Traditional Braces

At Fletcher Dental Care, we believe that a straighter smile can improve not only your appearance but also your oral health and confidence. Traditional braces remain one of the most effective and reliable options for correcting various orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps, misalignment, and bite problems. Made of high-quality stainless steel, traditional braces are designed to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions, creating a beautifully aligned smile and improving functionality for patients of all ages.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are orthodontic appliances made of metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands. The brackets are securely bonded to the surface of each tooth and connected by a metal archwire that is periodically adjusted by your orthodontist. These adjustments apply gentle, controlled pressure to guide the teeth into their desired alignment over time. While modern alternatives like clear aligners are available, traditional braces remain popular due to their versatility, strength, and ability to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues.

Benefits of Traditional Braces

Traditional braces offer several key benefits, making them an excellent choice for patients with complex orthodontic needs:

Effective for Complex Cases: Braces are highly effective for treating a wide range of alignment and bite issues, including severe crowding, rotated teeth, and complex bite problems.
Precise Control: Braces allow for precise adjustments, enabling your orthodontist to guide each tooth individually, ensuring optimal alignment and bite correction.
Reliable and Durable: Made from high-quality metal materials, braces are strong and durable, standing up well to regular wear and tear throughout treatment.
Affordable Option: Traditional braces are often more affordable than some other orthodontic treatments, providing excellent value for patients seeking reliable results.
Customisable Options: While metal is standard, modern braces also offer customisation options, such as coloured bands, to personalise your treatment and make braces fun for younger patients.

How Traditional Braces Work

Traditional braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure on the teeth over time, encouraging movement and alignment. This process involves periodic adjustments to the archwire, which provides the force needed to shift your teeth gradually. Your orthodontist will regularly adjust the wires and bands to ensure progress is steady, guiding your teeth into the correct positions while carefully monitoring the overall alignment of your smile and bite.

The Braces Treatment Process

Getting braces involves a series of steps to ensure a successful, comfortable experience:

Initial Consultation
Your journey to a straighter smile begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, we’ll assess your teeth and jaw alignment, take X-rays, and discuss your goals and concerns. This assessment helps us determine whether traditional braces are the best option for your needs, and we’ll explain the treatment process, estimated timeline, and any other details.
Placing the Braces
Once you’re ready to begin treatment, we’ll carefully place the brackets on each tooth with dental adhesive. The archwire is then threaded through the brackets, and small rubber bands secure it in place. This process is comfortable and typically takes about an hour.
Adjustments and Checkups
You’ll visit our office periodically—typically every 4 to 6 weeks—for adjustments. During these appointments, we’ll adjust the tension in the archwire, monitor your progress, and make any necessary modifications to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. These adjustments are essential for steady, consistent progress throughout your treatment.
Completing Treatment and Removing Braces
When your teeth have reached their optimal alignment, we’ll remove the braces in a quick, easy process. Afterward, we’ll polish your teeth and take impressions for a custom retainer, which will help maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back into their original positions.
Retention Phase
After your braces are removed, wearing a retainer as directed is crucial to keep your teeth in place. Retainers are typically worn full-time initially, then only at night as your orthodontist advises. This helps ensure your smile remains aligned and beautiful for years to come.

Who Can Benefit from Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are suitable for patients of all ages and are particularly beneficial for those with more complex orthodontic needs. They’re ideal for:

Children and Teens: Braces are an excellent option for younger patients, especially as they provide consistent, reliable results and address developmental issues as teeth and jaws grow.
Adults with Severe Alignment Needs: Adults with more severe alignment, spacing, or bite issues often find braces to be an effective and durable solution.
Patients Seeking a Proven Solution: Traditional braces have been used for decades, making them one of the most tried-and-true orthodontic methods available.

Caring for Your Braces

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Here are a few tips to help care for your braces:

Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing after each meal helps keep your braces and teeth free of food particles. Use floss threaders or special orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and around the brackets.
Avoid Certain Foods: Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can damage your braces. Avoid foods like popcorn, nuts, gum, and hard candies.
Attend Regular Adjustments: Consistent checkups and adjustments are crucial to the success of your treatment. Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments so we can monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments.
Wear Your Retainer: After your braces are removed, wearing your retainer as directed by your orthodontist will help maintain your results and prevent teeth from shifting.

Fletcher Dental Care’s Commitment to Your Smile

At Fletcher Dental Care, we are dedicated to providing a supportive, positive experience throughout your orthodontic journey. Our team is skilled, compassionate, and committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We use high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure that your braces are both effective and comfortable. We’re here to answer your questions, address any concerns, and make every visit a pleasant experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long will I need to wear braces?

The duration of treatment depends on your specific needs, but most patients wear braces for 18 to 24 months. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalised estimate based on your individual case.

Are braces uncomfortable?

Braces may cause mild discomfort after they’re first applied or following adjustments, but this typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any discomfort during these times.

Can adults get traditional braces?

Yes! Traditional braces are suitable for adults, and many adult patients choose them for their effectiveness, especially for complex alignment issues. Our team will ensure you have a comfortable, customised experience.

Will braces interfere with my lifestyle?

While it may take a little time to adjust to eating and cleaning with braces, they shouldn’t significantly impact your lifestyle. With good care and a few dietary modifications, you can continue to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle throughout your treatment.

How do I clean my braces?

Brushing after every meal and using floss threaders or orthodontic floss will help keep your braces and teeth clean. We’ll provide guidance on the best practices and tools for keeping your braces in excellent condition.

What happens if a bracket or wire breaks?

If a bracket or wire breaks, contact our office as soon as possible. We’ll arrange a repair appointment to keep your treatment on track and prevent discomfort.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Let our caring team make your next visit effortless, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns—we’re here to support you every step of the way.