Fixed Braces

Most orthodontists recommend starting treatment after most permanent teeth have emerged. This typically happens around 11-13 years of age for girls and 12-14 for boys, though everyone develops at their own pace.

On average, patients wear braces for about two years, though this varies based on individual needs. Following active treatment, a retention phase helps preserve your new smile.

All fixed braces work on similar principles—brackets serve as anchors while wires gradually guide teeth into alignment. Throughout your treatment journey, your orthodontist will periodically replace wires with stronger versions to continue the alignment process. These regular adjustment appointments are essential to your treatment’s progress. Research consistently shows that most standard bracing systems deliver comparable results, regardless of brand claims.

The world of traditional braces offers several variations:

Classic Metal: These stainless steel braces remain popular particularly among adolescents. They’re strong, reliable, and the most budget-friendly. Many younger patients enjoy personalizing them with colourful elastic bands.

Tooth-Coloured Options: If appearance is a concern, ceramic brackets match your natural tooth colour for a less noticeable treatment experience. You can pair these with clear bands (though these may discolour between appointments) or metal ties (which stay cleaner). While slightly more delicate than metal, they provide excellent results with added discretion.

Iconix Brackets: These  gold-coated metal brackets offer a premium, shimmering appearance while maintaining traditional durability. They provide an attractive alternative to standard silver brackets without compromising strength or performance.

You may experience some discomfort when your braces are first fitted and after adjustment appointments, but this isn’t typically described as painful. Most patients feel a sensation of pressure or tenderness for 3-5 days as your teeth begin to move. This mild discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Your mouth will also naturally adapt to the braces within the first couple of weeks, and any initial irritation to your cheeks or lips can be relieved with orthodontic wax that we will provide. Remember that this temporary discomfort is part of the process toward achieving your new smile!

Yes, food can occasionally become trapped around your brackets and wires—this is a normal part of wearing braces. However, this becomes less of an issue as you adapt to eating with braces. We recommend cutting food into smaller pieces, avoiding particularly sticky or hard foods, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Carrying a travel toothbrush and interdental brushes will help you quickly remove any trapped food particles after meals. Many patients find that rinsing with water after eating helps dislodge obvious food debris until they can brush properly. With some simple adjustments to your routine, managing food around your braces will become second nature.

Yes, some dietary adjustments are necessary with fixed braces. We recommend avoiding foods that could damage your braces or make cleaning difficult, including:

• Hard foods like nuts, ice, and hard candies
• Sticky foods such as caramels and chewy sweets
• Crunchy items like popcorn and hard chips
• Whole apples, carrots, and corn on the cob (cut these into bite-sized pieces instead)

You can still enjoy most of your favourite foods—just with some minor modifications. Softer options like pasta, rice, seafood, cooked vegetables, and most dairy products are excellent choices while wearing braces.