This information is for orientation only, not a diagnosis or treatment. For a dental emergency, see a dentist quickly or go to the nearest emergency room.
In short
You can't pick braces from a photo. It starts with a check-up at the dentist or an orthodontist (braces specialist), who explains whether fixed braces or clear aligners suit your case and the follow-up you can manage.
What to bring and ask at the appointment
Step by step
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Start with a check-up
At the dentist
The dentist looks at how your teeth line up, how they close together and the health of your mouth, then decides whether you should see an orthodontist. Depending on your case, they may ask for photos, a scan or an X-ray.
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Know the difference between fixed braces and aligners
With the dentist or orthodontist
Fixed braces have small pieces (brackets) and a wire that move the teeth. Clear aligners are transparent trays you take out to eat and clean your teeth, but you must wear them properly and go to your follow-up visits. What suits you depends on your bite, the movement your teeth need, your oral health and whether you can stick to the plan, not on looks alone.
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Get ready for cleaning and follow-up
Before braces and throughout
Braces need careful cleaning of your mouth and regular follow-up visits. Before you agree, ask the dentist to explain how to clean and how often you will need to come back.
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Compare the offer clearly
Before you commit
Ask who will follow your case, what the price includes, how many visits to expect and what happens if there's a problem. Ask for the full price in writing, and check with AMO or your insurer whether anything is reimbursed.
Don't wait: go to the emergency room if…
- Your face or mouth swells a lot, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop
- A hard blow to the face or to a tooth
- Severe pain with a fever, or things getting worse fast
Where to start
Start with the dentist
Have your mouth and teeth checked, and bring any earlier treatment and tests you have. Ask at your city's health centre whether there is a public route for braces.
The people who can help
See them all on Hdaya
Do you work in this field? People in your city read this guide.
Add your profileBraces: what to ask before you start
Before you sign anything, take your time. You can ask:
- What problem will braces fix in my case?
- Fixed braces or aligners, and why?
- Roughly how long will it take, and how many visits?
- What does the price include, and what is left out?
- What do I do if something breaks or hurts?
Ask about everything without embarrassment: it's your money and your teeth.
More health guides
In the same spirit, who to see and when: Speech Delay in Children and Digestive Problems.
References
We reviewed NHS and American Dental Association sources on braces, check-ups, cleaning and follow-up. Prices and reimbursement in Morocco vary, so ask your dentist and your insurer.
Where to start
To get started, find dentists near you on Hdaya and get in touch to book a check-up.
Questions people ask
Are braces only for children?
No, adults can have a check-up too. What suits you and how long it takes depend on your case.
When should I choose fixed braces and when aligners?
There is no single rule. The dentist or orthodontist looks at your bite, the movement your teeth need, your oral health and the follow-up you can manage, then explains what suits your case.
Who should I see about braces?
Start with the dentist, who will refer you to an orthodontist if needed.
References
- NHS — braces and orthodontics
- NHS — orthodontics
- American Dental Association — braces
- healthdirect — orthodontic treatments
Procedures change. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will check it again.