Braces
What are braces?
Braces, or dental brackets, are a type of orthodontic treatment to help correct the positioning of your teeth and sometimes your jaw. They can be single or multiple pieces either fixed around your teeth or easily removable. Thanks to the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry, braces can come in various types: metal (traditional), self-ligating or transparent (ceramic).
Why are they used?
Braces are used by orthodontists to correct problems with the teeth and jaw, this includes:
- Overcrowding
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Jaw misalignment problems
What are the different types of braces?
- Fixed traditional braces — these are formed of high-grade stainless steel and are accompanied by metal arches, elastic bands and a flexible wire that connects all the brackets and bands.
- Self-ligating braces — these are an evolution of traditional metal braces. Instead of using elastic bands, these use clips to hold the wire in place.
- Lingual or transparent braces — some people only need minor corrections, so they can use clear, removable appliances, often called clear aligners or invisible braces. These need to be replaced every one to three weeks with a new set. They shouldn’t be worn when eating, brushing or flossing.
What is the best age to have braces?
The ideal age to have braces is around 12 to 13 years old when the child’s teeth and jaw are still growing. Adults can have braces at any age, but the treatment usually takes longer.
What to expect
Treatment is normally done in three phases: the placement of the braces, the periodic adjustments and then the use of a retainer.
You will need to return periodically to see your orthodontist so they can adjust your braces by either tightening wires or replacing a set of clear aligners. All of this puts pressure on the teeth and slowly shifts them into their new position. If your orthodontist needs to realign your jaw, they will apply tension using elastic bands stretched between opposing teeth. You should expect your teeth and jaw to feel slightly sore for a few days after each adjustment.
Aftercare
When you have your braces removed, you will need to wear a retainer for a short period to help keep your teeth in place and prevent them from moving back to their original position. These are typically made of plastic, but can sometimes be made of both plastic and metal wires.
How long do I need to wear braces?
Adults can expect to wear braces for one to three years, depending on the severity of the condition. Children tend to wear braces for 18 months to two years and visits to the orthodontist are needed every six to eight weeks.


Fastbraces®: who can benefit?
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Fastbraces® is a revolutionary orthodontic system, where the teeth are moved and straightened using a brace that requires just one wire. One of our top dentists Dr Olurotimi Adesanya explains who can benefit from the procedure and how much it costs. See more


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Fastbraces®: how fast can they really fix your teeth?
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As the name suggests, Fastbraces® are known to straighten your teeth pretty fast when compared to traditional braces. But how fast are we talking here? Dr Olurotimi Adesanya, a top dentist based in Kent, explains. See more


Top 5 reasons why adults need braces
By Dr Moira Wong
2022-05-25
Braces were once thought of as a treatment for older children and teenagers – best to have while their jaws are still developing before the teeth settle in adulthood, right? Well, not necessarily. Modern orthodontics recognises that, in fact, the teeth can continue to move at any age, and adults with misaligned teeth may very well benefit from braces too. Esteemed dentist Moira Wong explains: See more
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Dr Moira Wong
OrthodonticsExpert in:
- Orthodontics
- Aesthetic orthodontics
- Braces
- Paediatric orthodontics
- Interceptive orthodontics
- Malocclusion
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Dr Asif Chatoo
OrthodonticsExpert in:
- Lingual braces
- Braces
- Invisalign
- Orthodontics
- Paediatric orthodontics
- Interceptive orthodontics
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Dr Dipen Patel
DentistryExpert in:
- Orthodontics
- Lingual braces
- Invisalign
- Prosthetic ceramic / zirconium
- Braces
- Teeth whitening
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Dr Dana Bondoc
OrthodonticsExpert in:
- Accelerated orthodontics
- Paediatric orthodontics
- Invisalign
- Dental monitoring
- Braces
- Invisible braces
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Dr Eslam Mansour
OrthodonticsExpert in:
- Invisalign
- Lingual braces
- Damon braces
- Braces
- Gummy smile
- Mandibular advancement device
- See all

Moira Wong Orthodontics
Moira Wong Orthodontics
27A Kensington Church Street, London
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Harley Street Dental Studio
Harley Street Dental Studio
52 Harley Street, Marylebone
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The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic
The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic
26 Harmont House, 20 Harley Street
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Top Doctors
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Moira Wong Orthodontics
27A Kensington Church Street, London, Central LondonExpert in:
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Oral surgery
- Fillings
- Aesthetic dentistry
- Invisalign
- Dental check up (adults)
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Harley Street Dental Studio
52 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Porcelain veneers
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Endodontics
- Aesthetic dentistry
- Dental implants
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The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic
26 Harmont House, 20 Harley Street, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Aesthetic dentistry
- Invisalign
- Orthodontics (adults)
- See all