Traditional braces are a well-established orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than older designs, while still offering the same reliable, controlled tooth movement that has made them a trusted option for decades.

What traditional braces are designed to do

Traditional braces use small metal brackets attached to the teeth and a thin archwire that runs through them. Over time, gentle pressure guides teeth into a more balanced position. Depending on your bite, elastic bands (often called elastics) may also be used to help correct how the jaws and teeth meet.

This approach can improve:

• Crowding or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth that sit forward, back, or out of line
• Bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
• Overall dental function, including chewing efficiency and tooth-to-tooth contact

Who may benefit most, and when another option may be better

Traditional braces can be suitable for teenagers and adults and are particularly helpful when more complex tooth movement is needed.

They may be recommended if you have:

• Moderate to severe crowding
• Significant bite discrepancies
• Teeth that need precise rotation or vertical movement
• A preference for a fixed appliance that does not rely on remembering to wear aligners

However, braces are not always the right starting point. Treatment may need to be delayed or adjusted if there is:

• Active gum disease or untreated decay
• Poor oral hygiene that could increase the risk of staining or enamel damage during treatment
• Certain jaw growth or bite patterns that may require additional planning or combined treatments

During your consultation at our orthodontic clinic, our specialists will explain whether traditional braces are the most appropriate choice or whether alternatives such as clear aligners or ceramic braces may better suit your goals and lifestyle.

Your assessment and treatment planning

Orthodontic care should be planned, not guessed. Before any braces are fitted, a detailed assessment is carried out to understand both tooth alignment and bite.

This usually includes:

• A full orthodontic examination
• Photographs of the teeth and face
• Digital scans or dental impressions
• X-rays when clinically needed to assess tooth roots and bone support
• A discussion about your priorities, including appearance, timing, and long-term stability

A personalised plan is then created, outlining the expected stages of movement, estimated treatment duration, and the type of braces and auxiliaries likely to be used.

What the braces fitting process is like

Fitting braces is usually straightforward and does not require general anaesthetic.

Placing the brackets and wire

• The teeth are cleaned and kept dry.
• A dental adhesive is used to secure brackets to the front surface of each tooth.
• An archwire is placed through the brackets and held in position with small elastic modules or clips, depending on the brace type.

Elastics and additional components

If bite correction is needed, elastics may be introduced at the start or later in treatment. In some cases, other components may be used to improve control of tooth movement, such as springs or bite blocks. These are chosen based on the treatment plan and monitored closely.

How it feels at the start

It is normal for teeth to feel tender or “tight” for a few days after fitting and following adjustments. The lips and cheeks can also feel irritated initially as the mouth adapts.

Living with braces day to day

Traditional braces are fixed in place, so success depends heavily on oral hygiene and attending scheduled appointments.

Cleaning and gum care

Braces create more areas where plaque can collect. To protect enamel and gums, patients are typically advised to:

• Brush carefully around brackets and along the gumline at least twice daily
• Use interdental brushes to clean between brackets and under the wire
• Consider a fluoride mouthwash if recommended

Your orthodontic team will show you the most effective technique and help you build a routine that is realistic to maintain.

Food and habits to avoid

Certain foods and habits can damage brackets or bend wires, which may slow progress. Common guidance includes avoiding:

• Very hard foods (for example, hard sweets, ice, uncut apples)
• Sticky foods (for example, chewing gum, toffees)
• Biting directly into crusty bread or tough meats without cutting into smaller pieces

If a bracket comes loose or a wire feels sharp, contact our clinic for advice. Timely repairs help keep treatment on track.

Appointments and how progress is monitored

Braces work gradually and need regular monitoring. Adjustment appointments are usually scheduled every few weeks, depending on your plan.

At these visits, the orthodontic professional may:

• Change or adjust the archwire
• Replace elastic modules
• Introduce or modify elastics
• Check bite changes and tooth movement against the plan

Treatment time varies widely. Many patients wear braces for around 18 to 24 months, but shorter or longer courses are possible depending on complexity, bite goals, and how consistently instructions are followed.

What happens after braces come off: retention matters

Straightening teeth is only part of orthodontic care. After braces are removed, retainers are used to help keep teeth in their new positions while the surrounding tissues stabilise.

Retention often involves:

• A removable retainer worn at night, sometimes full-time initially
• In some cases, a fixed retainer (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth)

Retainer wear is essential for long-term stability. Without retention, teeth can gradually shift back over time.

Risks, limitations, and important considerations

Traditional braces are widely used and generally safe, but all orthodontic treatment has potential risks and limitations. Your orthodontist will discuss these in the context of your mouth and bite.

Key considerations include:

• Temporary discomfort after fitting and adjustments
• Mouth ulcers or irritation from brackets and wires, especially early on
• Enamel decalcification or staining if plaque is not controlled
• Gum inflammation if oral hygiene is not maintained
• Small risk of root shortening (root resorption), typically mild but monitored
• Treatment delays if appointments are missed, appliances break, or elastics are not worn as instructed

Orthodontic treatment can improve appearance and function, but it cannot change tooth shape or permanently prevent natural age-related changes in the mouth. Long-term results depend on retention and good dental care.

Your consultation journey and ongoing support

At our specialist orthodontic clinic, care is delivered as a coordinated, end-to-end experience. From the first consultation through to brace removal and retention, you will be supported by an experienced orthodontic team with clear communication at each stage.

Your appointment will focus on:

• Understanding your concerns and what you would like to change
• Assessing tooth alignment, bite, and oral health
• Explaining realistic outcomes, timelines, and any alternatives
• Answering practical questions about comfort, hygiene, and lifestyle

If you decide to proceed, your treatment plan is tailored to you and reviewed throughout. If any concerns arise during treatment, our team is available to advise and arrange timely reviews so you feel supported and confident as your smile changes.