Orthodontics is a specialised dental treatment that gently guides your teeth into their correct position – by straightening teeth and making them bite together correctly. Many types of braces can help you smile confidently, such as invisible Invisalign, traditional metal braces, white braces or even braces that go behind your teeth.

Traditional metal braces are the most common of the four types of braces people use. They are made up of brackets and wires; together, they move your teeth into the correct position. Braces are made from surgical steel but can also be made from white ceramic material – so they blend in with your natural tooth colour.

How does it work?

Metal braces are the smallest fixed brace available but are less discreet than ceramic or clear aligners. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you can add coloured elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colourful smile.

Treatment usually starts once all the adult teeth have come through and lasts around 15-20 months. The braces are attached to the teeth using tooth-coloured resin glue. An orthodontic wire is fed through the bracket to connect them all up. The wire is under tension to push/ pull your teeth into the correct position.

The brace is easily removed at the end of treatment, but it’s important to wear retainers afterwards to keep your teeth straight. You can wear a permanent retainer- a wire glued to the back of your teeth, or a night-time retainer made of stiff see-through plastic like a gum shield. Get ready for your beautiful new smile.

Clear aligners are another type of orthodontic treatment, such as Reveal, Invisalign & Spark. They are made from transparent plastic and are custom-designed to fit snugly over the teeth. Clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure to gradually move the teeth into their proper positions.

Clear aligners offer the advantage of being virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for individuals who desire a more discreet orthodontic treatment. They are also removable, allowing for easy maintenance of oral hygiene.

It is important to wear clear aligners for the recommended duration and follow your orthodontist’s instructions to ensure successful treatment outcomes.

Lingual braces are a unique type of orthodontic treatment that is placed behind the teeth, making them completely hidden from view. They work similarly to traditional braces, using metal brackets and wires to gradually move the teeth into alignment.

One of the main advantages of lingual braces is their discreet nature, as they are not visible when you smile. They are a great option for individuals who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of braces. However, lingual braces can be more challenging to clean and maintain compared to traditional braces.

Lingual braces require specialized training and expertise to be fitted and adjusted. It is important to consult with an orthodontist experienced in lingual braces to ensure optimal results.

After completing orthodontic treatment, it is essential to wear retainers to maintain the alignment of your teeth. Retainers are custom-made appliances that hold the teeth in their corrected positions. They can be removable or fixed, depending on the individual’s needs.

Retainers are typically worn full-time initially and then gradually transitioned to nighttime wear. They help prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions and ensure the long-term success of orthodontic treatment.

In addition to retainers, there are other orthodontic appliances that may be used to address specific dental issues. These include space maintainers, palatal expanders, and headgear. Your orthodontist will recommend the appropriate appliances based on your unique needs.

It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding retainer wear and maintenance to preserve the results achieved through orthodontic treatment.