Braces
Braces are small brackets bonded to the teeth and linked by a wire that moves the teeth gradually into line and corrects the bite. At our Al Qusais, Dubai clinic, braces are planned and fitted by our specialist orthodontist, with metal and tooth-coloured ceramic options for teenagers and adults.
What can braces treat?
Braces can correct most alignment and bite problems, including complex ones:
- Crowded, overlapping or rotated teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Deep overbite, where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower ones
- Underbite, where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper ones
- Crossbite, where some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- Open bite, where the front teeth do not meet
- Impacted teeth that need guiding into place
- Alignment before or after jaw surgery
For milder cases, removable Invisalign clear aligners may be an option. The orthodontist explains which suits your teeth.
Metal or ceramic braces?
- Metal braces are sturdy, cost the least and suit complex tooth movements.
- Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets that are harder to notice. They are more brittle than metal and can stain over time with coffee, tea or curry.
Who can have braces?
Children, teenagers and adults. A first orthodontic check around age 7 can spot jaw problems that are easier to treat while a child is growing (see early orthodontics). Most full courses of braces start between 12 and 17, once the adult teeth are through.
There is no upper age limit as long as your gums and the bone around your teeth are healthy. In adults, teeth may move a little more slowly, and existing crowns or implants are planned around.
What happens during treatment with braces?
- Consultation and records. The orthodontist examines your teeth, bite and jaw joints and takes X-rays and a digital scan. Any decay or gum problem is treated first.
- Treatment plan. You hear which braces are recommended, how long treatment is expected to take, and whether extras such as elastics or springs are needed.
- Fitting. The brackets are bonded and the first wire is placed in a visit of 60–90 minutes.
- Monthly adjustments. Visits of 20–40 minutes to adjust or change the wire. Orthodontic appointments are currently on Sundays.
- Removal and retainers. When the teeth reach their planned positions, the braces come off and retainers are fitted. Wear them as advised for the long term, because teeth can drift back without them.
Treatment usually takes 12 to 24 months; simple cases can be shorter and complex cases longer.
Living with braces
- Avoid hard foods (nuts, hard sweets, biting into whole apples or raw carrots) and sticky ones (toffee, chewing gum): they can loosen brackets or bend wires.
- Brush after meals with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean under the wire with interdental brushes. A nightly fluoride mouthwash helps protect the enamel.
- Orthodontic wax eases a bracket or wire that rubs your cheek.
- For contact sports, wear a mouthguard made to fit over braces.
- Keep up your dental check-ups and scaling and polishing during treatment.
How much do braces cost in Dubai?
Metal braces start from AED 999 plus AED 200 per monthly visit, and the whole course, retainers included, costs no more than AED 5,000; see our prices.
Risks and what to expect
What to expect
Braces are adjusted about once a month and treatment usually lasts one to two years or more, depending on the case. Retainers are needed afterwards to keep the result.
Possible side effects and risks
- Soreness for a few days after placement and after adjustments
- Irritation or small ulcers on the cheeks and lips from brackets and wires
- White marks (decalcification), decay or gum inflammation if cleaning around brackets is difficult
- Root shortening (resorption) in some patients
- Teeth moving back (relapse) if retainers are not worn as advised
Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. At your consultation your clinician will explain the risks that apply to you, and the alternatives, before you decide.
Braces — Frequently Asked Questions
Usually 12 to 24 months. Simple alignment can be quicker, while complex bite problems or treatment in phases can take longer. The orthodontist gives you an expected timeline once your X-rays and scans have been reviewed.
Fitting them is not usually painful. Your teeth may feel sore and tender for a few days after the braces go on and after each adjustment, more like an ache than sharp pain; over-the-counter pain relief and orthodontic wax can help.
Yes. There is no upper age limit, as long as your teeth, gums and the bone around them are healthy. Adults who prefer a less visible option can choose ceramic braces or ask whether clear aligners suit their case.
Metal and ceramic (tooth-coloured) fixed braces. Ceramic brackets are less visible and are popular with adults; metal brackets are sturdier and suit complex tooth movements. Clear aligners are an alternative for some cases.
A first check around age 7 is a good time. Jaw problems such as a narrow upper jaw are easiest to treat while a child is growing; expansion is usually easiest around 10 to 12, before the palate fuses. Most full courses of braces start between 12 and 17.
Metal braces start at AED 999, then AED 200 for each monthly visit. The whole course, retainers included, never costs more than AED 5,000. The orthodontist confirms your plan and its cost at the consultation, which is free.
Interested in Braces?
Meet the clinician, get a clear plan with the price, and decide in your own time. We are in Al Qusais, Dubai, open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
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