Braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and orthodontic wires to move teeth in a controlled manner. They can be used in children, adolescents and adults to manage crowding, spacing and a range of bite problems.

Treatment aims for more than straight-looking teeth. The bite, jaw relationships, periodontal support, facial profile and long-term stability are considered together.

What Are Braces?

Brackets are attached to the tooth surfaces and an orthodontic wire passes through them. The wire and auxiliary components apply controlled forces to move teeth towards planned positions. Progress is reviewed and the appliance is adjusted during treatment.

When May Braces Be Considered?

Crowding
Spaces between teeth
Deep bite
Open bite
Crossbite
Protrusive upper or lower teeth
Impacted or abnormally erupting teeth
Orthodontic preparation before and after jaw surgery
Tooth positioning before restorative or aesthetic treatment

Who Can Have Braces?

Braces can be considered for children, adolescents and adults when oral health is suitable. Age alone is not a barrier, but healthy gum and bone support are important. Active decay or gum disease should be managed before or alongside orthodontic treatment.

What Is Assessed Before Treatment?

Tooth alignment and eruption
The relationship between upper and lower teeth
Jaw and facial relationships
Gum and periodontal health
Missing, impacted or extra teeth
Lip position and facial profile
Oral hygiene habits

Intraoral and facial photographs, digital scans or impressions, panoramic images and cephalometric records may be used when required.

Types of Braces

Metal Braces

These are durable and widely used. They are more visible than aesthetic alternatives.

Ceramic Braces

They use tooth-coloured materials and may be less noticeable. Friction, care and breakage characteristics can differ from metal brackets.

Self-Ligating Braces

These brackets have an integrated mechanism that holds the wire. They do not guarantee shorter treatment or superior results in every case.

Lingual Braces

These are placed on the inner surfaces of the teeth. They may be less visible externally but are not suitable for every case and have different care requirements.

How Are Braces Fitted?

The tooth surfaces are cleaned and brackets are bonded with a dental adhesive. The wire is placed into the brackets. Fitting usually does not require cutting or drilling the teeth. Appointment duration varies by appliance and treatment scope.

How Often Are Reviews Required?

The interval depends on the appliance, treatment stage and tooth movement. Wires, elastics or other components may be adjusted, and oral hygiene and progress are reviewed. Long gaps between appointments can affect control and duration.

Do Braces Hurt?

Temporary pressure and tenderness can occur for a few days after fitting or adjustment. Orthodontic wax can help with cheek or lip irritation. Severe, worsening or persistent pain should be assessed.

Eating with Braces

Cut hard foods into small pieces.
Do not bite ice, hard nuts, pens or similar objects.
Sticky sweets and chewing gum can damage the appliance.
Limit frequent sugary foods and drinks.
Avoid tearing hard food with the front teeth.

Oral Hygiene with Braces

Plaque can collect around brackets and wires. Inadequate cleaning increases the risk of white-spot lesions, decay and gum inflammation.

Brush the teeth and around brackets carefully at least twice daily.
Use orthodontic interdental brushes or another recommended method.
Use fluoride toothpaste.
Attend professional cleaning and gum reviews when advised.

What Should Be Done If a Bracket or Wire Breaks?

Contact the clinic if a bracket loosens, a wire becomes sharp or a component breaks. Orthodontic wax may temporarily cover an irritating wire. Do not cut wires or force the appliance at home. Significant trauma or a swallowing or breathing risk requires urgent assessment.

How Are Orthodontic Elastics Used?

Elastics help manage selected bite relationships. They should be worn in the prescribed direction and duration. Using additional elastics does not speed treatment and can create unwanted forces.

Are Tooth Extractions Always Required?

No. Space, tooth position, facial profile, bite and long-term stability are assessed together. Expansion, limited interproximal enamel reduction or non-extraction mechanics may be alternatives in some cases, but not for every patient.

Can an Impacted Tooth Be Brought into the Arch?

Some impacted teeth can be surgically exposed and guided into position with orthodontic forces. Tooth location, root anatomy, effects on neighbouring teeth and bone support influence feasibility.

Braces for Adults

Existing fillings, crowns, implants, missing teeth and periodontal health are included in adult planning. Implants do not move orthodontically, so treatment sequence is important. Periodontal and restorative coordination may be required.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Duration depends on complexity, required movements, biological response, appointment attendance, appliance breakage, elastic wear and oral hygiene. An exact duration cannot be provided before assessment.

Retention After Braces

Fixed or removable retainers are used after bracket removal to help maintain the new positions. Teeth can continue to move throughout life, so the retention plan is important.

Braces or Clear Aligners?

Both can create effective orthodontic movement. Fixed braces are less dependent on daily wear, while aligners are removable and less visible. Complexity, habits and treatment goals guide the choice.

See Clear Aligner Treatment for further information.

Braces Treatment at Ozant Dental Clinic

Planning is based on alignment, bite, jaw structure, periodontal health and individual expectations. Bracket type does not take priority over treatment objectives. Tooth movement, oral hygiene and root and tissue health are monitored.

For an overview, see Orthodontic Treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are teeth cut when braces are fitted?

Usually not. Brackets are bonded to tooth surfaces. Any separate procedure required by the plan is discussed beforehand.

Do braces cause tooth decay?

Braces do not directly cause decay, but plaque retention around them makes effective cleaning essential.

Can I play sport with braces?

Most sports are possible. An orthodontic mouthguard may be recommended for contact sports.

Can broken brackets extend treatment?

Repeated or unrepaired breakages can disrupt planned forces and extend treatment.

Can teeth move again after braces?

Yes. Teeth can move over time, and retainers help limit unwanted movement.

Appointment and Assessment

To assess suitability for braces, compare bracket options and plan orthodontic treatment, you can submit an appointment request.

Medical Information

This content has been prepared for general information. It does not replace a clinical examination, diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. The appropriate approach is determined after considering oral health, general health, clinical findings and individual needs. No particular treatment result, lifespan or suitability for every patient is guaranteed.

Last updated: 3 August 2026