Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces, or simply braces) are used to help align and straighten teeth and help to position them with regard to a person’s bite, while also working to improve dental health.

They are often used to correct crooked teeth as well as under bites, overbites and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw.

Braces can be either cosmetic or structural and are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and to otherwise assist in shaping the teeth and jaws. While they are mainly used on children and teenagers, adults are also big contributors to this type of market including people seen on television, such as actors, Tom Cruise, Katherine Heigl, and R&B singer Fantasia.

Orthodontic treatment uses appliances to correct the position of the teeth. The four main types of appliance that are used in orthodontic treatment are as follows.

Removable appliance

Usually in the form of plastic plates, which cover the roof of the mouth and clip on to some teeth can be used to correct minor problems, such as slightly crooked teeth. Although the appliance is easily removable, it should only be taken out of the mouth for cleaning. However, removing the appliance may sometimes be recommended as a precaution during certain activities, such as cycling or playing a wind instrument. We will advise our patients about this.

Functional appliance

can be used to treat problems with the relative position of the upper jaw and teeth and the lower jaw and teeth, such as overbites and underbites. They are designed to correct the position by affecting growth and in general most people who use functional appliances only need to wear them for a certain number of hours each day.

Fixed appliance

these are the most common type of orthodontic appliance. They can be used to treat cases where a number of teeth need to be corrected, or where a high degree of precision is required to guide the development of the teeth and prevent problems in the future. You will be able to eat normally while wearing a fixed appliance. However, certain foods and drinks, such as toffee, hard sweets and fizzy drinks, must be avoided because they can damage the appliance and the teeth. If you are using a fixed appliance and you play contact sports, you should wear a gum shield to protect both your mouth and the appliance. NHS braces are usually made out of metal, so they will be noticeable on the front of your teeth. For private dental treatments , we can offer a range of ceramic or clear plastic braces that are much less noticeable.

Headgear

this used to correct the position of the back teeth or to keep them in position while the front teeth are being treated. Most people only need to wear headgear for a few hours during the evening or when they are sleeping. You will not be able to eat or drink while you are wearing your headgear.