised advice on which treatment option is most suitable.
Remote Check-ups with Dental Monitoring
This is one of the features I immediately saw the value in.
Novasmile uses Dental Monitoring, a system that allows you to scan your teeth at home using your smartphone. Artificial intelligence analyses your progress within seconds, and the clinic is automatically notified if anything needs adjusting.
The result? Fewer visits to the clinic. It's ideal if you travel frequently, divide your time between different countries, or simply have a busy family life. Your treatment continues smoothly, even if you're away from Alicante or Finestrat for a while.
Two clinics on the Costa Blanca
Novasmile has two locations: one in the centre of Alicante, directly opposite El Corte Inglés, and another in Finestrat, close to La Marina Shopping Centre. If you live in or around Benidorm, Jávea, Moraira, La Nucía or Altea, the Finestrat clinic is likely to be more convenient.
The orthodontic team consists of four specialists: Dr María Orquín, Dr José López, Dr Laura Del Río and Dr María Ferrer.
The Alicante clinic also has specialists in periodontics and paediatric dentistry. Our children still visit the paediatric dentist there. The practice has created a child-friendly environment, with cheerful uniforms and even a teddy bear sitting in the dental chair. Small details like these make the experience much less intimidating for children.
Discount for a treatment?
Thinking about making an appointment at Novasmile? Feel free to contact me first. I'll make sure you're introduced to the right person and, because you're coming through Alicante Like a Local, I'll also arrange a special discount on your treatment.
You can email me at info@alicantelikealocal.com or send me a message on Instagram: @alicantelikealocal.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The ideal age for a first orthodontic check-up is around seven years old. At that age, an orthodontist can assess whether treatment may be needed in the future and determine the best timing. This doesn't necessarily mean braces will be fitted immediately, but early monitoring can help identify and correct developing problems before they become more complicated.
What's the difference between removable and fixed braces?
Removable braces (often called plate braces) can be taken out and are mainly used to guide jaw growth or make minor corrections. Fixed braces are attached to the teeth and allow for much more precise tooth movement.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Spain?
At Novasmile, treatment is offered with a presupuesto cerrado, a fixed price agreed before treatment starts, so there are no unexpected costs later.
Simple treatments start at around €1,200, while more complex cases, especially adult orthodontics, can cost up to €5,000. Most standard orthodontic treatments cost approximately €3,000.
Is orthodontic treatment covered by Spanish health insurance?
No. Orthodontics isn't covered by Spain's public healthcare system. You'll pay for treatment yourself, although Novasmile offers flexible payment plans. If you have private health insurance, check your policy, as some providers include orthodontic cover.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
On average, treatment takes between one and two years, depending on the complexity of the correction required.
This article was created in collaboration with Novasmile (July 2026).
Want to know more?
Visit the Novasmile Orthodontics website or contact them directly to book a free, no-obligation consultation. They also have a fully English-language website.
Looking for other healthcare professionals I recommend on the Costa Blanca? Soon, you'll find a dedicated section on Alicante Like a Local featuring a carefully selected network of trusted healthcare and wellness providers