Braces in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth and corrects the way the upper and lower teeth meet. Braces are the fixed appliances used to do this: small brackets attached to each tooth, joined by a wire that is adjusted over time. The wire applies gentle, steady pressure, and the teeth move slowly in response until they reach the planned position.
Because the brackets are bonded in place, they work on the teeth day and night, staying with you continuously through every meal and every night's sleep. This continuous action is the main practical feature of fixed braces, and it is why they handle a wide range of problems, including more complex corrections. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, the orthodontist matches the appliance to your teeth at your first assessment.
Who needs braces?
Braces are used for teeth that are crowded, crooked, spaced too far apart, or that stick out. They also address the bite — how the teeth come together when the jaws close. A bite can be out of line even when the teeth themselves look reasonably straight, so an orthodontic assessment looks at both.
Common reasons for orthodontic treatment include:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist because the space is tight
- Gaps between teeth
- Front teeth that protrude
- An upper and lower set that meet out of line, such as an overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Teeth that make cleaning difficult, which raises the risk of decay and gum problems
Orthodontics helps children, teenagers and adults alike. Adult treatment is now a substantial part of practice, and healthy teeth and gums are what matter for suitability. The teeth move by the same biological process at any age. If braces suit you, the team at Dar Al Kamal Hospital plans the treatment around your teeth.
What happens during treatment
Treatment begins with an assessment. The orthodontist examines your teeth and bite, and usually takes scans, x-rays and impressions or a digital scan to plan how the teeth need to move. This is also when your questions about the appliance, the likely course and the cost are discussed, so you begin treatment with a clear picture.
When fixed braces suit your teeth, the brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected with a wire. Fitting the braces is comfortable, though the teeth often feel tender for a few days afterwards as they begin to move. The orthodontist explains what to expect and how to ease this.
From then on you attend regular adjustment appointments. At each visit the wire is changed or tightened to continue guiding the teeth. These appointments are the engine of the treatment — the movement happens gradually between them, and keeping them keeps progress steady. The bite is corrected alongside the appearance, together in one course, so the treatment continues until both are right. Your orthodontist gives you a timeline for your case once the assessment is complete.
Living with braces
Fixed braces stay on throughout treatment, so keeping them and the teeth clean matters. Food gathers around the brackets and wires, and thorough brushing after meals, along with cleaning between the teeth, protects against decay and gum inflammation while the braces are on. The team shows you how to clean around the appliance at your fitting.
Some foods work against braces. Hard foods such as nuts and crusty bread, and sticky foods such as toffee, can bend a wire or pull a bracket loose, which means an extra visit for a repair. Cutting firm foods into smaller pieces helps, and choosing softer foods around adjustment days keeps things comfortable.
Discomfort is normal, particularly in the first few days after fitting and after each adjustment, as the teeth respond to the new pressure. It settles, and it is a sign the treatment is working. The soft tissues of the cheeks and lips also get used to the brackets within a short while, and the orthodontist can supply wax to smooth the settling-in period.
After treatment: retainers
When the braces come off, the teeth are in their new position. Teeth naturally tend to drift back towards where they started, so a retainer holds the result in place. This retainer is either a removable one worn at night or a thin wire bonded behind the teeth, and the orthodontist recommends the type that suits you.
Retainers are a lasting part of the result. Wearing them as advised, often long-term, keeps the straightened teeth right where the treatment left them. This is the step that protects your outcome for the years ahead, and the team explains the retainer plan clearly before your braces come off, so you know exactly what to do.
What braces achieve
Orthodontic treatment is effective, and clear expectations help you get the most from it. The length of treatment reflects the problem being corrected, how the teeth respond and how well the appointments and instructions are kept, so your orthodontist gives you a realistic estimate for your own teeth after the assessment.
Braces achieve more than a straighter smile. They correct the bite as well as the look, and a correct bite improves chewing and evens out long-term wear on the teeth. Where the teeth or jaws would benefit from other treatment first, the orthodontist plans that step, and refers on for jaw treatment where that gives the best result. Every plan is tailored to what your teeth need.
Cost and insurance
Orthodontic cover varies between dental policies, since many classify braces as cosmetic even when they correct a genuine bite problem. Because the terms differ widely, checking your own policy before you start gives you the clearest picture.
Ask for a written treatment plan with the cost before starting, and confirm what your policy covers. Our team helps you check this and sets out the plan clearly. Call us on 06 599 7777 before treatment begins.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does treatment with braces take?
The length reflects how much the teeth need to move, how they respond and how well appointments are kept, so it differs from person to person. Your orthodontist gives you a realistic estimate for your own teeth after the assessment, and reviews it with you as treatment progresses.
Am I too old for braces?
Adults of any age can have orthodontic treatment when the teeth and gums are healthy, and adult orthodontics is now common. Teeth move by the same biological process at every age. The team at Dar Al Kamal Hospital assesses your teeth and plans treatment that suits you.
Will I need to wear a retainer after braces?
A retainer holds the teeth in their new position, because teeth naturally tend to drift back towards where they started. Wearing it as advised, often long-term, keeps the straightened result secure. Your orthodontist recommends the retainer type that suits you and explains the wear plan clearly.
Do braces improve more than appearance?
Yes. Braces correct the bite as well as straightening the teeth, and how the upper and lower teeth meet affects chewing and long-term wear. Orthodontic treatment at Dar Al Kamal Hospital improves both function and appearance together.
Is having braces fitted comfortable?
Fitting the braces is comfortable. The teeth usually feel tender for a few days afterwards, and again briefly after each adjustment, as they respond to the gentle pressure that moves them. This settles, and your dentist advises simple measures to ease it.
Which foods work best with braces?
Softer foods work best, and cutting firm foods into smaller pieces helps. Hard foods such as nuts and crusty bread, and sticky foods such as toffee, can bend the wire or loosen a bracket and mean an extra repair visit, so it is worth easing off these. Keeping the braces clean after eating protects the teeth throughout treatment.
When should children start braces?
Timing depends on the individual child and the problem being corrected, so an assessment guides when to start. Some issues are best treated while a child is still growing, while others suit a start once more adult teeth have come through. The orthodontist advises the right moment for your child.
Can crowded teeth affect health as well as looks?
Yes. Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean, which can raise the risk of decay and gum disease, and a bite that meets poorly can affect chewing and wear the teeth unevenly. Straightening therefore supports oral health as well as appearance, and the team plans treatment with both in mind.
Are fixed braces different from clear aligners?
Fixed braces are brackets bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire, so they work continuously day and night throughout treatment. This continuous action lets them handle a wide range of corrections, including more complex ones. Your orthodontist explains which approach suits your teeth at the assessment.
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