Fixed braces remain the most versatile tool in orthodontics. Brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a wire that is changed over time, can correct crowding, spacing, deep bites, open bites and rotations that removable trays struggle with.
The visible difference between metal, ceramic and self-ligating systems is mostly aesthetic and mechanical. The biological limit, how fast bone lets teeth move, is the same for all of them.
When braces & orthodontics is the right treatment
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite
- Children and teenagers in the mixed or early permanent dentition
- Adults who want a definitive correction rather than a cosmetic compromise
What the treatment involves
- 1
Orthodontic assessment
Clinical examination, photographs, OPG and lateral cephalogram to understand whether the problem is dental, skeletal or both.
- 2
Plan and bonding
Extractions, if needed, are decided at this stage. Brackets are then bonded and the first wire placed. The appointment takes about an hour.
- 3
Adjustments
Visits roughly every four to six weeks to change wires and apply elastics as the teeth move through the planned sequence.
- 4
Debonding
Brackets are removed, adhesive is polished off and final records are taken.
- 5
Retainers
Fixed or removable retainers hold the corrected position. Retention is lifelong in the sense that some retainer wear is always advisable.
Cost
Braces cost is set mainly by bracket type, then by how long the case runs and whether extractions are needed.
See braces & orthodontics costs in Lucknow →Braces & Orthodontics: common questions
What age should a child first see an orthodontist?
Around age 7 to 8 is the usual first assessment, not because treatment starts then, but because jaw growth problems and crossbites are far easier to intercept while the jaw is still growing.
How long do braces take?
Most comprehensive cases run 18 to 24 months. Simple alignment can be shorter, complex skeletal cases longer.
Are ceramic braces slower than metal?
Modern ceramic brackets perform comparably to metal for most cases. They are less visible and more brittle, so bracket breakages can add appointments.
Do braces hurt?
Bonding does not hurt. There is soreness for two to four days after the wire is placed or changed, similar to muscle ache, and it settles.
Medically reviewed
Reviewed by Dr. Dhanya Saxena, BDS, MHA, FMC, FAOI, oro-dental surgeon and aesthetic physician at Redefine Dental and Facial Aesthetic, Indira Nagar, Lucknow. Dental Council registration 20935. Last reviewed 30 August 2026.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination.