Orthodontic treatment may involve the use of either fixed or removable braces or a combination of both.

Fixed Braces are attached by special adhesive to the teeth, and are made of stainless steel. Clear brackets are available (privately) but they are expensive. The teeth are moved along the wires using elastic bands or springs. Fixed braces are precision appliances and can position the teeth very accurately and precisely into straight lines, but they require a great deal of time, expertise and co-operation in order to be successful.

There are also removable clear unnoticeable braces (invisalign type) which are available only privately, and retainers which are fitted after removal of the fixed braces. When braces are removed, retainers would be used to help the teeth settle into their new positions.

Other specialized types of treatment are also available, but only under a Private contract. These include Use of ceramic (clear) braces, Transfer or Retreatment Cases, and Complex / Interdisciplinary Treatment. Note that all patients over the age of 18 will be treated privately.

Each and every patient requires tailor-made treatment, decided on by the orthodontist and agreed by you, the patient. In order to decide what treatment is appropriate for you, your orthodontist will want to carry out an assessment of your teeth which is likely to include x-rays and impressions (molds of the teeth). Treatment can take more than two years so it is important you are happy with what is recommended. Braces are almost always suggested. Those which are supplied most often are:

A fixed brace – this is the most common type of brace, often known as train tracks. Brackets are glued onto the teeth and connected by a wire. Sometimes small elastic bands are used to hold the wire in position. This wire exerts a gentle pressure so teeth are turned or moved into a new position. The brackets can be metal or ceramic and the elastic bands may come in many colours, these are used to tie the wire into the fixed braces.

A removable brace – this is sometimes recommended for correcting a simple problem, such as moving a single tooth. It is a plastic plate with delicate wires and springs attached. The removable brace should be worn all the time except when it needs cleaning or when you are playing sport. Clear removable (Invisalign type) are available for adult treatment if the case is suitable.

Functional braces – these are worn to alter the position of the jaws and the way the upper and lower teeth meet. The power of the jaw muscles is applied to move the teeth They are usually worn on the upper and lower teeth at the same time. They are also usually removable but should be worn as much as possible.

Retainers – at the end of treatment, all patients should wear retainers to hold their teeth in the new position. These can be removable or fixed and are an important part of treatment. We recommend removable retainers to be worn over a long term basis to prevent any relapse of tooth movement.