Dental Braces · Makati
Fixed metal and ceramic braces, planned and fitted by the treating dentist. Braces remain the appropriate appliance for many cases — particularly where tooth movement is complex or where compliance with a removable appliance cannot be relied upon.
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Braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance — brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that applies controlled, continuous force to move teeth into a planned position over time. Because the appliance is fixed in place, the force is applied consistently regardless of whether the patient remembers to wear anything. This is the central practical difference between braces and removable clear aligners.
At DevelopDent, braces are not offered as a default. They are recommended when the clinical picture genuinely calls for a fixed appliance — and the assessment that establishes this comes before any discussion of brackets, wires, or timelines. Some cases are better served by clear aligners; some are better served by braces; and the decision is a clinical one, made with the patient rather than presented to them.
Treatment is planned with attention to how the teeth meet — the bite — not only how they look from the front. A result that looks straight but functions poorly is not a finished result. This is consistent with how all orthodontic work is approached at the clinic, and it informs the appliance choice as much as the movement plan.
Neither appliance is better in the abstract. Each suits a different set of clinical circumstances and patient priorities. The comparison below sets out where each tends to fit.
| Consideration | Fixed Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Case complexity | Handles complex rotations, significant crowding, and bite corrections predictably | Well suited to mild to moderate cases; some complex movements remain difficult |
| Reliance on the patient | Fixed in place — no daily wear discipline required | Must be worn 20–22 hours a day; results depend on consistent wear |
| Visibility | Visible, though ceramic brackets are less noticeable than metal | Minimally visible |
| Eating and cleaning | Some food restrictions; brushing and flossing take more care | Removed for meals and cleaning |
| Review appointments | Regular adjustments needed throughout treatment | Periodic check-ins; fewer chairside adjustments |
Braces tend to be recommended in the following situations. An assessment is still required to confirm — these are indications, not a self-diagnosis checklist.
Treatment begins with a full examination — the position of the teeth, the condition of the gums and supporting bone, the way the teeth meet, and your reasons for seeking treatment. 3D intraoral scanning and targeted intraoral radiography are used where they inform the plan. This visit establishes whether braces are appropriate and what the treatment would need to achieve.
The treating dentist sets out the planned tooth movements, the appliance recommended for your case — metal or ceramic brackets — an estimated duration, and the fee. Where braces and clear aligners are both viable, both are presented with the reasoning for the recommendation. Nothing is bonded until the plan is understood and agreed.
Any active dental issues — decay, gum inflammation, deposits — are addressed before braces are placed. Orthodontic movement should not begin on an unstable foundation. This may mean a cleaning, fillings, or other preparatory treatment is scheduled first.
Brackets are bonded to each tooth and the first archwire is placed. The appointment is unhurried and there is no drilling involved in the bonding itself. You are shown how to clean around the appliance properly and what to expect in the first days, when teeth commonly feel tender as movement begins.
At regular intervals, the archwire is adjusted or changed to continue the planned movement. These visits are how progress is monitored and kept on track. The interval between adjustments is set by the case, not by a fixed schedule.
Once the planned position is reached, the braces are removed. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back, so a retainer is fitted to hold the result. Retention is not an optional extra — it is the part of treatment that makes the preceding work last, and it is explained as such.
How long does treatment with braces take?
It depends entirely on the case. Mild corrections can take well under a year; complex cases involving significant movement or bite correction can take two years or more. At the treatment planning stage, the treating dentist gives you a realistic estimated duration based on what your case actually requires — not a generic figure.
Do braces hurt?
Fitting the braces is not painful — there is no drilling involved in bonding the brackets. In the first few days after fitting, and for a day or two after each adjustment, teeth commonly feel tender as movement begins. This is manageable and settles. The treating dentist will explain what to expect and how to stay comfortable through it.
Metal or ceramic braces — which should I choose?
Metal brackets are durable and efficient. Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured and less visible, which some patients prefer. Both work on the same principle. The choice is partly clinical and partly personal preference, and it is discussed at the treatment planning stage once the case requirements are clear.
Can I get braces if I have a missing tooth or other dental work?
Often, yes — but it depends on the specifics. Existing crowns, fillings, missing teeth, and gum condition all affect how a case is planned. This is exactly what the orthodontic assessment is for. Any active dental issues are addressed before braces are placed.
Should I choose braces or clear aligners?
It depends on your case. Braces handle complex movement predictably and do not rely on wear discipline; clear aligners are minimally visible and removable. The right choice is determined at the assessment, where both options are explained where both are viable. DevelopDent offers both, so the recommendation is not constrained by what the clinic happens to provide.
Do I need to wear a retainer after braces?
Yes. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original position after the appliance is removed. A retainer holds the corrected position. Retention is a genuine part of the treatment — skipping it risks undoing the work — and it is explained fully when the braces come off.
How much do braces cost in Makati?
Traditional braces at DevelopDent are priced from ₱30,000. The final figure depends on the appliance system selected (metal or ceramic brackets), the complexity of the case, and the projected duration of treatment. A clear written fee is provided at the treatment planning stage, after the assessment has established what your case requires — traditional braces remain the right choice for some cases; selection is made after a diagnostic consultation, not by default.
Traditional braces at DevelopDent are priced from ₱30,000. The final figure depends on the appliance system selected — metal, ceramic, or self-ligating — and the projected length of treatment, determined at consultation.
Traditional braces remain the right choice for some cases — particularly complex multi-tooth movements, growing patients, and cases where compliance with a removable appliance is uncertain. Selection between braces and clear aligners is made after diagnostic consultation, not by default.
DevelopDent is located on the ground floor of Legaspi Tower 200 on Paseo de Roxas — a short walk from Greenbelt and accessible from across Makati CBD, Salcedo Village, and BGC.
Directions and getting here →1st Floor, Legaspi Tower 200
107 Paseo de Roxas Street
Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229
Legazpi Village · near Greenbelt
Ayala Triangle · Salcedo Village
Braces treatment at DevelopDent begins with a full assessment that establishes whether a fixed appliance is the right choice for your case. Book an appointment to start there — the appliance decision, the plan, and the fee follow from what the assessment finds.
