Fixed braces

Ceramic braces consist of ceramic (or ‘tooth-coloured’) brackets attached to the teeth with a wire running through them. As the wire is gradually tightened, the brace aligns your teeth into the desired position.

Clear ceramic braces are a private treatment option, and the price will depend on the severity of your case. During your initial consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will let you know the best brace option for your misalignment.

Many people opt for ceramic braces because they’re a discreet option that delivers reliable and predictable results. As such, they’re popular with those who are self-conscious about having traditional metal braces, which are often associated with teenagers.

Your dentist will be able to recommend the best brace for you during your initial consultation, when you can discuss your preferences, lifestyle and budget to come up with a plan that works for you.

Sometimes referred to as ‘train track’ braces, traditional metal braces are the most popular choice for teeth straightening treatment. Known for predictable and reliable results, they are composed of small metal brackets fixed to the front surface of your teeth and joined by a thin wire. The wire will be gradually tightened over the course of your treatment journey, applying the pressure that rectifies your misalignment.

Fixed metal braces are suitable for the majority of orthodontic cases. They are used to rectify issues including crowded teeth, crooked teeth, bite issues such as underbite and overbite, and gaps between the teeth.

They’re also frequently recommended for more severe misalignments as they can produce a significant amount of movement in the teeth. Your Smiles Dental clinician or orthodontist will discuss the best options for your individual case at your consultation, helping you to decide on the brace that’s right for you.

If you or your child does not qualify for free orthodontic treatment, you can have fixed metal braces as a private treatment option. Book a consultation with your nearest Smiles Dental orthodontist or dentist and receive an accurate quote based upon your individual needs.

Lingual braces, often referred to as ‘hidden braces’ are very similar to traditional fixed metal braces. However, they’re fitted to the back surface of your teeth instead of the front, meaning they’re a considerably more discreet option for people seeking orthodontics with fixed braces.

Made from brackets and wires, lingual braces use consistent pressure to align the teeth and are virtually invisible when talking, smiling or eating. They’re suitable for all ages but are particularly popular with adults who feel self-conscious about teeth straightening with traditional metal braces.

Because lingual braces require specialist equipment in order to be fitted and are custom made to the patient’s mouth arch, they can be more expensive than other treatment options. For an accurate quote, speak to your nearest Smiles Dental dentist or orthodontist at a teeth straightening consultation.

1. Your orthodontist or dentist will first make a digital scan or create dental impressions of your teeth, which will be used to custom-make the brackets and wires.
2. The brackets will be glued to the back surface of your teeth, with the arch wire threaded through them. These wires will apply gentle and consistent pressure to the teeth in order to align them and straighten your smile.
3. The lingual brace will be adjusted every six to eight weeks throughout your treatment journey, and once removed, you may need to wear a retainer to avoid your straighter smile from shifting back to its original position.

Many patients find that, for the first few weeks of the treatment journey, their speech is slightly affected by wearing a lingual brace. However, any lisping or slight whistling will improve quickly and your speech should return to normal within a couple of weeks.

Most teeth straightening treatments cause some initial discomfort – usually nothing more than a dull ache in the teeth – which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. As you get used to your lingual brace, the discomfort should become less and less noticeable.

Some patients find that their tongue feels slightly sore after a lingual brace has been fitted, especially when eating or speaking. This should gradually get better, and any discomfort can be alleviated with the use of special wax or pain-relief gels for oral use.

With all fixed braces you should avoid eating anything too hard or chewy, as these foods can cause the brackets to break off your teeth. Toffees, boiled sweets, crusty bread and crisps are typical culprits and should be avoided. Most patients adapt their diet to include more soft foods, such as pasta and soup, which are easier to manage – especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Cutting your food into smaller pieces before eating it is also recommended.

Lingual braces can be worn by patients of any age. Book a consultation at a Smiles Dental clinic near you to find out whether lingual braces are suitable for your teeth straightening needs. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to discuss your options based on your suitability, lifestyle and unique needs.

Lingual braces are often recommended for people who play a wind instrument or who contact sports like rugby, although a mouth guard will need to be worn on top of your braces.

Every treatment journey is different, and the duration depends on the severity of your misalignment. Generally, lingual braces take slightly longer than traditional metal braces. Once you’ve had your initial consultation, your Smiles Dental dentist or orthodontist will outline a treatment plan including an estimate of how long it will take to straighten your teeth.