How many trips will this take?
Orthodontics is a months-to-years commitment with regular in-person reviews. This is the one procedure on this site we frequently advise travelling patients NOT to start in China unless they live in the region. Shanghai is a major international hub with direct long-haul flights from most of the world, so a return trip is a flight you can usually book easily — but it is still a long-haul flight if you are coming from Europe or the Americas.
| Visits needed | an initial scan and fitting, then reviews every 6–10 weeks for months |
| Second trip required? | Yes — see above |
| Getting back here | Shanghai is a major international hub with direct long-haul flights from most of the world, so a return trip is a flight you can usually book easily — but it is still a long-haul flight if you are coming from Europe or the Americas. |
What it costs
reported ~¥15,000–¥40,000 all-in for a full course.
A real listed price in Shanghai: SmilesMore aligners listed from ~¥19,958 at 摩尔口腔 (Moore); entry-level courses from ~¥3,360 at 上海博厚口腔 (Bohou) — promotional and case-dependent. That is the clinic's own listed or promotional rate — not a rate China Medical Journey negotiated, and not a quote for your case.
Full breakdown and sources: our clear aligners guide · every figure we publish is collected in the China Dental Price Index.
Can you fit this into a short visit?
No. The scan and fitting are quick, but the review schedule runs for months. This is a treatment for residents of the region, not visitors.
Where the clinics are in Shanghai
International clinics concentrate in the former French Concession, Jing’an, and Pudong (around Lujiazui and the expat residential areas). Top public hospital VIP/international departments are also an option for value.
Shanghai’s English-first private clinics sit at the higher end of mainland pricing (still far below the US/UK), while public-hospital VIP departments offer top doctors at lower cost. We’ll match you to the right tier.
Getting there
Two major airports — Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) — with direct flights worldwide. High-speed rail reaches the whole country. Many nationalities qualify for visa-free transit.
Travel and recovery notes for clear aligners
The cost saving is real, but the review schedule is the binding constraint. Some clinics will co-manage with a dentist at home — ask before you start, not after.
Who this suits: Expats living in China, or people in Hong Kong, Macau and the wider region who can attend reviews without a long flight.