Straightening teeth used to mean one thing: metal braces. Today there are three realistic options, and the right one depends far more on your teeth and your habits than on what you have seen advertised. Here is how we help patients choose.
The three options
Metal braces are small stainless-steel brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a wire. They are the most versatile option. They can handle complex rotations, large bite corrections and severe crowding, and they work even if the patient forgets about them.
Ceramic braces work exactly like metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-coloured. They are much less noticeable in photographs, which many adults and older teenagers appreciate. They are slightly larger and can stain if you drink a lot of tea or coffee.
Clear aligners are a series of thin, transparent trays, each moving the teeth a fraction of a millimetre. You swap to the next set every one to two weeks. They are nearly invisible and removable, so you can eat normally and brush easily.
What each is best at
| Metal braces | Ceramic braces | Clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible | Subtle | Nearly invisible |
| Complex cases | Excellent | Excellent | Mild to moderate |
| Food rules | Avoid hard & sticky | Avoid hard & sticky | None, trays come out |
| Relies on discipline | Low | Low | High: 20–22 hrs/day |
The question that matters most
With aligners, the trays only work while they are in your mouth. They need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, taken out only to eat and brush. Patients who forget, or leave them out through long weddings and family meals, see treatment stall. If that sounds like you (or your teenager), fixed braces are often the more reliable choice.
How long does it take?
Most treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on how far the teeth need to move. Simple spacing can be quicker; jaw and bite problems take longer. Whatever the system, you will need retainers afterwards. Teeth naturally try to move back, and retainers are what make the result permanent.
Is there an age limit?
No. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and a large share of orthodontic patients today are adults. For children, we recommend an orthodontic check around age 7. Most children won't need treatment that early, but it lets us catch jaw-growth problems while they are easiest to guide.
What about cost?
Costs vary with the complexity of the case and the system chosen, so we only quote after examining your teeth. At the consultation we explain every option that would work for you, and tell you honestly if one would not.
The first step
Book an orthodontic consultation. We examine your teeth and bite, take photographs, explain what can realistically be achieved, and give you a clear plan for each option. There is no obligation to start.
