Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

Braces are dental tools that use brackets and wires to gradually straighten crooked or crowded teeth and improve your bite.

Braces can be used by teenagers and adults. Your dentist or orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, gums and bite to determine the most suitable treatment for you.

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and your individual treatment plan. Many patients wear braces for around 18 to 24 months, but your exact treatment time will be determined by your orthodontist.

Getting braces fitted is generally not painful. You may experience mild soreness or pressure for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted. This usually settles as your mouth gets used to the treatment.

Most people adjust quickly to braces. You may notice a slight change in speech initially, but your tongue and mouth usually adapt within a short period.

Hard foods: nuts, hard candy and ice. Sticky foods: chewing gum, caramel and sticky candies. Crunchy foods: popcorn and whole apples. Cut hard fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces before eating. Avoid foods that can damage brackets or wires and follow your dentist's dietary instructions.

Brush your teeth carefully after meals using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean around the brackets and wires carefully. Use dental floss with a floss threader or another orthodontic cleaning aid to clean between your teeth.

Traditional metal braces use stainless-steel brackets attached to the teeth and connected with an archwire. The wire applies gentle, controlled pressure to gradually move the teeth into better positions.

Highly effective: they can treat a wide range of tooth alignment and bite problems. Cost-effective: they are generally one of the more affordable orthodontic treatment options. Customisable: patients can often choose different coloured elastic bands during appointments.

Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional metal braces, but the brackets are made from tooth-coloured or clear ceramic material, making them less noticeable.

The ceramic brackets themselves are generally resistant to staining. However, the clear or light-coloured elastic ties can become discoloured from foods and drinks such as tea, coffee and turmeric. These ties are replaced during follow-up appointments.

Clear aligners are a series of transparent, removable trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth. They gradually move the teeth without traditional brackets and wires.

Yes. Clear aligners should be removed before eating and before drinking anything other than water. You can then put them back after cleaning your teeth and the aligners.

Clear aligners generally need to be worn for around 20 to 22 hours per day for the treatment to work as planned. They should usually only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing, according to your orthodontist's instructions.

Self-ligating braces look similar to traditional braces, but they use a built-in clip or door to hold the archwire instead of conventional elastic ties. They are available in metal and ceramic options.

Fewer clinic visits: depending on your treatment plan, you may require fewer adjustment appointments. Easier to clean: the absence of elastic ties can make cleaning around the brackets easier. Comfort: some patients may experience less friction during treatment, although comfort varies from person to person.