Choosing an orthodontic procedure involves more than just comparing appearance and cost. A comprehensive assessment should include teeth alignment, jaw and bite relationships, overall oral health, and the anticipated duration of both treatment and retention. This guide will detail the different types of braces available in Abu Dhabi and deliver a comprehensive overview of the complete treatment process.
What Are Orthodontic Braces?
Braces are orthodontic devices designed to move teeth gradually into proper alignment. This is accomplished by applying controlled pressure to specific teeth, aligning them gradually and correcting issues such as overbite and underbite.
Each patient’s treatment plan is customized according to their specific orthodontic needs. The assessment typically includes evaluating teeth alignment, bite, oral hygiene, and the space available for tooth movement. When needed, scans, X-rays, and photographs may be used to support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Types of Braces Available in Abu Dhabi
A variety of orthodontic appliances are available in Abu Dhabi to address different dental needs. The suitability of each appliance depends on factors such as the required correction of teeth and bite, aesthetic preferences, oral hygiene considerations, treatment duration, and the orthodontist’s recommendations.
Traditional Metal Braces
One of the most common types of braces is the metal brace. These braces consist of stainless steel brackets affixed to the front of the teeth and are connected by archwires that are periodically tightened during the course of treatment. Metal braces are often the most effective option for complex cases and are typically the most affordable, with fees ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 12,000.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work in the same way as metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets, making them less noticeable against the teeth. They are quite discreet and hence are used by many adults. These braces may cost you anywhere from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fixed to the back surfaces of the teeth, making them almost invisible from the front. While lingual braces are highly discreet, they can be challenging to maintain and adjust, with costs ranging from AED 12,000 to AED 30,000.
Clear Aligners
Clear braces consist of a series of transparent, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. They are usually worn throughout the day and switched depending on the plan given by the orthodontist. Clear braces are seen as a convenient choice for many patients, as they can be taken out during meals and while brushing or flossing.
These aligners are appropriate for relatively straightforward alignment problems, but more complex cases involving significant tooth movement or bite correction may require fixed orthodontic appliances.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontic treatment. Some individuals require treatment for cavities, gum problems, or other oral health issues before starting orthodontic care. Putting on braces in Abu Dhabi generally entails a certain approach:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
The process starts with an orthodontic evaluation to examine tooth alignment, bite relationship, and the patient’s general oral health. Depending on the complexity of the case, the orthodontist may take photographs, X-rays, digital scans, or other diagnostic records.
2. Customized Treatment Planning
Following the diagnosis, the orthodontist will create an individualized treatment plan outlining the recommended type of braces, treatment timeline, and any required dental preparations.
3. Braces Placement or Aligner Fitting
Fixed braces involve attaching brackets to the teeth and fitting wires, while removable braces begin with the issuance of the initial set of aligner trays.
4. Regular Adjustments and Monitoring
These checkups help the orthodontist track the movement of teeth and adjust where needed. However, the schedule for these checkups is based on the kind of appliances used and the specific treatment plan of the patient. These checkups provide the orthodontist an opportunity to evaluate the oral hygiene and the progress of the treatment.
5. Completion and Retention
After achieving proper alignment, the braces will then be removed, and retainers put on to keep the teeth in their new alignment. The retainers can either be removable or permanent.
Who Can Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment?
In Abu Dhabi, orthodontic clinics offer services to patients of various ages such as children, teenagers, and adults.
Children
An orthodontic checkup done at the age of seven years can assist in the diagnosis of issues associated with the positioning of the teeth, bite, jaw development, and spacing of teeth. Just because an evaluation is performed at an early age does not mean that the treatment will be initiated then.
Adolescents
Teens are an age group that often undergo full orthodontic treatment as many permanent teeth have come in and the jaw bones may still be growing. This depends on how the teeth of each individual have developed.
Adults
It should also be noted that orthodontic correction can be carried out in adulthood. The choice of orthodontics can vary from metal braces to lingual braces or invisible aligners, depending on the difficulty of the case and the state of the teeth and gums.
In addition to price, other criteria that can be considered while choosing an orthodontic clinic in Abu Dhabi include the qualifications of professionals, experience in clinical practice, types of treatment offered, diagnostic equipment, and continuity of care. Retaj Medical Center is one of the facilities offering orthodontic treatment.
How to Choose an Orthodontist in Abu Dhabi
Choosing an orthodontist is not just about selecting one based on cost comparison of braces. An individual needs to assess the credentials and experience of the orthodontist, types of appliances, technology used for diagnosis, treatment planning procedure, follow-ups, and retention.
It is equally important to know what services will be covered by the quoted fee for treatment. The costs for consultation, diagnosis, braces or aligners, follow-ups, appliance replacement, and retainers could all be managed in a different way by different clinics.
Patients may inquire before commencing treatment about:
What form of orthodontic treatment should be done for this case?
What is the time frame for the entire treatment process?
What does the treatment cost cover in totality?
How often will follow-up appointments be made?
What sort of retainer would be required post-treatment?
What occu
