Simply Explained
You ask . We answer.
Orthodontic treatment is a carefully planned journey designed to create healthy, confident smiles at any age. Whether you are considering braces for yourself or your child, this guide answers the most common questions about the process.
From your first consultation to the final result, understanding each step helps you feel informed and confident in your decision. Below, we address key topics including treatment options, timelines, comfort, and aftercare so you know exactly what to expect throughout your orthodontic journey.
Pre-Treatment
An orthodontist is a registered dentist who has completed additional specialist training dedicated specifically to moving teeth, correcting bite problems, and improving jaw alignment. While a general dentist looks after the overall health of your teeth and gums, an orthodontist focuses on the position of the teeth and the way the jaws fit together.
It is generally recommended that children have an initial orthodontic screening around the age of 7. At this stage, the orthodontist can monitor jaw growth, check how the permanent teeth are erupting, and identify whether early treatment may help prevent more complex problems later.
No. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age, provided the teeth and gums are healthy. Many adults now choose discreet options such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, or other less visible appliances to improve their smile and bite.
During your first visit, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and bite, discuss your concerns, and usually take digital scans or impressions, clinical photographs, and sometimes X-rays. This information is used to design a personalised treatment plan and explain the most suitable options for your case.
A panoramic X-ray gives a complete view of the teeth, roots, jawbone, and developing or impacted teeth that cannot be seen during a normal examination. It helps the orthodontist confirm that it is safe to move the teeth and plan treatment accurately.
Yes. Your teeth and gums must be healthy before orthodontic treatment begins. Any cavities, gum inflammation, infections, or necessary dental work should be treated first by your general dentist, because orthodontic forces should only be applied to healthy and stable teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can often help in cases of missing teeth. Depending on your situation, the orthodontist may close the gap or create the correct amount of space for a future implant, bridge, or other restorative treatment. This is usually planned together with your general dentist.
The cost is bespoke and depends on the complexity of your case and the type of appliance used, such as metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners. A fixed-fee quote is provided after your consultation so the total expected cost is clear before treatment begins.
Treatment fees usually include the fitting of the appliance, routine adjustment appointments, progress monitoring, and orthodontic care throughout treatment. Depending on your agreed plan, retainers and follow-up retention checks may also be included.
We aim to keep pricing transparent from the beginning. Additional costs may only apply if appliances are lost or damaged beyond normal use, or if additional dental treatment is needed outside the orthodontic plan, such as fillings, extractions, whitening, or gum treatment.
Yes. Many patients prefer to spread the cost over the treatment period. This can usually be arranged through an initial deposit followed by monthly instalments, depending on the treatment plan and clinic payment policy.
A paid-in-full discount may be available when the full treatment fee is settled at the start of treatment. This can be discussed at the consultation once the final treatment plan and fee are confirmed.
Family or sibling discounts may be available where more than one family member is undergoing treatment. This can be discussed during the consultation or when planning treatment for multiple family members.
During Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is not usually painful, but mild discomfort or pressure is common for a few days after braces are fitted or adjusted, or when starting a new aligner. This is temporary and usually settles as your teeth begin to move.
Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case and the type of appliance used. Most standard orthodontic treatments last between 12 and 30 months, although simple aligner cases may be shorter and complex bite corrections may take longer.
Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks. These visits allow the orthodontist to check progress, make adjustments, change wires or elastics if needed, and ensure treatment is moving in the right direction.
Yes. Orthodontic treatment does not replace routine dental care. You should continue regular check-ups and hygiene visits with your general dentist to make sure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout treatment.
Yes. With fixed braces, you should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods because they can break brackets, bend wires, or delay treatment. Examples include toffee, chewing gum, hard nuts, popcorn, and very crusty bread. Sugary and fizzy drinks should also be limited to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Yes. Most patients continue sports and music normally. For contact sports, a protective mouthguard is strongly recommended. Wind instrument players may need a short adjustment period while they get used to the appliance.
If a bracket breaks, a wire starts poking, or something feels uncomfortable, contact the clinic for advice. Some minor irritation can be managed temporarily with orthodontic wax, but broken appliances should be checked so treatment stays on track.
Braces & Aligners
Clear aligners are very effective for mild to moderate alignment problems, such as small gaps or mild crowding. However, fixed braces are often better for severe crowding, complex bite problems, deep overbites, significant rotations, or cases that need very precise control of tooth movement.
It depends on the case. For simple tooth movements, aligners can sometimes be faster because the treatment is digitally planned. For complex cases, fixed braces may be more efficient because they apply continuous force and give the orthodontist greater control.
Aligners require discipline because they must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Braces are fixed to the teeth, so they work continuously without needing to remember to put them back in.
Clear aligners are generally considered more comfortable because they are made from smooth plastic and have no brackets or wires. Braces may cause temporary rubbing or soreness, especially after fitting or adjustment, but most patients adapt quickly.
With aligners, you remove them before eating, so there are no major food restrictions. With fixed braces, you need to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that may damage brackets and wires or make cleaning more difficult.
Aligners are usually easier to keep clean because they are removed for brushing and flossing. Braces require more careful cleaning around brackets and wires, often using interdental brushes, floss threaders, or special orthodontic cleaning aids.
Traditional metal braces are often the most affordable option. Clear aligners may cost more because of digital planning, custom manufacturing, and laboratory fees, although the difference depends on the complexity of the case and the treatment provider.
The main difference is appearance. Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-coloured brackets, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Metal braces are more visible but are very strong, reliable, and often more cost-effective.
Ceramic braces are strong and effective, but the brackets are slightly more brittle than metal. They can occasionally chip or break if exposed to very hard foods or heavy biting forces. Metal braces are generally the most durable option for everyday wear.
The ceramic brackets themselves do not usually stain. However, the clear elastic ties used around the brackets may discolour with coffee, tea, curry, or red wine. These elastics are normally replaced at adjustment visits.
For most cases, ceramic and metal braces are equally effective and treatment time is similar. The main differences are appearance, durability, and cost rather than speed of tooth movement.
Post-Treatment
Teeth naturally have a tendency to move after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are essential to hold the teeth in their new position and protect the result you have achieved. Without retainers, teeth may gradually shift back.
When active treatment is complete, your braces or aligners are removed and retainers are provided. We also include two follow-up check-up visits within 12 months after treatment to monitor stability and make sure your smile remains on track.
Retainer wear is usually long-term. Many patients wear removable retainers full-time at first, then reduce to night-time wear as advised. The exact schedule depends on your case and the type of retainer provided.
A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the teeth and stays in place permanently unless removed by a dentist. A removable retainer is worn over the teeth and can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Some patients benefit from both.