Best Braces Dentists in El Cajon, CA (2026)

84 clinics offering braces, rankedUpdated October 21, 202610 orthodontists0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

1
Best overall for braces: Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics, ranked #1 of 84 by service score; an orthodontist on staff, 4.7★ from 125 Google reviews.
2
Best specialist (orthodontist): Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates, an orthodontist on staff, 5.0★ from 80 Google reviews, 6 of 20 collected reviews mention braces.

Rankings can't be bought. Booking through us earns you a $60 gift card and doesn’t affect order. How we rank

84 El Cajon clinics list braces and are ranked here by service score. 10 list an orthodontist, 1 offers same-day or emergency visits and 14 open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 53 of them.

Top 10 braces dentists in El Cajon at a glance

Top 10 braces dentists in El Cajon at a glance
Rank	Clinic	Service score	Specialist on staff	Rating (reviews)	Reviews mentioning braces
1	Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics	83	Yes (orthodontist)	4.7★ (125)	—
2	Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates	83	Yes (orthodontist)	5.0★ (80)	6
3	RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics	82	Yes (orthodontist)	4.5★ (269)	1
4	El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics	82	Yes (orthodontist)	4.1★ (228)	2
5	Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist	80	Yes (orthodontist)	4.9★ (423)	—
6	Western Dental & Orthodontics	79	Yes (orthodontist)	3.9★ (798)	1
7	Avocado Family Dentistry	79	Yes (orthodontist)	4.9★ (407)	—
8	Professional Family Dental	77	Yes (orthodontist)	4.7★ (175)	—
9	Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics	75	Yes (orthodontist)	4.3★ (263)	—
10	Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics	75	Yes (orthodontist)	3.9★ (464)	—

The 84 best braces dentists in El Cajon, ranked

Ordered by service score: the DR Score plus bonuses for a specialist on staff, reviews that mention the service and same-day care where it applies.

Ranked #1 for braces in El Cajon
#1 Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics
480 Magnolia Ave Ste 103, El Cajon, CA 92020
83/100
Ranked #1 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 4.7★ from 125 Google reviews.
- 4.7from 125 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics Full profile (619) 444-6355
In their words
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Jack Harouni prides himself on providing exceptional patient care. He is the founder of Sacramento Spa Dentistry, one of the most elite and favorably reviewed dental offices in the Sacramento region. Dr. Harouni and his team are excited to bring his expertise and high regards for quality patient care to his new offices in three San Diego locations! SmilePlus Dentistry offers and specializes in a variety of dental services, including: -…
From Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#2 Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates
810 Jamacha Road #205, El Cajon, CA 92019
83/100
Ranked #2 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 5.0★ from 80 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 80 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–4 PM · Fri–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates Full profile (619) 442-4141
In their words
For more than 25 years, Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates has provided quality orthodontics in a warm, friendly environment where all our patients are genuinely cared for and given the best, clinically proven, state-of-the-art treatments available. Whether you’re a child, adult, or teen, you’ll find that Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi, Dr. Geoffrey Kopecky, Dr. Torin Chenard and Dr. Suhasini Sharma along with our staff, will listen to your concerns and have the…
From Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#3 RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics
2907 Jamacha Road Ste B, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States
82/100
Ranked #3 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 4.5★ from 269 Google reviews.
- 4.5from 269 Google reviews
Hours
Mon 8 AM–7 PM · Tue–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics Full profile (619) 660-2424
In their words
As a Smile Generation Trusted office, we welcome you to RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics! With state-of-the-art infection control procedures in place, our #1 goal is to keep you and your family safe. We provide comprehensive specialty services with advanced, proven technology and offer customized financial solutions for you. We are proud to be your complete El Cajon dental provider with services including Teledentistry, Same-Day Dental Crowns, Boost Whitening, Oral Surgery,…
From RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#4 El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics
359 W Madison Ave STE 200, El Cajon, CA 92020
82/100
Ranked #4 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 4.1★ from 228 Google reviews.
- 4.1from 228 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics Full profile (619) 440-6364
In their words
WELCOME TO EDO Here at El Cajon Dental and Orthodontics our team specializes in top-tier dental care for patients of all ages. Here at our dental office in El Cajon, California we offer all aspects of dentistry making sure our patients are able to take care of their dental needs in one place. When you choose El Cajon Dental and Orthodontics you can rest assured you are receiving the best dental care in El Cajon, California.
From El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#5 Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist
275 W Madison Ave #B, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States
80/100
Ranked #5 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 423 Google reviews.
- 4.9from 423 Google reviews
Hours
Mon 9 AM–6 PM · Tue 7 AM–2 PM · Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu 7 AM–2 PM · Fri–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist Full profile (619) 588-2420
In their words
Our professional and fun team provides each patient a positive and relaxing experience. We pride ourselves on possessing the state-of-the-art dental technology, techniques, and experience you can trust. Above all, new patients can expect what our life-long patients return for: outstanding dental care in an intimate practice where your time and concerns are respected. Plus, we have fun. We're glad you found us!
From Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#6 Western Dental & Orthodontics
583 N 2nd St, El Cajon, CA 92021, United States
79/100
Ranked #6 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 3.9★ from 798 Google reviews.
- 3.9from 798 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Western Dental & Orthodontics Full profile (619) 212-8010
In their words
We make high quality dental care convenient and affordable at our Western Dental office located near you. Our friendly and experienced dental professionals provide a wide range of family dental services including orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental care. Our general dentists, specialists and hygienists are all under one roof. Which means that treatment for implants, braces, or periodontal care can take place in the same office. Here, we gladly treat…
From Western Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#7 Avocado Family Dentistry
711 Avocado Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
79/100
Ranked #7 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 4.9★ from 407 Google reviews.
- 4.9from 407 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Avocado Family Dentistry Full profile (619) 440-7000
In their words
Welcome to Avocado Family Dentistry, office of Dr. Sami Kashou! Dr. Kashou enjoys taking the time to educate patients on their oral health, ensuring that all treatment options are understood and all questions are answered. We offer comprehensive, general, and cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, Candid Clear Aligners, as well as ZOOM in office whitening. Please give us a call today to schedule your free Orthodontic Consult!
From Avocado Family Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#8 Professional Family Dental
1100 N 2nd St Ste.1106, El Cajon, CA 92021
77/100
Ranked #8 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 4.7★ from 175 Google reviews.
- 4.7from 175 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Professional Family Dental Full profile (619) 212-7912
In their words
At Professional Family Dental we strive to provide the best service at an affordable rate. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you through every step of your dental visit. Appointments are scheduled promptly, usually within 48 hours, and we do our best to ensure that you are seen quickly with minimal wait time. Our experienced dentists will work with you to create a personalized oral health plan to meet your specific dental needs.
From Professional Family Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#9 Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics
2990 Jamacha Road #132, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States
75/100
Ranked #9 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 4.3★ from 263 Google reviews.
- 4.3from 263 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed 8 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics Full profile (619) 393-8474
In their words
At Steele Canyon Smiles, we have quality dental care in El Cajon, CA, for the whole family! Our services include sedation dentistry, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Our team works together to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for each of our patients. From dental check-ups to orthodontic treatment, our team is ready to help you work toward your smile goals. We are currently accepting new patients of all ages and look forward to helping you maintain a…
From Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#10 Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics
2502 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States
75/100
Ranked #10 for braces in El Cajon: an orthodontist on staff; 3.9★ from 464 Google reviews.
- 3.9from 464 Google reviews
Hours
Mon 8 AM–5 PM · Tue–Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics Full profile (619) 212-7959
In their words
Your dentist at Bright Now Dental is waiting to provide you with exceptional dental care.The El Cajon dental staff specializes in dental emergencies and dental services such as root canals or dental crowns that may arise unexpectedly. You'll also find Bright Now Dental El Cajon's family and pediatric dentists to be knowledgeable and friendly, making your next dental check-up, teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, or braces appointment a great one.
From Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#11 Dental Arts San Diego
707 Arnele Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States
74/100
Ranked #11 for braces in El Cajon: 4.6★ from 685 Google reviews; evening hours and Saturday hours.
- 4.6from 685 Google reviews
Hours
Mon 11 AM–8 PM · Tue 11 AM–5 PM · Wed 11 AM–8 PM · Thu closed · Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Dental Arts San Diego Full profile (619) 777-5696
#12 Emergency Dental Care
161 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020
73/10030% of factors measured
Ranked #12 for braces in El Cajon: emergency visits and evening hours.
Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
- Emergency care
Hours
Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Emergency Dental Care Full profile (619) 320-9739
#13 Dr. Shatha Mechael, DDS
2720 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 92020
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #13 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Dr. Shatha Mechael, DDS Full profile (619) 466-1292
#14 El Cajon Dentistry
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #14 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at El Cajon Dentistry Full profile
In their words
At El Cajon Dentistry, our dental team of Waseem Alpatty, DDS & Ronda Alpatty, DDS is committed to providing advanced and compassionate care. With experienced general dentists dedicated to excellence, you can rest assured your family's smiles are in the best of hands.
From El Cajon Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#15 Emergency Dentistry
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #15 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Emergency Dentistry Full profile
#16 Grace Children's Dentistry
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #16 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Grace Children's Dentistry Full profile
#17 Griffith Morgan DDS
406 S Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #17 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Griffith Morgan DDS Full profile (619) 588-7000
#18 Prime Emergency Dental
1145 Greenfield Dr, El Cajon, CA 92021
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #18 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Prime Emergency Dental Full profile
#19 Rieland Kenneth DDS
744 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92021
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #19 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Rieland Kenneth DDS Full profile (619) 440-0071
#20 San Diego Healthy Smiles Dr. Ana Cluff & Associates
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #20 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at San Diego Healthy Smiles Dr. Ana Cluff & Associates Full profile
In their words
Dr. Ana and Diana Cluff are dentists committed to providing the most outstanding level of dentistry to patients. Serving the Chula Vista and Lakeside area, Dr. Cluff assures that as a patient, you can expect the highest quality care in a comforting, gentle environment. She works together with her team to create a personalized treatment vision and helps patients achieve their dental health goals. Her treatment specialities consist of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, teeth…
From San Diego Healthy Smiles Dr. Ana Cluff & Associates's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#21 V & S Dentistry
2526 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #21 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at V & S Dentistry Full profile (619) 469-4626
#22 Williamson Sue
337 W Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
73/10015% of factors measured
Ranked #22 for braces in El Cajon on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.
Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Williamson Sue Full profile (619) 442-8841
#23 Michael Maude, D.D.S Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
2638 Navajo Rd, El Cajon, CA 92020
73/100
Ranked #23 for braces in El Cajon: 5.0★ from 178 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 178 Google reviews
Hours
Mon closed · Tue–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Michael Maude, D.D.S Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Full profile (619) 463-9917
#24 Jamacha Dental
767 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA 92019
72/100
Ranked #24 for braces in El Cajon: 4.6★ from 473 Google reviews; Saturday hours.
- 4.6from 473 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Jamacha Dental Full profile (619) 401-3214
In their words
Jamacha Dental is a family-owned and operated practice in El Cajon, providing the finest in general and cosmetic dentistry. We want you to feel great about your oral health, so we stay up to date with the latest technology. Our mission is to provide fantastic care in a warm, friendly environment. We can handle routine preventive care, while also offering cosmetic procedures like fillings, teeth whitening and veneers. We even offer short-term orthodontics and Invisalign. We…
From Jamacha Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
#25 Center For Oral Facial Surgery: Hendrix William E DDS
150 W Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
72/100
Ranked #25 for braces in El Cajon: 5.0★ from 785 Google reviews.
- 5.0from 785 Google reviews
Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
General dentistry Cleaning Emergency care Root canal Extraction Wisdom teeth Implants Invisalign +9 more
Book appointment at Center For Oral Facial Surgery: Hendrix William E DDS Full profile (619) 588-4011

All 84 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #84, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

Rank	Clinic	DR Score	Rating (reviews)	Evenings / weekends
26	Center For Oral & Facial Surgery	72	5.0★ (785)
27	Granite Hills Dental Team	71	5.0★ (302)
28	Sun Valley Dental Care	71	4.8★ (129)
29	Fletcher Hills Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center	71	4.9★ (25)
30	Simhairy Dental	70	4.3★ (105)	Sat
31	Cesar Jimenez, DDS	70	4.9★ (372)
32	Family Dentistry: Nguyen Hung DDS	69	4.3★ (3)
33	East County Dental Associates	69	4.6★ (100)	Evenings
34	San Diego Smiles	69	4.9★ (211)
35	East County Family Dental Center	68	4.2★ (441)	Evenings
36	Urgent Dental Assistance	67	3.7★ (3)	Evenings · Sat · Sun
37	Dr. Ana I. Cluff, DDS	67
38	Dr. Kevin C. Osborn, DDS	67
39	Dr. Yeukkei Cheung	67
40	Family & Cosmetic Dentistry	67
41	Hillside Family Dental Center	67
42	Mina Abdullah	67
43	Rancho Dental Group	67
44	Singing Hills Family Dentistry	67
45	Dr. Selma Y. Younan, DDS	67	3.3★ (12)
46	Rancho Dental Arts	66	4.7★ (40)
47	Fletcher Hills Dental Arts	66	4.8★ (90)
48	Sycuan Medical Dental Center	64	4.6★ (96)
49	Laurel M. Morello. DDS	64	5.0★ (59)
50	San Diego Children's Dentistry	64	5.0★ (1)
51	Bella Dental Group	64	5.0★ (49)
52	Immediate Dental Help	64	2.3★ (3)
53	Korel Family Dentistry	64	4.6★ (64)
54	CITIDental Rancho	64	4.9★ (54)
55	Dr. Tao D. Nguyen, DDS	63	3.7★ (6)	Evenings · Sat
56	Dr. David B. Joseph, DDS	63	5.0★ (1)
57	Dr. Hemant Sachdeva	63	5.0★ (1)
58	Family Dentistry	63	3.7★ (3)
59	Kaiser Permanente Bostonia Medical Offices	63	4.0★ (144)
60	Keen Dentistry	62	4.7★ (15)	Evenings
61	Tower Dentistry	61	4.7★ (15)
62	Dr. Maribel A. Celebrado, DDS	61	4.3★ (17)	Sat
63	Dr. Gary A. Olen, DDS	59	4.9★ (16)
64	Brenda Evans Louka DDS - El Cajon, CA	59	3.5★ (32)
65	Instant Dental Care: S.T. Sawa & Associates D.D.S.	59	4.0★ (12)
66	Samar Atto DDS.	59	5.0★ (11)
67	Dr. Maria Elda Alsayeh	58	4.1★ (14)
68	Graham R Freer Inc	57	5.0★ (5)
69	Jared George C DDS	56	2.1★ (14)	Evenings
70	Horizon Dental Group	56	3.3★ (110)
71	J R Gassman DDS	56	5.0★ (4)
72	Uriarte Dental Practice Inc	56	2.8★ (10)
73	STEPHAN FAMILY DENTAL	47		Sat
74	Parcel Gary V DDS	47		Sat
75	40/30 DENTAL	47		Sat
76	4030 DENTAL	47		Sat
77	Duran Frank DDS	37
78	Michael J Maurer DDS,MS, Inc. and Associates	37
79	Rancho San Diego Dental	37
80	Dr. H Hermes, DDS	37
81	La Maestra Dental - El Cajon	33
82	La Maestra Family Clinic	33
83	Santee Cottonwood Dental	33
84	Mansour Raymond N DDS	33

Find the right dentist in El Cajon

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El Cajon, CA

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What service are you looking for?

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What are braces?

Braces straighten teeth and correct bite problems using brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that applies steady pressure. Options include metal, ceramic (tooth-coloured) and lingual braces placed behind the teeth. Treatment usually lasts 18–36 months.

Braces: specialist or general dentist?

Orthodontists provide most braces treatment and have 2–3 extra years of training in tooth and jaw alignment. Some general dentists offer braces for simpler cases. Complex bites and jaw growth problems are usually best handled by an orthodontist.

10 of El Cajon's 84 clinics offering braces have an orthodontist on staff. See orthodontists in El Cajon

How much do braces cost in El Cajon?

Typical ranges in USD for El Cajon, CA. Your price depends on the tooth, the case and the clinic.

How much do braces cost in El Cajon?
Type	Typical range (USD)	Basis	As of
Metal braces	$4,200–$9,800	DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California	—
Ceramic braces	$5,600–$11,200	DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California	—
Self-ligating braces	$4,900–$11,200	DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California	—
Lingual braces	$11,200–$16,800	DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California	—

Estimates, not quotes. Ask the clinic for a written estimate. Full braces cost guide for El Cajon

What to expect from braces

Typical ranges for most patients. Your dentist's plan may differ.

Braces: visits, chair time and recovery
Fact	Typically
Typical visits	A consultation, a fitting visit, then adjustments every 4–8 weeks
Chair time	About 1–2 hours to fit; adjustments take 15–30 minutes
Recovery	Soreness for a few days after fitting and after adjustments
When to see a specialist	Most braces cases, and always for jaw growth issues, severe crowding or bite problems

How we ranked El Cajon braces dentists

We scored 84 El Cajon clinics offering braces on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 29 were excluded (2 closed and 27 duplicate listings). Data from Google listings and clinic websites, refreshed October 21, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Featured clinics are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

DR Score factors and weights
Factor	Weight	Computed from	In El Cajon data
Reputation	45%	Bayesian-adjusted Google star rating	Measured
Review volume	15%	log10(review count) against the city maximum	Measured
Recency	10%	Share of reviews in the last 12 months	Measured
Access	15%	Evenings, Saturday, Sunday, same-day/emergency, accepting new patients	Measured
Services	10%	Services offered out of 17	Measured
Profile completeness	5%	Named dentists, years open, languages, insurance, photos	Measured

Braces in El Cajon: frequently asked questions

Who is the best braces dentist in El Cajon?

Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics ranks #1 of 84 El Cajon clinics offering braces by DentistsRanked service score. It has an orthodontist on staff and 4.7★ from 125 Google reviews. Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates ranks #2 (an orthodontist on staff). The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data, plus a bonus for an orthodontist on staff.

How much do braces cost in El Cajon, CA?

Braces in El Cajon typically costs $4,200–$9,800 USD. By type: metal braces $4,200–$9,800; ceramic braces $5,600–$11,200; self-ligating braces $4,900–$11,200. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Do general dentists in El Cajon do braces?

Yes. 74 of the 84 El Cajon clinics offering braces do not list an orthodontist, so general dentists there typically provide it. 10 list an orthodontist on staff. Typical reasons to see an orthodontist: most braces cases, and always for jaw growth issues, severe crowding or bite problems.

Are braces covered by insurance or Medicaid in California?

Dental plans with orthodontic benefits often cover part of braces for children, commonly up to a lifetime maximum. Adult coverage is less common. Medicaid covers braces for children only when medically necessary. Check your plan.

Do braces hurt?

Getting braces fitted is usually not painful. Most patients feel soreness for a few days afterward and after each adjustment, which over-the-counter pain relief often manages. Brackets can rub the cheeks at first, and orthodontic wax helps.

Which El Cajon braces dentists are open on Saturday?

14 of 84 El Cajon clinics offering braces list Saturday hours, including El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics, Western Dental & Orthodontics and Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics. Hours come from each clinic's listing; check with the clinic before you go, since holiday and summer hours can change.

How many dentists offer braces in El Cajon?

84 El Cajon clinics list braces in our data. 10 of them list an orthodontist on staff. They include Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics and Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates. 14 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for 53 of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for El Cajon

October 2026: DR Scores recalculated for 92 clinics.
October 2026: 27 duplicate listings merged.
October 2026: 2 closed clinics removed.

Top 10 braces dentists in El Cajon at a glance

The 84 best braces dentists in El Cajon, ranked

#1 Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics

#2 Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates

#3 RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics

#4 El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics

#5 Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist

#6 Western Dental & Orthodontics

#7 Avocado Family Dentistry

#8 Professional Family Dental

#9 Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics

#10 Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics

#11 Dental Arts San Diego

#12 Emergency Dental Care

#13 Dr. Shatha Mechael, DDS

#14 El Cajon Dentistry

#15 Emergency Dentistry

#16 Grace Children's Dentistry

#17 Griffith Morgan DDS

#18 Prime Emergency Dental

#19 Rieland Kenneth DDS

#20 San Diego Healthy Smiles Dr. Ana Cluff & Associates

#21 V & S Dentistry

#22 Williamson Sue

#23 Michael Maude, D.D.S Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

#24 Jamacha Dental

#25 Center For Oral Facial Surgery: Hendrix William E DDS