Metal mouth braces
Metal braces use bonded brackets, an archwire, and elastic or metal components to apply controlled force that moves teeth through the supporting bone.
How do metal braces move teeth?
Metal braces use bonded brackets, an archwire, and elastic or metal components to apply controlled force that moves teeth through the supporting bone.
Which bite problems can metal braces address?
Crowding, spacing, a deep or open bite, crossbite, and jaw or tooth-position discrepancies can make orthodontic treatment useful. The plan depends on tooth eruption, growth, gum health, bone support, and the bite.
How can you protect and clean metal braces?
Brush around every bracket with fluoride toothpaste, clean under the wire with an interdental brush or threader, and limit hard or sticky foods. Keep adjustment visits so the wire and forces can be monitored.
When does a metal braces problem need care?
Seek care for a loose bracket, protruding wire, severe pain, swelling, or trauma. A persistent sore spot can often be relieved temporarily with orthodontic wax, but the appliance still needs review.
What should you ask before starting metal braces?
Ask what movement and bite change are planned, how hygiene will be managed, what foods or habits may damage the appliance, and what retention will follow treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can home care replace a dental examination?
Seek care for a loose bracket, protruding wire, severe pain, swelling, or trauma. A persistent sore spot can often be relieved temporarily with orthodontic wax, but the appliance still needs review.
What information helps the dentist decide?
Ask what movement and bite change are planned, how hygiene will be managed, what foods or habits may damage the appliance, and what retention will follow treatment.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.