Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-15
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Struggling with crooked teeth, bite issues, or speech problems? Braces could be your smile’s best friend! With cutting-edge tech, there are tons of options out there. Dive in to discover the differences, ideal timing, and costs to get that perfect grin.
How Braces Work
Orthodontic treatment, commonly known as getting braces, is a method to straighten teeth. By using braces, teeth are moved to their ideal positions, which in the long run helps improve the appearance and health of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
Who Needs Braces? Best Age to Get Braces?
But braces aren’t just for looks. If you have issues like crossbite, overbite, crowded teeth, gaps, or buck teeth and leave them untreated, it could lead to cavities, gum inflammation, periodontal disease in mild cases, or premature tooth wear, tooth loss, or excessive stress on teeth and jawbones affecting chewing ability in severe cases. So, anyone with these issues might need orthodontic treatment.
The best age for braces is before 18, during the primary teeth, mixed dentition, and permanent teeth stages. Here are the benefits:
| Stage | Oral Condition | Benefits |
| Primary Teeth Stage (Around 6 Years Old) | Permanent incisors start to emerge | Especially suitable for children with abnormal jaw development or severe crossbite in incisors. Treatment at this stage helps other teeth grow normally and avoids damage to teeth and other oral tissues. |
| Mixed Dentition Stage (8-12 Years Old) | Both primary and permanent teeth are present; teeth grow quickly and can easily become misaligned | Braces during this stage help new permanent teeth grow healthily and prevent deformities from bad habits. It’s the ideal time for both prevention and treatment. |
| Permanent Teeth Stage (12-18 Years Old) | Most teeth have become permanent | Since all teeth are permanent, braces at this stage provide more stable results. |
That said, there’s no upper age limit for braces—adults can get them too, though it comes with pros and cons:
Downsides of Braces in Adulthood:
- Before 18, natural tooth growth aids correction. But adults have mostly finished developing, losing this natural help, relying only on surgery and braces. So, the process is tougher compared to kids or teens.
- Plus, adults without regular check-ups might have cavities, periodontitis, gingivitis, or tooth loss. These need fixing first, potentially lengthening the treatment time.
Upsides of Braces in Adulthood:
- Compared to younger folks, adults are often more proactive about treatment, so post-braces care and maintenance might be better. Aftercare is key to avoiding other oral issues.
What Problems Can Braces Fix?
Improve Appearance
If protruding front teeth or misaligned upper and lower jaws make your smile less than perfect, braces can move teeth back into place and enhance your look.
Improve Chewing Function
When teeth don’t align properly, it stresses jaw muscles, leading to jaw and joint problems, and affects daily life like chewing—sometimes even causing headaches. Braces correct teeth to proper positions, distributing pressure evenly, reducing jaw stress, and improving chewing.
Improve Tooth Alignment
Braces straighten alignment, making teeth easier to clean, lowering risks of cavities and gum disease, and helping with speech issues too.
Types of Braces and Orthodontic Devices: Differences, Pros and Cons
Braces generally come in four main types: external fixed braces, internal fixed braces, invisible aligners, and functional orthodontic appliances.
Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
Traditional metal braces are a common type of fixed orthodontic appliance, with others made from materials like plastic or ceramic. This type has mature technology and suits most orthodontic cases, but since the appliance can trap food, it’s harder to maintain oral hygiene.
Traditional metal braces consist of stainless steel brackets and wires bonded to the outer surface of the teeth. Brackets are attached to the teeth, then secured with metal archwires. When the archwire connects to the brackets, the teeth gradually move into the desired position along the wire’s shape. Fixed appliances are divided into ” external” and “internal .” External means the braces are fixed on the outer side of the teeth, visible when you open your mouth; in contrast, internal refers to braces fixed on the inner side, making them harder for others to notice . Whether external or internal, you can’t remove them yourself, hence the name fixed appliances.
Using fixed appliances sometimes requires the help of bone anchors and elastics.
- Bone anchors and elastics: Bone anchors are temporary implants placed in the jawbone to serve as anchorage points. In cases like gum exposure, deep bite, or when the dental arch needs to retract, the dentist may use anchors to provide leverage for the teeth. Wearing elastics on the braces provides tension to speed up tooth movement, a key part of orthodontic treatment. Generally, they need to be worn for at least 10-12 hours a day.
Removable Orthodontic Appliances
Removable appliances include invisible aligners and functional appliances .
Invisible aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth shape and can be removed for eating, brushing, or flossing. You switch to a new set about every 2 weeks. They’re more comfortable than traditional metal braces, easier for oral hygiene, and since they’re transparent, they’re more aesthetically pleasing.
However, patients need self-discipline to wear them long enough to move teeth to the ideal position. Not all tooth issues suit invisible aligners, like severe cases or those requiring extractions.
Functional appliances are used only in special cases, such as helping children’s jaw growth. For example, if the lower jaw is underdeveloped, they guide its growth.
Braces Procedure Step by Step
No matter which type of braces you choose, the process typically involves these steps:
- First, a comprehensive check-up, including X-rays, to examine the teeth. The dentist analyzes the situation and designs a suitable treatment plan.
- If teeth are too crowded, extractions or enamel reduction may be needed to create space.
- Then, the dentist makes plaster models to custom-create the braces for the patient.
- Once the braces are ready, the dentist fits them to ensure they’re comfortable.
- After fitting, the dentist schedules regular check-ups to monitor tooth movement and make adjustments.
What Is the Treatment Period in Hong Kong?
The entire treatment typically lasts from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the type of braces used, your individual dental condition, and the complexity of the alignment needed. Age can also play a role—kids with fixed braces might need longer, as treatment often waits until after baby teeth are lost, covering both upper and lower jaws.
Braces Aftercare and What to Expect
Some folks need tooth extractions before braces, which can cause initial pain or discomfort. Once fitted, you might experience mild gum swelling, numbness, or soreness. On the bright side, braces straighten teeth and improve bite, potentially narrowing the jaw for a sleeker facial profile.
Braces aren’t a one-and-done deal—proper care is key to prevent teeth from shifting back and to keep them healthy.
- Skip sugary foods and drinks, plus carbonated ones. Sticky or hard foods can damage braces, so avoid those too.
- Clean your braces and teeth thoroughly every morning and night.
- For removable aligners, store them in clean water when not in use. After braces come off, wear retainers to keep teeth in place.
Braces Cost in Hong Kong: Key Factors
Traditional braces start from around HK$20,000, while invisible aligners can be pricier, averaging from HK$40,000.
On the market, some new invisible aligners can complete treatment for just HK$14,980. Of course, not everyone is a fit—if you’re curious, consult a pro. Some dental brands offer in-store free 3D oral scans , letting you see instant 3D simulations to understand your needs and potential results.
Generally, costs depend on treatment complexity, number of teeth to move, and extent of adjustment. At private clinics, braces plus full treatment could exceed HK$50,000.
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