Braces

Overview

Braces are dental devices that gently move teeth over time to straighten them, fix bite problems, and improve the look and function of your smile. They include wires, brackets, and sometimes clear aligners.

Yes, braces are very common. Millions of children, teens, and adults have braces at any given time.

Braces are most often fitted in early teenage years after most adult teeth have come in, but they can be helpful for adults of any age who want to improve their smile or bite.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Teeth that are crowded, crooked, or sticking out
• Gaps or spaces between teeth
• Difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking clearly
• A bite that feels uneven or causes jaw pain
• Teeth that do not meet properly when you close your mouth

Symptoms in children

• Early signs like persistent thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Baby teeth that fall out too early or too late
• Difficulty biting off food or chewing
• Teeth that look visibly crooked or out of line
• Speech difficulties from tooth alignment

Symptoms in older adults

• Teeth shifting with age after previous tooth loss or gum disease
• Uneven wear on teeth or jaw clenching
• Discomfort or pain in the jaw or teeth due to bite problems
• Gaps appearing between teeth that were once straight

Causes

Main causes

• Genetics – crooked teeth or bite problems often run in families
• Childhood habits such as thumb sucking or using a pacifier for a long time
• Early loss of baby teeth leading to crowding of adult teeth
• Poorly fitted dental fillings or crowns that affect bite alignment
• Jaw size differences where the jaw is too small or too large for the teeth

Risk factors

• Having a parent or sibling who wore braces
• Having teeth that are unusually large or small compared with the jaw
• Mouth injuries or habits like teeth grinding
• Conditions like cleft lip or palate
• Not seeing a dentist regularly for checkups

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden severe pain from your braces or a broken wire that is causing injury
• You have swelling in your face or gums that is not improving after a day or two

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your general dentist suggests an orthodontic evaluation to check for bite issues
• You notice teeth are crowding or shifting and want a professional opinion
• Your child has reached about age 7 and you are interested in an orthodontic check-up

Diagnosis

An orthodontist (a dentist with extra training in straightening teeth) examines your teeth, bite, and jaw. They will also ask about your medical and dental history.

Tests that may be done

• A complete dental X-ray to see all teeth and jaw bones
• Photographs of your face and smile
• An impression or digital scan of your teeth to create a model

What to expect at your appointment

The orthodontist will explain what problems they see, what treatment options are available, and how long treatment may take. They will also discuss the cost and care of braces.

Treatment

Braces are the main treatment for misaligned teeth and bite problems. They are fitted by an orthodontist and adjusted over time. The type of braces you get depends on your needs, age, and preference.

Self-care at home

• Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily around braces with special tools
• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage braces
• Attend all scheduled adjustment appointments
• Wear rubber bands or aligners exactly as instructed
• Use wax to cover any part of a bracket or wire that feels irritating

Medical treatments

Orthodontic treatment may include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners. Your orthodontist will decide the best approach. Sometimes a removable appliance, like a retainer or palate expander, is used before braces. Treatment is always personalised to your situation and may include additional steps like tooth extraction if space is very tight.

When is surgery considered?

In rare cases of severe jaw misalignment, orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be recommended alongside braces. This is usually done in a hospital and only after a detailed assessment.

Living with this condition

Getting used to braces takes a few weeks. You may feel some pressure and tenderness, especially after adjustments. It helps to eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first day or two.

Lifestyle tips

• Carry a small toothbrush and toothpaste to use after meals
• Use a protective mouthguard if you play contact sports
• Avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth – cut foods into smaller pieces
• Keep a small mirror with you to check for food stuck in braces

Diet and exercise

You can still exercise normally with braces. The main change is diet: avoid very hard foods like nuts and hard candy, and sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum. Cut raw vegetables and fruit into slices rather than biting into them whole.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Wearing braces can affect how you feel about your appearance at first. Many people feel self-conscious, especially teenagers. Remember that braces are temporary and will improve your smile and confidence in the long run.

Prevention

Not all bite problems can be prevented because genetics play a large role. However, early orthodontic evaluation (around age 7) can identify issues early. Avoiding prolonged thumb sucking and using a mouthguard during sports may reduce the risk of tooth movement from injury.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines for teeth alignment. However, staying up to date on routine vaccinations keeps your overall health strong while you are undergoing treatment.

Screening programmes

Your regular dentist will check tooth alignment at routine check-ups. If they see signs of a bite problem, they will refer you to an orthodontist for a full assessment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Tooth decay and gum disease due to hard-to-clean crowded teeth
• Uneven wear on teeth that can cause chips or fractures
• Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems from a poor bite
• Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
• Lower self-confidence about your smile

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, most people achieve a healthier smile and better bite. Braces can greatly improve oral hygiene, chewing function, and confidence. The results can last a lifetime if you follow your orthodontist's advice and wear retainers as told.

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