Braces & Aligners
Gently guiding your teeth into perfect alignment — with modern orthodontic solutions tailored to your needs, age, and lifestyle.
What Are Braces & Aligners?
Braces and aligners are orthodontic devices that straighten and align teeth by applying consistent, controlled pressure over time. Both are highly effective — the best choice depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and the complexity of your case.
Beyond aesthetics, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reduce the risk of gum disease, distribute bite forces more evenly, and can eliminate jaw-related pain — making orthodontic treatment a long-term investment in your oral health, not just your appearance.
Braces or Aligners — Which Is Right for You?
Both are proven orthodontic solutions. Your clinician will help determine the best fit based on your case complexity, age, and personal preference.
B Traditional Braces
Braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the surface of each tooth, connected by a wire that is periodically tightened. They are fixed, meaning they work continuously without relying on patient compliance. Braces are particularly effective for complex cases involving rotations, vertical movement, or significant bite correction.
A Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of custom-fitted, transparent trays that are replaced every 1–2 weeks as your teeth gradually shift. They are virtually invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and generally more comfortable than fixed braces. They are ideal for mild to moderate alignment issues and are popular with adult patients seeking a discreet treatment option.
When You May Need Braces or Aligners
Your Treatment Journey
1 Assessment & Records
A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation including X-rays, photographs, and digital scans is taken to fully map your bite, tooth positions, and jaw relationship. This forms the basis of your customised treatment plan.
2 Appliance Fitting
For braces, brackets are bonded to the teeth and a wire is placed. For aligners, your custom-fabricated first set of trays is delivered and fitted. We walk you through everything you need to know about wearing and caring for your new appliance.
3 Regular Reviews & Adjustments
Braces require periodic wire adjustments every 4–8 weeks. Aligner patients collect new trays and check in regularly to assess progress. At each appointment we monitor movement and make any necessary refinements to keep your treatment on track.
4 Retention
Once your teeth have moved into their final positions, the active appliance is removed and retainers are provided. Retainers hold your result stable while the bone fully settles around the repositioned teeth — an essential final phase that protects everything you have achieved.
Post-Treatment Care
Good habits after orthodontic treatment protect your result and keep your smile straight for life.
- Wear your retainer as directed: This is non-negotiable. Teeth will shift without retention — wearing your retainer consistently is what preserves the entire outcome of your treatment.
- Brush and floss daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth every day to prevent cavities and gum disease, which can emerge unbothered by the protection of braces.
- Continue regular dental check-ups: Visit us every six months for professional cleaning and monitoring — especially important in the first year after treatment.
- Avoid hard, sticky foods: These can damage teeth and retainers. Even after braces are off, protect the health of your newly aligned teeth.
- Care for a permanent retainer: If fitted with a bonded wire retainer, use a floss threader or interdental brush to thoroughly clean beneath it daily.
- Care for a removable retainer: Clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or a retainer-cleaning solution. Do not use toothpaste, which can scratch clear retainers.
- Report any discomfort: If your retainer feels tight after a break in wearing, or if you have any pain or concerns, contact us promptly rather than waiting for your next appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment duration varies based on the complexity of the case. Minor corrections with aligners can take as little as 6 months. Comprehensive braces treatment typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. We provide a personalised estimated timeline at your first consultation.
Both systems cause mild soreness for a few days after fitting or adjustment as teeth begin to move. This is entirely normal and temporary. Over-the-counter pain relief and a soft food diet during those periods are usually sufficient to manage any discomfort.
Absolutely. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners in particular have become very popular with adult patients due to their discreet appearance. The biology of tooth movement works at any age — treatment may simply take slightly longer in adults compared to growing teenagers.
Yes. Clear aligners need to be worn for 20–22 hours per day to be effective. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and for cleaning your teeth. Inconsistent wear will extend your treatment time and compromise results.
Without retention, yes — teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions, especially in the first year after treatment. Consistent retainer wear as directed is what locks in your result permanently. This is why retention is as important as the active treatment itself.
Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
Whether you choose braces or aligners, the result is the same — a healthier, more attractive smile that lasts a lifetime. Let's find the right path for you.
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