What braces can correct
- crowded or overlapping teeth
- gaps between teeth
- upper front teeth that stick out (overjet)
- a deep bite, where the upper teeth cover too much of the lower ones
- an underbite or crossbite
- an open bite, where the front teeth don’t meet
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps protect against decay and gum disease, and a better bite spreads the chewing load evenly.
Metal or ceramic braces
| Metal braces | Ceramic braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Visible silver brackets | Tooth-coloured brackets, much less noticeable |
| Strength | The most robust | Strong, slightly more fragile |
| Best for | All ages, all types of case | Teens and adults who want discretion |
| Care | Easiest to keep clean | Avoid heavily staining food and drink |
If you’d rather not have fixed braces, Invisalign or other clear aligners suit many mild to moderate cases.
What happens
- Orthodontic assessment. Our orthodontist examines your teeth, bite and jaws and takes X-rays and photographs. You learn what can be corrected, the options and the likely timeline.
- Records and plan. A scan or impressions are taken, and you get a written plan with the duration and the fee. Any decay or gum problems are treated first.
- Fitting. The brackets are bonded to the teeth and the wire is fitted. It takes about an hour and doesn’t hurt.
- Adjustments. Every four to eight weeks the orthodontist adjusts the wire and checks progress.
- Removal and retainers. Once the teeth are in position, the braces come off, the teeth are polished and your retainers are fitted.
Living with braces
- Brush after meals with an orthodontic or soft brush, and use interdental brushes around the brackets.
- Cut food into small pieces and avoid hard, sticky and chewy food.
- Use orthodontic wax on any bracket that rubs.
- Call us if a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes, rather than waiting for your next visit.
- Keep your regular check-ups and cleans with our general dentist while the braces are on.
Risks
Soreness after adjustments and mouth ulcers from rubbing are common and short-lived. Poor cleaning around brackets can leave white marks or decay on the teeth, so good brushing is essential. Occasionally roots shorten slightly during treatment. Teeth move back without retainers. Your orthodontist explains your personal risks before you start.
What affects the fee
Metal or ceramic braces, one jaw or both, how complex the case is, the length of treatment and the type of retainers. You get a written estimate after the orthodontic assessment.
Questions patients ask us
What is the right age for braces?
Most braces are fitted between about 11 and 15, once the adult teeth have come through. An orthodontic check around age seven is useful, because some bite problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Adults can have braces at any age if the gums and bone are healthy.
Do braces hurt?
Fitting braces doesn't hurt. The teeth feel sore and tender for three to five days after fitting and after each adjustment, and the brackets can rub the cheeks at first. Soft food, an ordinary painkiller and orthodontic wax help.
Metal or ceramic braces, which is better?
Both move teeth equally well. Metal braces are the most robust and easiest to keep clean. Ceramic braces are tooth-coloured and far less noticeable, but slightly bulkier and need care with staining foods. Your orthodontist will tell you if your case favours one.
How long do I need to wear braces?
Commonly 12 to 24 months. Mild crowding can be quicker; bite corrections and severe crowding take longer. Keeping your review appointments and looking after the brackets keeps treatment on time.
Do I need to wear a retainer after braces?
Yes. Teeth tend to drift back, especially in the first year. Most people have a thin fixed wire bonded behind the front teeth, a removable clear retainer, or both. Wearing your retainer as advised is what keeps the result for life.
Can braces change my face shape?
Braces move teeth and, in growing children, can guide jaw growth, which can change the profile and how the lips sit. In adults the change is usually smaller. Your orthodontist will show you what to expect for your case.
What can I eat with braces?
Most normal food, cut into smaller pieces. Avoid hard and sticky food such as nuts, hard candy, chikki, chewing gum and corn on the cob, which can break brackets. Brush after meals, because food collects around the brackets.
Can I get braces after a root canal or an extraction?
Yes. Root-canal-treated teeth move like other teeth. Sometimes teeth are removed as part of the plan to make space for crowding, and the orthodontist explains if that applies to you.
Sources
NHS: braces ↗ADA MouthHealthy: braces ↗Last updated 14 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.