What are traditional braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets, an archwire, and elastic ties to guide crowded or misaligned teeth into a planned bite.
The short answer
Traditional braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance made from metal brackets attached to the teeth, an archwire, and elastic ties or clips. The wire applies controlled forces through the brackets so teeth move gradually, while planned adjustments guide the upper and lower teeth toward a better bite.
What does the term traditional braces refer to?
The term refers to conventional braces, usually with stainless-steel brackets bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. Each bracket holds the archwire, and small elastic ties or a built-in clip keep the wire in place; the appliance can correct crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, and some bite problems.
Orthodontic movement happens because a sustained, gentle force changes the supporting bone around a tooth, allowing the tooth to move within its socket. The orthodontist plans the sequence using an examination, photographs, dental models or scans, and selected dental X-rays.
What happens during an assessment for traditional braces?
An orthodontic assessment starts with checking the teeth, gums, jaw relationship, facial growth or adult jaw structure, and the way the teeth meet. If braces are suitable, the orthodontist cleans and prepares the tooth surfaces, bonds the brackets, threads the initial archwire, and explains brushing, flossing, food choices, and follow-up adjustments.
During treatment, keep every scheduled adjustment, brush around each bracket, clean between the teeth with an interdental brush or floss threader, and avoid biting hard or sticky foods that can bend the wire or loosen a bracket. A loose bracket or wire should be reported so the orthodontic team can advise what to do.
When should difficult tooth alignment be reviewed?
Arrange an orthodontic consultation if crowded, spaced, protruding, or poorly meeting teeth make cleaning, chewing, speech, or comfortable jaw function difficult. A dentist may refer you to an orthodontist when tooth position or the bite needs specialist assessment.
Contact the orthodontic team promptly for a wire that is poking, a bracket that has detached, persistent gum bleeding or swelling, or pain that does not settle after an adjustment. Facial injury, marked swelling, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing needs urgent medical or dental care.
What should you ask about tooth movement and brace monitoring?
Ask which tooth movements and bite changes the proposed braces are intended to make, whether any teeth need treatment before bonding, and how the orthodontist will monitor the roots, gums, and supporting bone. Ask how often adjustments are expected, what to do if an appliance breaks, and what retainer plan will follow active treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Are traditional braces only for children?
No. They can be used for children, teenagers, and adults when the teeth, gums, supporting bone, and bite are suitable for orthodontic treatment.
What is the difference between traditional braces and clear aligners?
Traditional braces use bonded brackets and a wire that stay on the teeth, while clear aligners are removable trays changed through a planned sequence. The appropriate option depends on the tooth movements, bite, hygiene, and the patient's ability to follow the treatment plan.
Do traditional braces straighten teeth permanently?
Braces move teeth into a planned position, but teeth can shift after active treatment. Wearing the prescribed retainer helps maintain the result, and the orthodontist will explain the retention schedule.
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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.