Braces are the most common fixed appliances consisting of bands, wires, and brackets. Bands are fixed around the back teeth and are used as anchors for the device; brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth, and arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today’s braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright colours for kids and ceramic/tooth-coloured styles preferred by many adults.

The dentist will begin by cleaning and drying your teeth. Next, she will apply an adhesive substance to your teeth to attach the brackets. Once they are in place, she will install the arch wire into the brackets and use elastic modules to secure them. Typically, the entire process takes between 1 and 2 hours. Though the procedure is not painful, it is common to feel discomfort afterwards. Initially, your tongue and cheek will rub against the braces, which may cause some sensitivity and make your teeth feel sore. Getting used to the braces typically takes about a week; paracetamol will help.

Once your braces have been placed on your teeth, you need to care for them properly to get the best results and avoid causing staining or decay to form on the teeth and prevent gum disease. When brushing, it’s essential to clean your teeth thoroughly. Brushing will be more difficult with braces; you must thoroughly clean around the brackets and remove plaque at the gum line. It is advised to brush after every meal, floss at least once a day with interproximal brushes or super floss designed for braces and use a fluoride mouthwash once a week.

You will also need to pay particular attention to the foods you eat. Foods high in sugar may lead to excess plaque build-up that can cause tooth decay. Additionally, foods that are sticky or hard should be avoided. Lastly, you should maintain your regular six-monthly dental check-ups with your dentist, separate from the monthly orthodontic appointments.

Avoid all hard, sticky, or chewy foods, including:

• Ice
• Pizza crust, pretzels, rolls and bagels
• Taco shells and chips
• Candy, suckers, and gum
• Nuts
• Steak
• Popcorn
• Raw carrots, apples
• Sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices – these are very damaging. Not only do have they have sugars which lead to decay, but they are VERY acidic causing further damage to enamel
  

Treatment durations vary. The average time of orthodontic treatment is between 18 months to 2 years. Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding breakage, wearing any removable aspects to your treatment (such as elastic bands and retainers), and keeping regular appointments are all essential to remain on schedule and finish treatment as soon as possible.

Teeth move throughout our lives. Retainers are designed to hold the teeth in corrected positions after alignment until the bone and ligaments remodel the new tooth position. Retainers are worn full-time for a month after the braces are removed, and then night-time wear is indefinite. 

Invisalign is the clear and virtually invisible solution to straightening your teeth; through a series of custom-made, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into the ideal position.

Invisalign is clear and removable to fit in with most lifestyles and means you can take them out for that special function if needed. It also means you can effectively clean your teeth without working around braces attached to them. A custom-made series of aligners are developed for everyone. Wearing the aligners 20-22 hours a day will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. There are no brackets or wires. You pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks until your treatment is complete.

Invisalign aligners are removable, making brushing and flossing your teeth easier and maintaining oral hygiene during treatment.

With Invisalign, you can eat, drink, and chew all your favourite foods as you remove your aligners to eat and drink.

You only need to attend dental appointments every 6-8 weeks to review your treatment, as opposed to every four weeks with braces.

Invisalign is virtually invisible so that you can straighten your teeth with confidence.



You won’t have to worry about emergency dental visits due to braces, brackets and wires breaking during treatment.

Stay active in all the activities and sports you enjoy – Invisalign fits into your lifestyle.

After an initial consultation, if you decide to proceed with Invisalign treatment, we will take a series of impressions or 3D scans of your teeth sent to Invisalign. Your custom-made series of aligners will be manufactured. Each person will have a specific case, and the number of aligners will vary for each treatment. 

Once your aligners arrive, you will come for an appointment and have the first set fitted. We will talk you through wearing your aligners and answer any questions. 

You wear each aligner for two weeks and then move to the next aligner in the set. Each aligner is numbered to make it easy! We will usually provide you with three sets of aligners at a time and have a review appointment at six weeks to check on progress and give you the following three sets if all is going well. 

It is essential to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for eating and drinking – or if you have a special event!

Invisalign is proven to treat cases from minor teeth straightening to moderate and severe malocclusions and can treat:

Gapped Teeth, Crossbite, Overbite, Underbite, Overcrowding, Open bite.

As each person's case is unique, there are a range of Invisalign options to suit everyone, ranging from lite moderate and complete treatment packages. These are determined by the complexity of each person's case and how long you will be in treatment, and all vary in price.

We offer interest-free payment plans for all Invisalign options. Call us today to book your initial consultation and learn more about Invisalign!