October 16, 2026/
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Quick answer: At Smile On Dental Clinic in Al Satwa, metal and ceramic braces are planned by Dr. Jeffrey Manuel, our Medical Director and specialist orthodontist. Metal braces start from AED 6,000 and ceramic braces cost AED 8,000 to 12,000, depending on your case. Most treatments take 12 to 24 months, with a short check-up every 4 to 8 weeks. Call or WhatsApp +971 55 896 1826 or book a consultation.
If you have been putting off getting braces because of how they look or because you are not sure which type is right for you, you are not alone. At Smile On Dental Clinic in Dubai, we see this question every day. Our specialist orthodontist will walk you through both options, metal and ceramic braces, and help you decide based on your teeth, lifestyle, and budget.
Both treatments deliver real, lasting results. The difference is mainly in how they look and feel during treatment. Either way, you are in experienced hands.
Book a free orthodontic consultation at our clinic in Al Satwa, Dubai!
Metal and ceramic braces are fixed orthodontic appliances. They work by attaching small brackets to the front of your teeth and connecting them with a thin wire. Over time, the wire is gently adjusted to move your teeth into their correct positions.
The system is the same for both types. The key difference is the material:
Metal braces use stainless steel brackets. They are strong, reliable, and the most cost-effective option available. They are also the most time-tested orthodontic treatment in the world and can handle everything from mild crowding to complex bite corrections.
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with your natural teeth. They work the same way as metal braces, but they are far less noticeable. This makes them a popular choice for adults, working professionals, and anyone who wants effective treatment without the look of traditional metal brackets.
Metal braces have been the standard in orthodontics for decades, and for good reason. They are:
If your priority is effective treatment at a straightforward cost, metal braces are a smart choice. They require no compromise on results.
Ceramic braces are designed for patients who want orthodontic treatment that does not draw attention. The brackets are made from a composite ceramic material in a shade that closely matches your tooth color. From a normal conversational distance, they are barely visible.
Key benefits of ceramic braces include:
One practical note: ceramic brackets are slightly more delicate than metal ones, and the material can cause increased friction in some cases, which may add a small amount of time to treatment. Your orthodontist will advise if this applies to your case.
Both treatment options offer meaningful improvements to your oral health and confidence:
Both metal and ceramic braces deliver reliable results when managed by experienced orthodontists.
If you’d prefer a less visible option, Invisalign clear aligners may be suitable for your case, and once your treatment is complete, custom teeth retainers will help keep your new smile in place.
Here is what braces usually cost at Smile On. Your exact figure depends on how much your teeth need to move and how long treatment takes, and you get it in writing before anything starts.
| Type of braces | Cost (AED) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | From 6,000 | The most affordable fixed option and the strongest for complex cases |
| Ceramic braces | 8,000 to 12,000 | Tooth-coloured brackets that blend in with your teeth |
| Damon braces | On consultation | Self-ligating brackets with fewer adjustment visits |
| Lingual braces | On consultation | Fitted behind the teeth, so they are hidden from view |
| Invisalign | On consultation | Removable clear aligners instead of brackets |
The quote covers your adjustment visits for the full course of treatment. Ask us what your insurance covers: some UAE plans pay part of orthodontic treatment, mainly for children or medically needed cases. Payment plans let you spread the cost over the treatment period. For a full price comparison, read how much braces cost in Dubai.
Treatment time depends on how complex your case is, your age, and how closely you follow the plan.
| Case | Typical time | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | 6 to 12 months | Small gaps or minor crowding |
| Moderate | 12 to 24 months | Most patients: crowding plus some bite correction |
| Complex | 24 to 36 months | Large bite problems, jaw differences, or extractions before braces |
Teenagers usually move a little faster than adults because their bone is still developing, but adults get equally good results. The biggest thing you control is keeping every adjustment appointment and avoiding foods that break brackets. A broken bracket means an extra visit and can add time.
The first week. Expect pressure and mild soreness for two to four days after your braces go on and after each adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft food help, and it settles quickly.
Foods to avoid for the whole treatment:
Cleaning. Brush after every meal, use an interdental brush around the brackets, and consider a water flosser for the back teeth. Poor cleaning during treatment can leave white marks on the teeth that show once the braces come off.
After braces. A retainer keeps your teeth in their new position. Most patients wear a removable retainer at night long term, or have a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. See our teeth retainers page for the options.
Your braces are planned and supervised by Dr. Jeffrey Manuel, Medical Director and specialist orthodontist at Smile On. A specialist orthodontist has several years of postgraduate training in moving teeth and correcting bites, beyond a general dental degree, which matters most for complex cases.
Adults with any history of gum problems have a gum health check with Dr. Vineetha Varughese before braces go on, so treatment starts on a healthy base.
Not sure metal or ceramic is right for you? Compare all the options in our guide to which type of braces to choose, or see everything our orthodontist in Dubai offers, including Invisalign First and Myobrace for children.
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Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months. Simple cases with mild crowding may be done faster sometimes within 12 months. Complex cases involving significant bite correction can take longer. Your orthodontist will give you a realistic estimate after examining your teeth at the consultation.
Fitting the braces itself is not painful. After each adjustment visit, you may feel mild soreness or pressure for 2 to 4 days as your teeth respond to the new wire tension. This is completely normal and usually settles on its own. Over-the-counter pain relief can help during this period. Most patients adapt quickly and do not find it disruptive.
Both use the same bracket-and-wire system and are equally effective. Metal braces use stainless steel brackets, making them more durable and more affordable. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that are much less visible, making them a better aesthetic choice for adults and self-conscious patients. The treatment process and timeline are almost identical for both.
Ceramic braces in Dubai generally start from around AED 8,000 to AED 12,000 depending on case complexity and treatment duration. Metal braces start from around AED 6,000. We provide a full cost breakdown at your consultation and offer flexible payment options. The final price depends on how much movement your teeth need and how long treatment will take.
Absolutely. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adult orthodontics is a growing area in Dubai, and many of our patients are professionals and expats in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Ceramic braces in particular work well for adults who prefer a discreet option.
Both are generally well-tolerated. Some patients find that ceramic brackets feel smoother against the inside of the lips and cheeks. The ceramic material is slightly softer in some respects, though modern metal braces are also well-rounded and comfortable. Any initial irritation typically settles within a few weeks as your mouth adjusts.
The ceramic brackets themselves are stain-resistant. However, the small elastic ties that hold the wire to the brackets can pick up color from certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, or curry. This is not a permanent issue because the elastics are replaced at every adjustment appointment, typically every 4 to 6 weeks. Brushing thoroughly after meals minimizes staining between visits.
Yes, and this step is important. Once your braces are removed, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions. A retainer, either a removable clear retainer or a thin wire bonded behind your teeth, holds everything in place. Your orthodontist will discuss which type is best for you at the end of treatment.
Insurance coverage for braces in the UAE varies significantly between plans. Some comprehensive dental plans include orthodontic benefits, while others treat it as a cosmetic procedure and do not cover it. We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider. Our team can help you with any documentation needed to submit a claim.
For the most part, yes. You will need to avoid very hard foods (like ice or hard bread crusts) and very sticky foods (like toffee or chewing gum) as these can dislodge brackets or bend wires. Everything else is generally fine. We will give you a simple list of what to avoid and what is safe during treatment.
Usually every 4 to 8 weeks. Each adjustment visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, so it is easy to fit around work or school.
Your treatment is planned and supervised by Dr. Jeffrey Manuel, Medical Director and specialist orthodontist at Smile On Dental Clinic in Al Satwa.
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