What are braces?

Braces, also known as fixed appliances, are a reliable and effective orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They consist of small brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire.

The wire applies a gentle, controlled force that gradually moves the teeth into their ideal positions. At regular appointments, the wire is adjusted to ensure steady, accurate tooth movement throughout treatment.

In some cases, elastics (rubber bands) are also used in combination with braces. These attach to the brackets and help guide groups of teeth or the jaws into better alignment.

Fixed braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment for children and teenagers and remain one of the most precise and reliable ways to correct complex tooth and bite issues.

How do braces work to straighten teeth?

Braces work by applying light, continuous pressure to the teeth over time. The wire is responsible for generating the force that moves the teeth, while the brackets act as anchors that allow the wire to apply this force in a controlled way.

As the teeth respond to the pressure, they gradually shift through the bone into a healthier, more aligned position. This process is carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure safe, predictable, and stable results.

How long will it take to straighten my teeth?

The length of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of correction required.

Some mild or limited treatments may take as little as a few months, while more comprehensive treatment can take 18 to 24 months or longer. Most routine cases are completed within 18 months. At your consultation, your orthodontist will provide an individualised estimate based on your specific needs.

Is treatment painful?

Most patients experience a feeling of pressure rather than pain, particularly in the days following an adjustment. This sensation is usually mild and short-lived as the teeth begin to move.

Any discomfort typically settles within a few days and is well managed with simple measures. The majority of patients adapt quickly and find treatment very manageable.

The best age to get braces?

For many patients, the ideal age for braces is between 11 and 13 years. At this stage, most baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth, and the pubertal growth spurt is beginning. This natural growth phase can make orthodontic treatment more efficient and help achieve stable long-term results, particularly when correcting bite problems.

That said, some orthodontic issues benefit from earlier assessment or intervention. For this reason, we recommend that all children have their first orthodontic assessment around the age of 8. Early visits allow us to monitor development, identify potential concerns, and advise whether treatment is needed now or can safely be delayed.

Braces are also a very effective option for adults. While tooth movement is similar at any age, adults often have additional aesthetic options available and treatment is tailored to suit individual needs and lifestyles.

I have been told that my child needs an expander, but she is quite young and still has a lot of baby teeth. What should I do?

It is understandable to feel uncertain when orthodontic treatment is recommended at a young age. In some situations, early expansion can be beneficial, particularly when there are clear functional or developmental concerns that are unlikely to improve on their own.

However, not every child who is recommended an expander requires immediate treatment. In many cases, careful monitoring of growth and dental development allows treatment to be timed later with the same long-term outcome and less intervention. The decision depends on factors such as jaw growth, bite relationships, dental development, and whether the issue is likely to worsen if left untreated.

A specialist orthodontic assessment helps determine whether early expansion is necessary, advantageous, or whether observation and review is the more appropriate approach. Our philosophy is to recommend early treatment only when it offers a clear and meaningful long-term benefit.

Does early orthodontic treatment prevent the need for braces later?

In some cases, early orthodontic treatment can reduce the severity or complexity of treatment later on. It may help guide jaw growth, improve bite relationships, or create space for permanent teeth to erupt more favourably.

However, early treatment does not usually eliminate the need for braces altogether. Most children who undergo early orthodontic treatment still require a second phase of treatment once all permanent teeth have erupted to achieve optimal alignment and bite correction.

The decision to recommend early treatment is based on whether it offers a clear long-term benefit compared with careful monitoring and treatment at a later stage. A specialist orthodontic assessment helps determine the most appropriate timing and approach for each individual child.

When should my child have their first orthodontist visit?

We recommend that children have their first orthodontic assessment at around 8 years of age. At this stage, we can screen for developing orthodontic problems, including some that may not be obvious, and advise on the best timing for treatment if required.

Only a small proportion of children need early orthodontic treatment, but early assessment allows families to plan ahead with confidence and helps children become familiar with the orthodontic environment.

How is treatment cost determined?

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the type of treatment recommended, the complexity of the case, and the length of treatment required. Because every patient’s orthodontic needs are different, fees are discussed after a thorough assessment and are tailored to the individual treatment plan.

Most families choose to manage orthodontic fees through staged or periodic payment arrangements, which are discussed clearly at the consultation to help make treatment manageable and predictable.

Get in contact

If you would like to learn more about braces or find out whether they are the right option for you or your child, please get in touch with our team. We are always happy to answer questions and provide clear, honest advice.