Braces
Braces
The time-tested way to straighten teeth and correct the bite, suitable for the widest range of cases, for teens and adults.
Why braces still work well
Fixed braces, also called wire or traditional braces, have been the backbone of orthodontic treatment for decades, and the technology keeps improving: smaller brackets, thinner wires and ceramic options make them more comfortable and discreet than before. Because a bracket is bonded to every tooth, the dentist has precise, three-dimensional control over how each tooth moves, which is what makes braces so versatile.
That control means braces can handle cases that clear aligners cannot, including significant crowding and more complex bite problems. They also do not rely on the patient remembering to wear anything, the appliance is working all the time, which suits some people, especially younger patients.
What braces offer
- Versatile, from mild crowding to complex bite corrections
- Precise tooth-by-tooth control, monitored at regular adjustments
- Customisable, with coloured elastics that younger patients enjoy
- Often a more budget-friendly option than some alternatives
- More discreet than before, with smaller brackets and ceramic options
- A long, proven track record of reliable results
What braces look like
Fixed braces are brackets bonded to each tooth and joined by a thin archwire, which is adjusted over time to move the teeth.
Coloured elastics to personalise
The elastic bands that hold the wire in place come in a range of colours, which younger patients often enjoy choosing at each visit.
The braces process, step by step
Braces treatment runs through six stages, from the first assessment to the retainer that holds the result.
From consultation to retention
- Consultation and treatment planning: the dentist assesses how the teeth are misaligned and discusses your goals, then takes X-rays, photographs and moulds of the teeth so a personalised plan can be drawn up.
- Preparing for braces: a full check makes sure the gums and teeth are healthy first. Scaling is done, any decay is restored with fillings, fissure sealants are placed where needed, and any extractions to create space are carried out at this stage.
- Fitting the braces: personalised brackets, each carrying its own prescription, are bonded to the teeth with dental cement, then a metal archwire is threaded through them and held in place with elastic bands, which come in a range of colours.
- Adjustments: you return roughly every 4 to 6 weeks for monitoring. At each visit the archwire and elastics are changed to keep gentle pressure on the teeth; this pressure gradually remodels the jaw bone, which moves the teeth into position.
- Finishing and removal: a finishing phase, which can take up to three to four months, fine-tunes the position of each tooth. The brackets are then removed, residual cement is cleaned off and the tooth surfaces are polished.
- Retention: retainers are worn to hold the new alignment and stop the teeth drifting back. Retention runs from several months to a few years depending on the case.
Caring for your braces
Cleaning matters more while the braces are on, because food can lodge around the brackets and wires and the gums need to stay healthy for the teeth to keep moving. You will be shown how to brush and clean around the appliance, and each adjustment visit is a chance to check the teeth and gums.
When the braces come off, retainers take over, holding the teeth in their new position so they do not drift back. See our retainer wear and care guide for how to wear and clean them.
Let's get straight
Braces are a reliable, well-proven route to a straighter smile, and once treatment finishes, retainers hold the teeth in their new position for the long term.
Questions & answers
Braces: common questions
Braces or Invisalign: which should I choose?
How long does braces treatment take?
Do braces hurt?
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