- veneer placement;
- placement of crowns of any complexity;
- dental implant placement.
According to statistics, 8 out of 10 people have some form of malocclusion. Not all of them are severe enough to require correction, but many people need the help of an orthodontist. One of the main methods for straightening teeth available to the specialist is the installation of braces.
Braces — What They Are and How They Work
A brace system is an orthodontic device designed to correct tooth alignment and fix bite issues. The core of the system consists of the brackets themselves — small plates or locks that are bonded to each tooth with a special adhesive.
A metal archwire with “shape memory” is inserted into the slots of the brackets. This wire is the driving force of the system. It constantly tries to return to its original form, and when attached to misaligned teeth, it gently and continuously pulls them into the correct position. The pressure moves the teeth gradually within the bone tissue toward an anatomically proper alignment.
To activate and monitor this process, the patient must visit the orthodontist regularly.
Why People Choose Orthodontic Treatment
The decision to get braces is not only about having a beautiful smile. Crooked teeth and a bad bite create many functional problems that worsen with age.
- An uneven row of teeth makes it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. As a result, plaque builds up, leading to cavities in hard-to-reach areas and gum inflammation.
- Malocclusion causes uneven chewing load distribution, which can lead to premature tooth wear, chipping, periodontal trauma, as well as headaches, facial pain, and temporomandibular joint problems.
- Severe bite abnormalities may also affect speech clarity and chewing efficiency, which can, in turn, impact digestion.
Therefore, orthodontic treatment is a long-term investment in the health of the entire dentoalveolar system.
Types of Braces
Modern orthodontics offers a wide range of brace systems, classified by several key parameters: material, design, and method of fixation.
By Material
Metal braces are the most common, time-tested, and affordable option. They are made of medical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or their alloys.
Advantages:
- Maximum strength and durability
- Lowest friction between the slot and the archwire, which can shorten treatment time
- Most affordable cost
- Predictable results
Disadvantages:
- Most noticeable on teeth
- May cause mild irritation to the lips during the adaptation period or, rarely, allergic reactions
Ceramic braces are made of durable dental ceramic matched to the patient’s enamel color, making them less visible.
Advantages:
- Highly aesthetic and discreet
- Resistant to staining from food pigments
- Comfortable to wear; material doesn’t irritate the mucosa
- Biocompatible and hypoallergenic
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to metal
- Slightly larger size and risk of chipping if mishandled
Sapphire braces are made from artificially grown monocrystalline sapphires that are completely transparent and very strong.
Advantages:
- Maximum aesthetics, transparency, and shine — look like jewelry on teeth
- Stain-resistant
- High strength
- Comfortable for the patient
Disadvantages:
- Most expensive among vestibular systems
- Slightly longer treatment time than with metal models
By Design
Ligature braces are the classic type, where the archwire is fixed in the bracket slot with small ties called ligatures, which can be metal or elastic (colored or transparent).
Advantages:
- Secure archwire fixation
- Option to use colorful ligatures (popular with kids and teens)
- Effective for treating complex bite anomalies
- Lower cost
Disadvantages:
- More difficult oral hygiene due to multiple elements
- Elastic ligatures need to be replaced every 3–4 weeks as they stretch and lose elasticity
Self-ligating (non-ligature) braces hold the archwire with a built-in clip or sliding lock instead of ligatures.
Advantages:
- Easier hygiene — no ligatures
- Fewer and more comfortable orthodontic visits (every 1.5–2 months)
- Reduced friction may speed up treatment
- Less stress on tooth enamel
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- More complex installation
- Requires a highly skilled orthodontist
By Placement
Vestibular braces are the classic and most common type, fixed to the front (visible) surfaces of the teeth.
Advantages:
- Suitable for correcting the most complex bite problems
- Easier care compared to lingual braces
- Moderate price
- Easy for the doctor to adjust and control
Disadvantages:
- Fully visible to others (visibility can be reduced with ceramic or sapphire brackets)
- May irritate lips and cheeks during adaptation
Lingual braces are fixed on the inner (tongue-side) surfaces of the teeth, making them completely invisible.
Advantages:
- Maximum aesthetics — completely hidden
- Protect the outer enamel surface from demineralization
- Do not irritate lips or cheeks
Disadvantages:
- Highest cost among orthodontic systems
- Long and complex adaptation period; may affect speech and irritate the tongue
- More difficult and time-consuming oral care
- Not suitable for all bite types
Main Factors Affecting the Cost of Braces
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on many variables:
- Type of orthodontic system
- Material (metal, ceramic, sapphire)
- Design (ligature or self-ligating)
- Case complexity and treatment duration
- Clinic level and orthodontist’s qualification
- Need for additional procedures — diagnostics, dental treatments, or auxiliary orthodontic devices
How Braces Are Installed
The installation process usually takes 1.5–2 hours.
It begins with mandatory preparation: diagnostics (X-rays, impressions), oral sanitation, and professional cleaning.
The actual fixation takes place in several stages.
- The orthodontist places a retractor to ensure good visibility and isolation.
- Each tooth is etched, dried, and coated with adhesive.
- Then, an orthodontic glue is applied, and each bracket is positioned precisely.
- After placement, excess adhesive is removed, and the material is cured with a light.
- Finally, the archwire is inserted into the brackets and fixed with ligatures or clips.
How to Care for Braces
Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth afterward. A regular toothbrush isn’t enough — you’ll need:
- Orthodontic toothbrush with a V-shaped bristle cut
- Single-tuft brush for cleaning each bracket individually
- Interdental brushes for cleaning under the wire and around brackets
- Superfloss for thorough interdental and underwire cleaning
Brush after every meal. Using an irrigator is also essential — it cleans food debris from hard-to-reach areas with a pressurized water stream. Avoid hard (nuts, crackers) and sticky (caramel, gum) foods that can damage the braces.
How to Choose Braces
The final choice should always be made together with the orthodontist after a comprehensive diagnostic assessment. The doctor evaluates the bite type and complexity, dental and gum condition, age, and lifestyle.
Considering medical indications and contraindications, the orthodontist offers several options, explaining the pros and cons of each. The patient then chooses based on the doctor’s advice, aesthetic preferences, and financial capabilities.
This collaborative approach ensures the best possible outcome.
Orthodontic treatment is a journey toward a healthy, beautiful smile — it takes patience, but the results last a lifetime.
The AESTHETE Dental Clinic, located on Bluewaters Island, Dubai (UAE), provides professional orthodontic services, including braces installation. We treat patients of all ages — children, teenagers, and adults. Our experienced doctors are skilled in handling even the most complex bite cases.
FAQ
How long does it take to straighten teeth with braces?
The duration is individual, typically 1.5–2 years. Minor crowding may be corrected in about a year, while severe malocclusion can take up to 3 years. Age, brace type, and adherence to the orthodontist’s instructions also affect treatment time.
Do braces hurt or cause discomfort during treatment?
The most noticeable sensations occur in the first 3–5 days after installation and after each adjustment, when the archwire starts actively moving teeth. It’s not sharp pain but rather pressure or aching. Lips and cheeks may feel sore. Special orthodontic wax and mild pain relievers can help, as advised by the doctor.
Can adults wear braces and achieve good results?
Yes. Adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment and achieve excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes. The main difference is that treatment may take longer due to denser bone tissue.
Which type of braces is the most effective and fastest?
Metal vestibular braces are generally the most efficient, as they can withstand greater force, allowing stronger archwire tension. However, they are less aesthetic than ceramic or sapphire options.
How often should I visit the orthodontist while wearing braces?
The schedule is set individually by the doctor, but typically visits occur every 4–6 weeks. During these checkups, the orthodontist replaces archwires, ligatures, or other elements to maintain controlled tooth movement.
