Well-aligned teeth do not just look better; they are easier to clean, chew more evenly and stay healthy for longer.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the dental treatment concerned with positioning misaligned teeth correctly on the jawbones and with diagnosing and treating facial irregularities. During treatment a light, controlled force is applied to the teeth over a long period, and the teeth gradually move to their new positions within the bone.
When is orthodontic treatment needed?
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between the teeth (diastema)
- Upper teeth too far forward, or a prominent lower jaw
- Front teeth that do not meet (open bite) or that cover the lower teeth too much (deep bite)
- Upper and lower teeth that do not match sideways (crossbite)
- Impacted teeth or teeth that have not erupted in place
Treatment options
Metal and ceramic braces
Brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and a wire runs through them. Metal brackets are durable; ceramic (clear) brackets are tooth-coloured and less noticeable.
Clear aligners
Thin, transparent, removable trays that fit over the teeth. In suitable cases they allow treatment without wires; success depends on wearing them for the recommended hours each day.
Removable and functional appliances for children
Used in growing children to guide jaw development, widen a narrow jaw or help stop harmful habits.
Which method suits you is decided at the examination, according to the type and severity of the problem. For a comparison, read our article Clear aligners or braces?
How does treatment progress?
- Examination and recordsThe mouth is examined, and X-rays, photographs and an impression or digital scan record the condition of the teeth and jaws.
- Treatment planYou are told which appliance will be used, the estimated length of treatment and whether any extractions are needed.
- Fitting the applianceBrackets are bonded to the teeth or the aligners are handed over. A slight pressure and tenderness in the first few days is normal.
- Regular check-upsAt check-ups, usually every four to six weeks, the wires are adjusted or you move on to new aligners.
- RetentionWhen treatment ends a retainer is used to stop the teeth drifting back. This stage is as important as the treatment itself.
Oral care during treatment
- Brush after every meal; use an interdental brush around the brackets.
- Avoid hard, sticky and shelled foods; they can break brackets and bend wires.
- If you wear clear aligners, take them out when eating or drinking anything other than water.
- If a bracket comes off or a wire is poking, let us know without waiting for your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does orthodontic treatment start?
The recommended age for a first orthodontic examination is around seven, when problems in jaw development can be spotted early. Treatment itself usually starts once the permanent teeth have come through. Adults with healthy teeth and gums can have orthodontic treatment at any age.
How long does treatment with braces take?
It depends on the severity of the problem and on how well the patient cooperates. Most treatments are completed in between one and a half and two and a half years; mild cases can be shorter.
Does it hurt to have braces fitted?
Bonding the brackets is not painful. After the wire is fitted and after each adjustment there may be a feeling of pressure and tenderness for a few days; soft foods help during that time.
Will the teeth move back after treatment?
If the retainer is not used as recommended, teeth tend to return to their old positions. That is why the retention period is part of the treatment.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an examination. The right treatment for you is decided after your dentist's examination and any imaging needed.