Braces
Orthodontic treatment, daanton mein taar, clear aligners
Gently moves crooked, crowded or gapped teeth into line over months.
Ask on WhatsApp whether this treatment is done at the clinic, and its fee.
What it is
Braces move teeth slowly with gentle, steady pressure. Fixed braces have small brackets bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire. Brackets can be metal or tooth-coloured ceramic.
Clear aligners, a series of removable plastic trays, are another option for some cases.
When it is needed
- Teeth are crowded, crooked or have wide gaps.
- Upper front teeth stick out.
- The teeth do not meet properly when you bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite).
- Space needs to be made before replacing a missing tooth.
An early orthodontic check around age 7 is often suggested, but most braces are fitted once the adult teeth have come through. Adults can have braces too.
What happens, step by step
- Assessment: an examination, X-rays and impressions or scans of the teeth.
- A treatment plan explains which teeth will move, the type of braces, the likely time and the fee.
- Fitting: the teeth are cleaned, the brackets are bonded with a dental adhesive and the wire is placed.
- Adjustments: visits every 4 to 8 weeks to adjust or change the wires.
- Removal and retainer: the braces are removed and a retainer is given to keep the teeth in their new place.
Aftercare
- Teeth often feel sore for a few days after fitting and after each adjustment. Soft food and painkillers as advised help.
- Avoid hard and sticky food that can break brackets: sugarcane, hard sweets, toffee, chewing gum, whole nuts and corn on the cob (bhutta).
- Brush carefully around every bracket after meals. A small interdental brush helps.
- If a wire pokes your cheek, cover the end with orthodontic wax and contact the clinic.
- Wear the retainer exactly as advised. Without it, teeth tend to move back.
Fee
Common questions
How long does treatment with braces take?
Commonly around 18 months to 2 years. Simple cases can be quicker and complex ones longer.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Adults can have braces as long as the teeth and gums are healthy.
Do braces hurt?
Fitting does not usually hurt, but the teeth feel sore and tight for a few days after fitting and after each adjustment.
What affects the cost of braces?
Mainly the type of brackets (metal or ceramic) or aligners, how long treatment will take, and the number of visits and retainers. Ask for the full fee and what it includes before starting.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A dentist needs to examine you to advise on your own teeth.