By Dr. Mohamed Hasab — Specialist Orthodontist, myPediaclinic Dubai
If your child has crowded, gappy or crooked teeth, or you have been told their bite is “not lining up”, metal braces are still the most trusted and most widely used way to fix it. For many families in Dubai, the words “metal braces” bring back memories of bulky, uncomfortable train-track braces from decades ago. The reality today is very different. Modern metal braces use far smaller brackets, lighter wires and gentler forces, and they remain the single most versatile orthodontic tool we have for growing children and teenagers.
As a Specialist Orthodontist treating children and teens at myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City, I fit metal braces every week, and they are very often my first recommendation for younger patients — not because they are the cheapest option, but because they simply work for almost every type of case. This guide walks you through exactly how metal braces work, who they suit, what care they need, how long treatment takes, and what they cost in Dubai, so you can make a calm, informed decision for your child.
What Are Metal Braces and How Do They Work?
Metal braces are fixed orthodontic appliances. That means they are bonded to the teeth and stay in place for the whole of treatment — your child cannot take them out, and neither can you at home. Each brace has three main parts: small metal brackets glued to the front of each tooth, a thin metal archwire that runs across all the brackets, and tiny elastic or metal ties that hold the wire into each bracket.
The science behind them is beautifully simple. The archwire is springy and “wants” to return to a smooth, ideal curve. Because it is tied into brackets on teeth that are currently out of line, it applies a continuous, very gentle pressure that nudges each tooth towards its correct position. Bone responds to that steady pressure: it slowly dissolves on one side of the tooth root and rebuilds on the other, allowing teeth to move through bone without damage. This is why orthodontic movement has to be slow and gradual — we are remodelling living bone, not forcing teeth.
At regular visits, I adjust or change the wire, swap the coloured ties, and sometimes add small springs or elastics. Each adjustment sets the next stage of movement in motion. Over months, teeth that started crowded and crooked are guided into a straight, well-aligned arch with a healthy bite.
Modern Metal Braces Are Smaller Than You Remember
One of the biggest misconceptions parents have is that metal braces are big, sharp and obvious. The brackets we use today are a fraction of the size of those used twenty years ago. They are low-profile, smoothly contoured and far more comfortable against the cheeks and lips. Many systems are designed so the wire glides more freely, which can mean gentler forces and, in some cases, fewer adjustment visits.
Children and teens also love that metal braces let them choose the colour of the elastic ties at each visit — from clinic-neutral silver and clear to bright blues, greens, purples or their school or football colours. It is a small thing, but it turns a medical appliance into something a child can feel ownership of, which genuinely helps with cooperation over a long treatment.
Who Are Metal Braces Suitable For?
Metal braces are suitable for a very wide range of orthodontic problems, which is exactly why they remain so popular for children and teenagers. They are an excellent choice when there is:
- Significant crowding where teeth overlap or are rotated
- Noticeable gaps or spacing between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite that needs correcting
- Teeth that have come through in the wrong position
- A combination of several issues that need precise, three-dimensional control
Metal braces are particularly well suited to growing patients because we can use them alongside the natural growth of the jaws to guide development. They are also the most reliable option for complex cases that clear aligners cannot always manage as predictably, such as large rotations or teeth that need significant vertical movement.
The ideal age to start full braces is usually once most of the adult teeth have come through, often around 11 to 13 years, though this varies from child to child. Some children benefit from an earlier “first phase” of treatment at 7 to 9 years to address specific problems with jaw growth or crossbites. The only way to know your child’s right timing is an orthodontic assessment — your specialist orthodontist confirms whether to start now or monitor and wait.
What to Expect: Before, During and After Fitting
Before fitting. Treatment begins with a consultation where I examine your child’s teeth, take photographs, X-rays and digital scans or impressions, and discuss the goals. From this I build a personalised treatment plan and explain the expected timeline and cost before anything is fitted. There are no needles and no drilling involved in putting braces on — it is a completely different experience from a filling.
During fitting. Fitting metal braces is painless and usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes. I clean and dry each tooth, apply a safe dental adhesive, position each bracket precisely, and set the glue with a curing light. The archwire is then threaded through and secured with the coloured ties. Your child stays awake and comfortable throughout and can listen to music or watch something to pass the time.
After fitting. For the first three to five days, teeth feel tender and a little achy as they begin to move — this is normal and a sign the braces are working. Soft foods and child-appropriate pain relief settle it quickly. The lips and cheeks may need a week or so to toughen up against the brackets, and we provide orthodontic wax to smooth over any spot that rubs. After that initial settling period, most children forget they are even wearing braces.
Caring for Metal Braces: Cleaning and Daily Routine
Good cleaning is the single most important habit during treatment. Brackets and wires create extra nooks where food and plaque collect, and if these are not cleaned away, the teeth can develop white marks or decay around the braces. The good news is that with the right routine this is entirely preventable.
I ask every young patient to brush for two minutes at least twice a day, angling the brush to clean above, below and between every bracket. Interdental brushes and floss threaders help clean between teeth and under the wire, and many children find a fluoride mouth rinse a useful extra. We show your child exactly how to do this at the fitting visit and review their cleaning at every appointment, gently coaching where needed. Six-monthly dental check-ups and hygiene visits should continue throughout orthodontic treatment.
Food Rules: What Children Can and Cannot Eat
Metal braces are robust, but brackets can be knocked off and wires bent by the wrong foods. A loose bracket means an extra unscheduled visit and can slow treatment, so the food rules matter. The principle is simple: avoid anything hard, sticky or that needs biting hard into.
| Foods to avoid | Better swaps |
|---|---|
| Hard nuts, ice, boiled sweets, popcorn kernels | Smooth nut butters, soft fruit, yoghurt |
| Sticky toffee, chewing gum, chewy sweets | Soft chocolate (in moderation), fruit pieces |
| Crusty bread, hard crackers, raw whole carrots and apples | Soft bread, cooked vegetables, sliced or grated fruit |
| Sugary fizzy drinks and frequent juice | Water and milk as everyday drinks |
The Dubai climate makes hydration important, and water is by far the best choice for braces. Frequent sugary and acidic drinks are the biggest cause of white marks and decay around brackets, so keeping these to mealtimes only protects your child’s teeth during treatment.
Metal Braces vs Ceramic Braces vs Clear Aligners
Metal braces are one of several ways to straighten teeth, and the right choice depends on the case, the child’s age, and family preferences around appearance and responsibility. The table below compares the three main options we discuss with families.
| Feature | Metal braces | Ceramic braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible metal brackets, colour ties optional | Tooth-coloured, less noticeable | Nearly invisible |
| Removable? | No — fixed | No — fixed | Yes — taken out to eat and clean |
| Best for | Almost all cases, including complex | Most cases where looks matter | Mild to moderate cases; needs discipline |
| Relies on cooperation | Lower — they work 24/7 | Lower — they work 24/7 | Higher — must be worn 20–22 hrs/day |
| Typical cost (AED) | 8,000–18,000 | 12,000–22,000 | 12,000–30,000+ |
For many younger children, metal braces win because they do not depend on the child remembering to wear them — they are working every hour of every day. For appearance-conscious teens, ceramic braces or clear aligners may be more appealing, and we are happy to discuss those. If you would like a deeper look at the discreet options, see our guide to invisible braces in Dubai.
Pros and Cons of Metal Braces
No single appliance is perfect for everyone, so it helps to weigh the honest advantages and trade-offs of metal braces before deciding.
Advantages: They are the most versatile system and can correct almost any orthodontic problem, including complex bites that other appliances struggle with. They work continuously without depending on the child’s cooperation, they offer precise three-dimensional control of tooth movement, they are typically the most affordable fixed option, and they are extremely robust. Many children also enjoy personalising them with coloured ties.
Trade-offs: They are the most visible option, they require careful cleaning around brackets and wires, there are food restrictions to follow, and the occasional poking wire or loose bracket may need an unscheduled visit. For most families, these trade-offs are small next to the reliability and results metal braces deliver.
How Long Does Treatment with Metal Braces Take?
Most children and teens wear metal braces for around 18 to 24 months, though this varies a great deal with the complexity of the case. Mild crowding may be sorted in 12 months, while major bite correction can take longer. Your orthodontist gives a realistic estimate at the start, but several things influence the real timeline: how complex the problem is, how well the food and care rules are followed, whether elastics are worn as instructed, and how the child’s jaw is growing.
Treatment runs in stages — first levelling and aligning the teeth, then correcting the bite, then detailing and finishing. After the braces come off, your child wears retainers to hold the new position while the bone settles, and retainers are a lifelong commitment if the smile is to stay straight. For a fuller breakdown of timing, read our guide on how long braces take in Dubai.
What Metal Braces Cost in Dubai
In Dubai, metal braces typically range from AED 8,000 to AED 18,000, making them the most affordable fixed-brace option. The exact figure within that range depends on the complexity of your child’s case, the expected length of treatment, and whether any preparatory or first-phase work is needed. By comparison, ceramic braces usually run AED 12,000 to AED 22,000 and clear aligners AED 12,000 to AED 30,000 or more.
At myPediaclinic we set out the full cost in writing after the assessment, before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises. Many clinics, including ours, offer staged payment plans that spread the fee across the months of treatment, which makes braces more manageable for families. Some dental insurance policies in the UAE contribute towards orthodontic treatment for children, so it is always worth checking your policy and asking us to help you understand what may be covered.
Common Myths About Metal Braces
A few persistent myths put families off braces unnecessarily. The first is that braces are agonising — in reality, modern light-force systems cause only short-lived tenderness after adjustments, easily managed with soft food and simple pain relief. The second is that metal braces “ruin” the teeth; in fact, the white marks people remember are caused by poor cleaning and sugary drinks, not the braces themselves, and are preventable with good care. The third is that aligners have made metal braces obsolete — they have not. For complex movements and for younger children who may not wear aligners reliably, fixed metal braces remain the gold standard.
Why Choose myPediaclinic for Your Child’s Braces in Dubai
myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City is built specifically around children and teenagers, and that paediatric focus changes everything about the experience. Orthodontics for a child is not just smaller adult dentistry — it requires patience, a calm and reassuring chair-side manner, and an understanding of how young jaws grow. Our team works together across paediatric dentistry and orthodontics, so if your child needs a check-up, a hygiene visit and braces, it can all be coordinated under one roof in a familiar, friendly setting.
As a Specialist Orthodontist, I tailor every plan to the individual child, explain each step in plain language to both parents and patients, and only recommend treatment when the timing is genuinely right. We see families from across Dubai and the wider UAE, and our goal is always a healthy bite and a confident smile that lasts well into adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do metal braces hurt when they are first fitted?
Fitting itself is painless — there are no needles or drilling. Teeth feel tender for three to five days afterwards as they start to move, which soft foods and simple child-appropriate pain relief settle quickly.
How long will my child need to wear metal braces?
Most children wear them for around 18 to 24 months, though mild cases can finish sooner and complex bites take longer. Your orthodontist gives a personalised estimate after assessing your child.
How much do metal braces cost in Dubai?
Metal braces in Dubai typically range from AED 8,000 to AED 18,000, depending on case complexity and treatment length. We confirm the exact fee in writing after the assessment, and payment plans are usually available.
Are metal braces better than clear aligners for children?
Often, yes, for younger children. Metal braces work continuously and do not rely on a child remembering to wear them, and they handle complex movements more predictably. Aligners can suit disciplined teens with milder cases.
What is the right age for my child to get braces?
Full braces usually start once most adult teeth are through, often around 11 to 13 years. Some children benefit from earlier first-phase treatment. An orthodontic assessment confirms the right timing for your child.
What foods does my child need to avoid with braces?
Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods such as nuts, ice, toffee, gum and hard crusts, and cut firm fruit and vegetables into pieces. These protect the brackets and wires from damage.
Can my child still play sport with metal braces?
Yes. We recommend an orthodontic mouthguard for contact sports to protect the lips and braces. Swimming, running and most activities need no special precautions at all.
Will metal braces affect my child’s speech?
Any effect is minor and very temporary. Some children notice a slight difference for a day or two after fitting, then adapt completely as the lips and tongue get used to the braces.
How do I clean teeth properly with braces on?
Brush for two minutes at least twice daily, angling around every bracket, and use interdental brushes or floss threaders under the wire. A fluoride rinse helps, and we coach your child at every visit.
What happens if a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes?
Use orthodontic wax over any sharp spot for comfort and contact the clinic. A loose bracket or poking wire is easily fixed at a short appointment, so do not wait if your child is uncomfortable.
Are metal braces noticeable?
They are the most visible option, but modern brackets are much smaller than older ones. Children can choose silver or clear ties to keep them subtle, or bright colours if they prefer to have fun with them.
Will my child need retainers after the braces come off?
Yes. Retainers hold the new tooth positions while the bone settles, and wearing them long term is essential to keep the smile straight. We explain the retainer routine clearly when treatment finishes.
Ready to find out whether metal braces are the right choice for your child? Our specialist orthodontic team will assess their smile, explain every option in plain language and give you a clear plan and cost with no pressure. Book a children’s orthodontic assessment at myPediaclinic Dubai today and take the first step towards a confident, healthy smile.
