Braces & Brackets - City Clinic Marbella

Dentistry▸Orthodontics

Braces & Brackets

Braces (also called brackets) are fixed orthodontic appliances used to gradually move and align teeth, correct bite irregularities, and optimize the overall function and aesthetics of the smile.

Doctors & Specialists:

Dr.Marino Martín Luque
Said Ramazani

Braces consist of small brackets bonded to each tooth, which are connected by an archwire that applies consistent, gentle pressure. Over time, this pressure guides the teeth into optimal alignment, shifting them through changes in the surrounding bone and periodontal ligament. Modern braces come in various materials—traditional metal, ceramic, self-ligating, or less visible alternatives—so patients can choose a balance between aesthetics and effectiveness.

Braces do more than straighten teeth — they improve oral hygiene access, reduce risk of decay or gum disease caused by misaligned teeth, and support better bite function.

Indications

Crooked, crowded or rotated teeth

Gaps or spacing between teeth

Misaligned bite: overbite, underbite, crossbite

Jaw or bite irregularities affecting chewing or speech

Desire for a healthier, more harmonious smile

Causes

Genetic predisposition to misaligned teeth

Early loss of teeth

Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting

Uneven jaw growth, tooth size, or trauma

Treatment Details

Procedure Steps

1

Assessment & Planning – Clinical exam, imaging, and personalized treatment plan with bracket and wire selection.

2

Braces Placement & Adjustment – Bond brackets, insert archwires, and apply controlled force; periodic adjustments guide teeth into alignment.

3

Completion & Retention – Remove braces once alignment is achieved and provide retainers to maintain results.

Duration:

18–36 months on average (varies by case)

Number of Sessions:

Regular adjustment visits (every 4–8 weeks)

Recovery / Downtime:

No downtime; mild discomfort after adjustments

Pain Level:

Low to moderate; typical soreness after activation of wires

Pre-Treatment:

Maintain excellent oral hygiene
Avoid foods that can damage brackets (sticky, hard)
Inform your orthodontist of medical conditions or allergies
Be prepared for a period of adjustment

Post-Treatment:

Use recommended brushing and flossing techniques for braces
Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods
Wear elastics or other adjuncts as prescribed
Attend all adjustment and monitoring visits
After removal, use a retainer to preserve final alignment

Results

Expected Outcome

Over the course of treatment, teeth shift into correct alignment, bite function improves, and aesthetics are enhanced. Long-term, braces help maintain dental health by easing cleaning and reducing wear or stress on teeth.

How Long
Results Last? 

Permanent, provided retainers are used consistently and oral care is maintained

Risks & Considerations

Possible Side Effects 

• Soreness, mild irritation, or ulcers in early stages • Increased risk of white spot lesions or gingivitis if hygiene is poor • Occasional bracket breakage or wire discomfort

Contraindications (who should avoid it)

• Poor oral hygiene or unwillingness to maintain strict care
• Untreated periodontal disease
• Severe medical conditions needing careful assessment
• Teeth or bone structure unsuitable for movement

Safety Notes

City Clinic ensures braces are applied by experienced orthodontic specialists under sterile, controlled protocols. Treatment is monitored closely to avoid adverse effects and adjust as needed.

Pricing

Price Range (approximate)

Factors Affecting Price

• Type of braces (metal, ceramic, self-ligating)
• Severity of misalignment or bite issues
• Duration and frequency of adjustments
• Need for adjunctive appliances (elastics, expanders)

Insurance Coverage

Braces & Brackets is not covered by insurance.

FAQs

Do braces hurt?

The application is painless under local anesthesia; adjustment periods may cause temporary soreness.

How long must I wear them?

Typically 18 to 36 months, depending on your specific case.

Can I choose less visible braces?

Yes — options like ceramic, self-ligating, or lingual braces are available.

How often must I visit?

Every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments.

Will teeth move back afterward?

If you don’t use retainers after treatment, teeth can relapse.

Related Treatments

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are custom dental devices designed to preserve the gap created when a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely. They ensure the adjacent teeth do not drift into the space, allowing the corresponding permanent tooth to erupt properly.

Retainers

Retainers are custom devices—either fixed or removable—designed to hold teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. They prevent relapse by stabilizing the teeth while bone, gums, and soft tissues adapt to the corrected alignment.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment using a series of custom, clear, removable plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth into their desired position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable solution for straightening teeth.

Bite Adjustment

Bite adjustment is a dental procedure designed to correct misalignment between the upper and lower teeth, improving comfort, chewing efficiency, and long-term oral health. At City Clinic, this treatment helps prevent wear, jaw pain, and other complications caused by an uneven bite.