- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
August 2, 2026
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Last updated: 02/8/2026
Getting braces helps move the teeth gradually to improve their alignment and the way the upper and lower jaws meet during chewing. Orthodontic treatment may be used to address crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, or certain bite problems in children and adults.
Treatment does not begin by placing wires or aligners immediately. It is preceded by a comprehensive examination and a treatment plan suited to the condition of the teeth and jaws. Doctors at Magrabi Hospitals explain that the most appropriate type of braces and the expected treatment duration depend on the diagnosis, not only on the appearance of the appliance.
Do you have a question about getting braces or which type may be suitable for your condition? You can contact Magrabi team via WhatsApp to learn about the appropriate next step before booking an appointment.
Getting braces is an orthodontic treatment intended to correct tooth alignment and improve the way the upper and lower jaws meet. It uses specially designed dental appliances that are tailored to each individual case. Braces gradually guide the teeth into their planned positions by applying light, continuous force throughout the treatment period.
The way treatment works depends on the type of braces used. Fixed braces rely on brackets and wires that are adjusted periodically to move the teeth accurately. Clear aligners use a series of trays that are changed regularly to move the teeth step by step toward the planned position.
The success of treatment depends largely on following the doctor’s plan, attending regular appointments, and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout the treatment period. These factors support safe and effective progress toward the intended results.
A doctor may recommend starting orthodontic treatment when a problem affects tooth alignment, the bite, or the ability to clean the mouth properly. Common reasons include:
Orthodontic appliances are used to treat crowded or crooked teeth and some bite problems. However, the appropriate method varies according to age, jaw growth, and the severity of the condition.
Not every cosmetic concern means that a patient needs orthodontic treatment. However, an examination may be helpful when one or more of the following signs are present:
Patients may not be able to assess their bite accurately on their own. The decision therefore depends on a clinical examination, photographs, and X-rays, rather than the appearance of the smile alone.
Diagnosis begins with a discussion about why the patient is considering orthodontic treatment. The doctor then examines the teeth, gums, jaws, and bite. This examination helps determine whether the problem is related only to tooth position or also involves jaw growth.
The diagnostic process may include:
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that the first consultation may include an examination of the teeth, jaws, and bite, along with X-rays or digital scans when needed. The Saudi Ministry of Health also emphasizes the patient’s right to understand the treatment plan and the expected number of appointments before treatment begins.
Not every patient requires the same set of examinations. The doctor determines what is necessary based on the patient’s age, dental condition, type of problem, and individual medical history. This assessment helps develop a precise treatment plan that aims to achieve the intended result with as few additional procedures as possible.
Examinations before braces placement may include:
These examinations provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition, including root positions, the presence of impacted teeth, the degree of crowding or spacing, and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
The teeth and gums must also be healthy before treatment begins because an untreated dental problem may affect the progress of orthodontic treatment. At this stage, a patient may need:
Maintaining oral health is an essential step before getting braces. Fixed braces can make daily cleaning more difficult, requiring careful attention around the brackets and wires to prevent plaque accumulation or inflammation during treatment.
The stages of braces treatment involve several connected steps. Some details may vary according to the type of appliance and the patient’s condition.
Examination and treatment planning: The doctor collects information from the clinical examination, X-rays, photographs, or digital scans. The treatment goals, recommended appliance, and any necessary preparatory procedures are then explained.
Preparing the teeth: Preparation may include professional cleaning and treatment of decay or inflammation. In some cases, a tooth may need to be removed to create sufficient space, but this is not necessary for every patient starting orthodontic treatment.
Placing the braces: With fixed braces, the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned and dried before the brackets are attached using a specialised bonding material. The doctor then passes the wire through the brackets and secures it with small elastic ties or a built-in locking system.
For clear aligners, treatment begins by providing the first set of trays and explaining how many hours they should be worn and how they should be cleaned. The patient moves to the next aligner according to the schedule set by the doctor.
Orthodontic follow-up: Regular appointments are scheduled to monitor tooth movement and make the necessary adjustments. The visit may involve changing the wire, adjusting the elastic ties, or evaluating the patient’s compliance with aligners or orthodontic elastics. The NHS states that braces are usually adjusted every six to eight weeks, although the schedule may vary according to the treatment plan.
Removing the appliance and using a retainer: Once the teeth reach their planned positions, the doctor removes the appliance and cleans away the remaining bonding material. A retainer is then used to help keep the teeth in their new positions and reduce the likelihood of movement.
To learn more about examinations and available orthodontic options, you can visit the Orthodontics service page at Magrabi Hospitals and review the service details and associated doctors.
The choice between different types of braces depends on the nature of the problem, the patient’s age, their ability to follow instructions, and the doctor’s recommendation. Not every type is suitable for all orthodontic movements.
Metal braces consist of metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth. They allow the doctor to control a wide range of tooth movements and are used for many mild, moderate, and complex cases.
The brackets and wires may be visible while speaking or smiling, but modern appliances are generally smaller and more comfortable than some older designs.
Ceramic braces work in a similar way to metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-coloured or nearly transparent. They may be less noticeable, although they require careful maintenance to reduce staining around the elastic ties and brackets.
Clear aligners consist of thin trays designed according to the shape of the patient’s teeth. They can be removed when eating and cleaning the teeth, but successful treatment depends on wearing them for the number of hours specified by the doctor.
Clear aligners may be suitable for many cases involving crowding or gaps, but they are not the most appropriate option for every problem. The doctor determines whether they can achieve the required movements after examining the teeth and bite.
A removable orthodontic appliance can be taken out and put back in by the patient. It is used for specific purposes, such as certain stages of early orthodontic treatment in children or maintaining tooth alignment after treatment.
A removable appliance cannot replace fixed braces in every case. Its suitability depends on the type of movement required and the patient’s level of cooperation.
The braces placement appointment is not expected to be painful because the doctor attaches the brackets and wires to the surfaces of the teeth without drilling them. The patient may feel mild pressure or discomfort when tooth movement begins.
Sensitivity commonly increases during the first few days after braces are placed or adjusted and then gradually improves. Eating soft foods and avoiding forceful chewing may help during this period, while following the doctor’s instructions.
The patient should see the doctor if the pain is severe, continues for more than several days, is accompanied by noticeable swelling, or is caused by a protruding wire that injures the mouth.
The length of the appointment varies according to the type of appliance and the number of teeth receiving brackets. Placing fixed braces usually takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, although some patients may need more than one appointment to complete the required appliances.
Providing clear aligners may take less time, but it is preceded by digital scanning and the design of the treatment plan and aligners. During the appointment, the doctor explains how to insert, remove, and clean the aligners and when to move to the next set.
There is no single braces treatment duration that applies to every patient. The duration depends on the degree of crowding, the type of bite problem, the patient’s age, how the teeth respond, the type of appliance, and adherence to appointments and instructions.
Many cases take approximately 18 months to two years, while more complex cases may require a longer period. Treatment may also be delayed if the appliance breaks repeatedly, appointments are missed, or elastics or aligners are not worn as instructed.
The doctor provides an initial estimate after diagnosis but reviews it during follow-up visits according to the rate of tooth movement and the stability of the gums and supporting bone.
The teeth require additional care after orthodontic treatment begins because food particles and plaque can collect around the brackets and wires. Good oral hygiene helps reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and marks appearing on the teeth.
Doctors at Magrabi Hospitals recommend following these instructions:
The American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of regular brushing, flossing, and continued dental check-ups during orthodontic treatment. The Qatar Ministry of Public Health also explains that plaque accumulation is associated with tooth decay and gum inflammation, making daily oral hygiene important throughout treatment.
Not every temporary feeling of pressure can be prevented, but many treatment-related problems can be reduced by following the instructions. Prevention begins by treating tooth decay or gum inflammation before getting braces.
Patients should also attend follow-up appointments on time, avoid playing with the wires or brackets, and never try to adjust the appliance at home. If part of the braces breaks, the clinic should be contacted instead of waiting until the next scheduled appointment.
After the appliance is removed, wearing the retainer as directed helps reduce the likelihood of the teeth moving back toward their previous positions. The patient may need to use the retainer for an extended period depending on tooth stability and the follow-up plan.
Doctors at Magrabi Hospitals recommend seeing an orthodontist when there is noticeable crowding, protruding teeth, difficulty chewing, or an uneven bite. An examination is also recommended when cleaning the teeth becomes difficult or recurring gum problems develop around misaligned teeth.
For braces for children, an early examination does not necessarily mean that treatment will begin immediately. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child receive their first orthodontic evaluation no later than the age of seven. The presence of both baby and permanent teeth helps the doctor monitor jaw growth and identify problems at an appropriate stage.
After getting braces, the doctor should be contacted if a wire or bracket breaks, severe gum swelling or redness develops, or pain continues for more than several days after placement or adjustment.
If you are considering getting braces or need an evaluation of your bite, you can contact us by phone call or complete the booking form to select a suitable appointment and branch. The right decision begins with a clear examination and a treatment plan that considers your individual needs.
Getting braces begins with a careful examination of the teeth and jaws, followed by selecting an appliance capable of achieving the required movements safely and gradually. The type and duration of treatment vary between patients, while adherence to oral hygiene and follow-up appointments influences treatment progress. Magrabi doctors recommend consulting an orthodontist to understand the cause of the problem and discuss the available options before choosing metal, clear, or removable braces.
Edited and medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmed El Tokey.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for health education purposes only and does not replace a visit to a doctor or consultation with a qualified specialist. Magrabi doctors recommend seeking medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
The Magrabi Health Editorial Team creates educational medical content designed to help readers better understand symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and preventive healthcare measures across a wide range of medical topics, drawing on trusted sources and specialized clinical expertise. Since 1955, Magrabi Health has built more than 70 years of experience in specialized healthcare through a regional network of over 40 facilities across 5 countries. Its commitment to quality and patient safety is reflected in numerous accreditations and recognitions, including the designation of several eye centers as Centers of Excellence in Ophthalmology by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The doctor cleans the teeth and attaches the brackets using a specialised bonding material. The wire and elastic ties are then placed to begin applying light pressure. With clear aligners, the patient receives a series of trays designed using digital scans and a planned tooth-movement sequence.
The placement appointment is not usually painful, but mild pressure or discomfort may occur during the first few days or after adjustment appointments. The doctor should be consulted if the pain is severe or persistent or is accompanied by swelling or an injury caused by a wire.
Placing fixed braces usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, although the time may vary according to the number of brackets and any additional appliances. Some patients may require further appointments to complete different parts of the treatment plan.
The examinations include an assessment of the teeth, gums, and bite. They may also involve photographs of the face and teeth, jaw X-rays, digital scans, or dental impressions. The doctor determines the necessary examinations according to the patient’s age and the nature of the problem.
Metal braces are fixed and use brackets and wires, while clear aligners consist of removable trays. Fixed braces allow control over a wide range of tooth movements. Clear aligners require consistent wear and are not suitable for every case.
Clean the teeth and brackets carefully, use tools designed for cleaning between the teeth, and reduce sugary, hard, and sticky foods. Continue attending dental appointments and contact the orthodontist if the appliance breaks or pain persists.
