Braces have come a long way in the world of dentistry and have revolutionized the way we approach teeth misalignments or corrective dentistry in general.
Once renowned as one of the most suitable options for teenagers, it is now embraced by people of all ages who are looking for a healthy bite and a confident smile. From traditional metal braces to modern clear aligners, orthodontics has evolved significantly over the years, offering a range of versatile solutions tailored to individual needs.
Whether you're an adult considering braces for the first time or a parent exploring options for your child, understanding the basics is key.
This blog will provide a comprehensive beginner's guide to braces in Dubai, how they work, the conditions they target, who can get it, types, treatment duration, cost, procedure, results, recovery, and more.
What Are Dental Braces?
Braces are a common device used in orthodontics, a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.
Braces are dental tools, sometimes called appliances, that correct misaligned teeth, improper bites, abnormal jaw alignment, and other issues that affect a confident smile. In other words, they are a type of orthodontic treatment that straightens misaligned teeth and improper biting positions. Braces are used for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
When braces were first introduced, they were more commonly used among teenagers. However, advancements in orthodontics have now made them an effective and versatile solution to target specific dental issues equally among kids and adults.
How Do They Work?
Teeth braces work by using mild and constant pressure to shift the teeth into proper positions over time. It is a slow yet sustainable process that requires proper discipline. The duration of the treatment will depend on the type of braces your orthodontist recommends based on your particular dental issue.
The main parts of dental braces include brackets attached to each tooth and a wire connecting them. Your orthodontist will regularly monitor the progress and adjust the wire guiding the teeth into the right alignment. The constant light pressure helps restructure the bone around the teeth, ensuring they stay in their new position.
Which Dental Professionals Can Administer Braces?
While most tend to confuse general dentists and orthodontists, they are not the same. Orthodontists focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing misaligned teeth and jaw issues. Some dentists may provide basic orthodontic care, but complex cases have to be addressed by an orthodontist who has the expertise to ensure effective and sustainable results.
Orthodontists are dentists who specialise in orthodontics. They fit braces and deal with all dental issues related to “bad bites.” These specialists have received advanced training and qualifications beyond general dentistry.
In most cases, a general dentist will refer you to an orthodontist if they think your issues need expert intervention.
Common Problems Treated with Dental Braces
Crowded or crooked teeth
This is a condition when there is no adequate space in the jaw for the teeth to align properly, causing overlapping or twisted teeth. Fitting braces help make space for teeth to grow and straighten them, improving function and appearance.
Overbites or underbites
Overbite is a dental alignment issue when the upper teeth overlap significantly with the lower teeth. In contrast, an underbite is when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth significantly. Dental braces correct these misalignments for a balanced bite.
Crossbites or open bites
Crossbite is a teeth misalignment condition where the upper set of teeth sits inside the lower teeth, whereas an open bite leaves a big gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Teeth braces align the teeth for proper contact and function.
Gaps between teeth
A mismatch in jaw size or missing teeth can cause spaces or gaps between teeth. Fitting braces can help close these gaps, improving both aesthetics and proper function.
Jaw pain or TMJ disorders
Certain conditions affecting temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can cause jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing. Using braces can realign the bite and reduce strains on the jaw point.
Speech impediments due to dental issues
Misaligned teeth can cause speech impediments, especially causing difficulties with pronunciation. Braces help to realign teeth, improving the clarity of speech.
Misalignments before advanced dental procedures
Some advanced dental procedures may require prior tooth alignments to ensure the best results. This includes procedures like crowns and implants. Teeth braces are also used in these circumstances.
Aesthetic issues or visual imperfections
Uneven teeth or gaps can affect confidence. Braces improve the overall look of your smile, enhancing self-esteem.
Who is Not a Candidate for Braces?
Braces are a common, healthy, and effective solution for many dental issues. However, some individuals may not be candidates for braces due to certain conditions.
Here is a list of common issues braces is not applicable to:
Severe gum disease
Braces add pressure to unhealthy or infected gums, which can worsen the condition and even damage the supporting bone.
Poor oral hygiene
Braces require proper discipline and commitment to oral hygiene, ensuring food does not get stuck in the brackets, wire, or between teeth. Poor oral hygiene with braces may lead to decay, plaque buildup, and the development of gum issues.
Allergies to braces materials
People who are sensitive to or allergic to metals or latex materials used in braces may not be suitable for the treatment and may require alternative options.
Fragile or severely worn teeth
Weak or damaged teeth may not withstand the pressure from braces.
Active jawbone issues
Conditions like severe bone loss or infections may need to be resolved first before braces can be suitable.
Uncontrolled bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching)
Excessive grinding can put undue stress on braces, hindering their effectiveness.
Lack of commitment to treatment routines
Braces need regular care and follow-up visits; without dedication, treatment may fail.
Only your orthodontists can evaluate your dental conditions and any other prevailing health concerns, suggest whether braces are the right option, and recommend any other alternative solutions.
The Best Age to Get Braces
The best thing about teeth braces and orthodontics is that they are suitable for all, regardless of age. Here is a breakdown of how braces can address specific issues for each age group:
Children (Ages 9-14)
Orthodontists consider this age group as one of the ideal times for fitting braces, as most permanent teeth have erupted, and the jaw is still growing. This helps to correct alignment issues more smoothly.
Teenagers (Ages 14-18)
Teenagers prefer braces the most, especially for aesthetic reasons. At this age group, orthodontic treatments using teeth braces are highly effective, and many misalignments or jaw pain issues can be permanently resolved.
Adults (18 and Older)
Teeth braces are equally effective among adult age groups. However, depending on individual conditions, treatments may take longer. Options like clear aligners or Invisalign are the most popular types of teeth braces preferred among this age group for cosmetic reasons.
Pre-Teens (Ages 7-9)
Early orthodontic evaluations can detect dental misalignments early before they develop into more complex conditions. Kids may especially benefit from early interventions such as expanders or particle braces, which can guide the growth of jaws and create adequate space for the incoming teeth.
What Can Braces Help With
Teeth braces offer many benefits, from functional to aesthetic corrections. Some of the key benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
Straightened smile
The primary function of braces is to target teeth and jaw misalignment. This helps to straighten the smile while correcting the bite.
Make your teeth easier to clean
Teeth misalignments can make it difficult to reach and clean certain parts of the teeth. Braces can realign teeth to the correct position, making it easier to practice oral hygiene.
Help prevent cavities and gum disease
Misaligned teeth can make cleaning difficult and put uneven pressure on the teeth and gums, exposing tooth roots and causing them to wear down faster or crack over time. They can also easily trap bacteria, leading to inflammation, infection, and even periodontal diseases. Braces provide an effective solution to eliminate this dental concern.
Correct temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Poor alignment can strain the jaw muscles and joints, resulting in discomfort or disorders like TMJ. Braces can help alleviate pain related to this.
Restore proper functions like chewing and speaking
One of the primary outcomes of teeth misalignment is their impact on teeth functionality and pronunciations. By realigning teeth into their right positions, braces can help restore proper bite and clarity with speech.
Improves confidence and self-esteem
Teeth misalignments impact their functionality and result in speech impediments, dampening confidence and self-esteem. Using braces can help you overcome these issues.
Boosts ability to socialize
Misaligned teeth can trigger serious self-consciousness and insecurities, making individuals lonely as they avoid socialising. This is especially true among teenagers. Besides correcting the functionality of the teeth by realigning them to the right position, teeth braces also help improve aesthetic outcomes, giving a perfect and confident smile.
Factors to Consider With Braces
Treatment time
Depending on the type of treatment and complexities involved, the treatment time may vary from one to another. Generally, it takes 6-12 months, 12-24 months, and 2-3 years for mild, moderate, and severe cases, respectively.
Dietary restrictions
People with braces may have some dietary restrictions. For example, they may have to refrain from sticky and hard food, which can get stuck between the braces. Following a strict diet is also important to avoid the risk of damaging the braces.
Cost
The cost of dental braces in Dubai varies based on many factors. Some may find them expensive, especially if they are not covered by insurance.
Post-treatment maintenance
Discipline and commitment are essential to getting the best and most effective results from braces. This includes properly adhering to your orthodontist's recommendation, maintaining oral hygiene and dietary restrictions, and not missing follow-up visits.
Types of Braces
Here are some of the most common types of braces, how they work, and the pros and cons of each.
Metal braces
Traditional braces were first made from metal. They use stainless steel bands, brackets, or wires to gently move the teeth over time.
Your orthodontist will fix metal braces by bonding (using glue) a bracket on each of your teeth, and then they will place a thin, flexible archwire over the brackets. Ligatures, tiny elastic bands, support the wire to firmly keep them in place.
In terms of appearance, they are usually visible, but nowadays, you can choose clear or tooth-colored ligatures depending on how creative or experimental you want to be.
Ceramic braces
Also called clear braces, ceramic braces work the same way as metal ones. The key difference is that ceramic braces feature brackets, wires, and ligatures that replicate the tooth color, making them blend naturally with your smile.
While ceramic braces are still visible, they are less noticeable than metal braces. However, they may be more fragile, requiring more care and maintenance.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are metal braces fitted at the back of your teeth instead of the front. A key reason why most people choose lingual braces is the aesthetic appearance, which doesn’t show outside.
Self-ligating braces
These braces look similar to traditional teeth braces made using metals. However, the main difference is that instead of ligatures (tiny elastic bands), self-ligating braces use a built-in system to hold the archwire firmly in place.
Clear aligners
This is the most modern and revolutionary advancement in dental braces. Also known as “invisible braces,” clear aligners are an alternative to braces.
Instead of the standard bracket and wires, clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays to straighten the teeth gradually over time. One of the most effective and renowned clear aligner brands is Invisalign®. Ideally, you wear each set of aligner trays for approximately two weeks before swapping them for the next set in the treatment plan.
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are removable. However, they need to be worn for at least 22 hours every day. You should only take your aligners off to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
Invisalign: A Modern Alternative To Clear Braces
While braces have evolved significantly over the years with advanced technology, providing many versatile options, Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic care altogether. It uses impressive 3D technology and is custom-made for each patient, providing a comfortable fit with efficient and sustainable results.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable and offer greater flexibility in daily activities such as eating, brushing teeth, and practicing other oral hygiene routines.
It is designed to combat and eliminate the many restrictions that come with traditional braces, two crucial ones being offering a virtually invisible appearance and the ability to remove them when eating, making oral hygiene much easier to maintain.
Invisalign has made orthodontic care more approachable for people who are conscious about their braces being visible. It boosts self-confidence and improves socializing skills.
Overall, Invisalign has offered a modern alternative to traditional braces, redefining teeth straightening and catering to both aesthetic and functional needs. It appeals to a wide range of patients searching for effective orthodontic solutions.
Treatment Duration
The average treatment duration for braces is 18-24 months. This can vary depending on many factors, such as:
Severity of Misalignment
Complex cases may require more time or preparation to get the best results, which can prolong the treatment duration.
Age of the Patient
Generally, the bones and teeth of children and teenagers are still developing, making it easier to move and align their teeth. For adults, however, since their jawbones are fully developed and denser, straightening teeth can take more time.
Adults may also experience slow bone remodeling, which is key to orthodontic treatments. Similarly, if they have experienced issues like gum diseases or undergone previous dental procedures like crowns, the treatment duration can increase.
Type of Braces
Generally, lingual and ceramic braces take longer to treat, especially for complex cases. Metal braces and self-ligating braces take less time, while Invisalign often has the shortest duration for simple cases.
Patient Compliance
Braces require compliance and discipline for the recommended duration of the treatment. They will have to remain applied for 18 to 24 months for average treatment, 12 to 18 months for mild cases, and 24 to 36 months for complex cases. On the other hand, you must wear your Invisalign clear aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results. Not complying with this can prolong the duration of the treatment.
Treatment Plan
Depending on the individual treatment plan, the duration can be longer or shorter. This depends on the complexity of the case, any prior treatments required, and so on.
Frequency of Appointments
The number of follow-up visits and adjustments required will also influence the duration of the treatment. Generally, more frequent appointments allow early intervention and proper monitoring of the results, ensuring they are on track and reducing overall treatment duration.
Dental Health
Good oral health can allow teeth to move to correct positions more efficiently, shortening the treatment duration and vice versa. Gum diseases and cavities may need additional treatment before braces are applied to ensure healthy teeth movement and effective results, which can extend the overall treatment duration.
Orthodontist's Experience
An experienced orthodontist will be able to diagnose your teeth misalignment and create a customized plan with an accurate duration. Very often, the treatment will be completed within the estimated period, and there will be fewer requirements for frequent adjustments as they have the expertise to determine the best approach, depending on your condition.
Cost of Braces
Type of Braces
The type of braces your orthodontist recommends for your dental issue can directly affect the cost. Generally, traditional metal braces are less expensive than clear aligners and Invisalign options. Ceramic and self-ligating braces are less expensive than traditional braces.
Severity of Misalignment
If the dental misalignment is complex, the treatment time will be longer and may require specialized care, converting to high cost.
Treatment Duration
The longer the treatment duration, the higher the cost, and vice versa.
Orthodontist’s Experience
Experienced orthodontists may charge high for their expertise, as they can provide a more effective treatment plan with an accurate estimation of duration, ensuring sustainable results.
Location
Clinics in urban areas or regions with higher living costs may charge a higher price for orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign.
Age of the Patient
Younger patients and teenagers have flexible bones, which allow teeth to move into their correct positions quickly, shortening the treatment duration and reducing the cost. On the other hand, adults may need a longer time to adapt their bones to realign their teeth, leading to higher costs.
Additional Treatments
Depending on individual dental profiles, some may require additional procedures or preps, like extractions, to get the teeth ready to fix braces. This may result in a higher cost.
Insurance Coverage
Having insurance coverage can reduce out-of-pocket costs, and some plans may cover part of these orthodontic expenses.
Material Used
The choice of braces, from traditional metal ones to ceramic, self-ligating, or clear aligners, can directly affect the cost. Traditional ones are less expensive than Invisalign.
Initial Consultation
Many clinics may charge separately for initial consultation. It covers the time the orthodontists take to diagnose your dental issue, listen to your concerns, and create a customized plan. At the Invisalign Center, all our orthodontics services, including braces and clear aligners, come with a free consultation. You will only have to pay for the treatment and follow-up visits.
What to Expect During a Dental Visit for Braces
Initial Consultation
During this stage, your orthodontist will listen to all your concerns, clear doubts, and evaluate if dental braces are the right solution for you. The initial consultation is the best time to explore all treatment options.
Orthodontic Assessment
Next, a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and bite will be conducted to assess alignment issues and determine the complexity of the treatment needed.
X-rays and Impressions
Taking X-rays and impressions helps orthodontists to get a clear view of your teeth and jaw structure.
Treatment Plan Development
Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan is created outlining the type of braces, treatment duration, expected results, and any other additional procedures required before getting braces.
Braces Placement
Once the plan is confirmed, the braces will be applied to your teeth using wires, brackets, and adhesives, generally during a single visit. If your orthodontist recommends clear aligners, then customized trays will be created and provided instead of traditional dental braces.
Adjustment Period
Once the teeth braces are fitted in, it will take some time to adjust to the new sensation. This may include mild discomfort when eating. This issue is less likely with Invisalign braces.
Follow-up Appointments
Your orthodontist will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor the progress of your teeth with braces. Complying with follow-ups is very important to ensure the treatment is on track.
Regular Adjustments
Every few weeks, the orthodontist will tighten and adjust the braces to continue guiding the teeth into the correct position for a healthy bite.
Completion of Treatment
After achieving the desired alignment, the braces will then be removed, giving you the final, new, straightened smile.
Retainer Phase
Once your braces are removed, you will still have to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. The retainer phase is important to maintain the correct alignment of the teeth.
Recovery and Maintenance
During the first few weeks after getting braces, you may experience slight discomfort. It takes time to adjust to that feeling. Some may also experience soreness as the gums adjust. Most of these can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
However, compliance and discipline are a must to get the best results. This is especially true for Invisalign or clear aligners, which can be removed. They need to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
During and after recovery, it is also important to be mindful of one's diet and oral hygiene. It is an inevitable part of maintenance post-dental braces.
What to eat
Bread
Milk
Yogurt
Soft fruit
Cooked meat
Tofu
Nut butters (Peanut, Almond)
Steamed or cooked veggies
What to not eat
Candy
Popcorn
Hard nuts and seeds
Sugary drinks
Coffee/Tea
Hard Fruit
Meat with bone
Uncooked veggies
Hard crust breads
Avoiding certain foods and beverages that are sticky or high in sugar content can help prevent stains or food from getting stuck between teeth, leading to tooth decay and yellowing. Alongside this, refrain from biting into huge pieces of food. Instead, cut them into small pieces and try chewing using the back teeth (molars).
Besides dietary restrictions, it is also important to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup around the brackets and wires. Failing to do this can also develop cavities, gum diseases, and stubborn white spots, which may remain even after the braces are removed.
There are possibilities for food particles to get trapped, increasing the risk of bad breath and infections. Proper brushing and flossing routine helps your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout the braces treatment plan and helps you achieve optimal results upon removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age for braces?
While braces are suitable for all age groups, early adolescence or between the ages of 10 and 14 are considered the ideal time for this treatment. This is because pre-teen and younger teens have all or most of their adult teeth grown and in place, making it easy to correct their positions. Their jawbone tissues are also softer, making the teeth more responsive to the braces with repositioning.
Are braces painful?
No braces don’t hurt when you get them. However, you may experience minor discomfort. Some may also have pain in their mouth, soreness, or an achy jaw for a few days after their braces are adjusted. The good news is that the pain can be managed with pain relievers and home remedies like gargling salt water.
How long do braces last?
The exact duration of dental braces varies based on many factors. The complexity of the case is a key element that determines how long you need to wear braces. In general, mild cases require 12-18 months of treatment, whereas more complicated issues may need up to 3 years.
Can I remove braces after 3 months?
The gradual movement of teeth to desired positions takes time. Removing them early without your orthodontist's approval can lengthen the overall duration of the treatment more than expected and, or may be ineffective.
Will my face go back to normal after braces?
Yes. The primary purpose of dental braces is to help with realignment issues relating to the teeth or jaw. Once braces relocate the teeth to solve biting problems, the jawline and lips will follow and naturally realign themselves, which will change your face and make it go back to normal. In fact, after braces, your face will look more natural and aesthetically defined, and you will be able to close your mouth fully and maintain a healthy bite.
Do braces change your jawline?
Yes, teeth braces or orthodontic treatments can change, improve, and define your jawline. However, you may not be able to notice a big difference unless you have a complex alignment issue.
Do braces change your voice?
No. Braces don’t change voice, but they will take up space where the cheeks and lips rest against the teeth. This can only affect the voice when singing or using high pitches, but not really the voice.
