What Are Dental Braces?
Dental braces are fixed orthodontic appliances bonded to the teeth that apply gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into their correct positions. Brackets are attached to each tooth and connected by an archwire — which is adjusted periodically to guide the teeth along their planned path of movement.
Braces remain the most reliable and versatile orthodontic treatment available. They can correct virtually any degree of crowding, spacing, or bite misalignment — including complex cases that aligners cannot handle effectively. And unlike aligners, compliance is not a factor — the braces work continuously whether the patient remembers to wear them or not.
At Smile Hub Clinics, braces are available for patients of all ages. The ideal time to start orthodontic treatment is when the issue is identified — early treatment in children often produces better results, but adults achieve excellent outcomes with braces at any age.
Types of Braces We Offer
Metal Braces
The most cost-effective and reliable option. Strong, durable, and suitable for all complexity levels. Coloured elastics make them popular with younger patients.
Ceramic Braces
Tooth-coloured brackets that blend with the natural teeth. Less visible than metal. Same effectiveness — preferred by adults and image-conscious teenagers.
Self-Ligating Braces
Use a sliding mechanism instead of elastic ties. Less friction, potentially faster treatment, fewer appointments. Available in metal and ceramic versions.
What Problems Do Braces Fix?
Braces vs Clear Aligners
| Factor | Dental Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible (ceramic less so) | Nearly invisible |
| Compliance required | No — fixed in place | Yes — must wear 22 hrs/day |
| Complexity range | All cases including severe | Mild to moderate cases |
| Eating restrictions | Yes — hard/sticky foods avoided | None — remove to eat |
| Cleaning | Requires care around brackets | Remove to clean normally |
| Appointments | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Best for | All ages, all severities | Adults with mild-moderate issues |
Not sure which is right for you?
Both braces and clear aligners are available at Smile Hub Clinics. At your free consultation, we assess your specific orthodontic needs and honestly recommend which treatment will give you the best result. Some cases are genuinely better suited to braces; others work well with aligners. We won't push one over the other — we'll tell you what actually works for your teeth.
The Braces Treatment Process
Orthodontic Assessment
A full clinical examination, X-rays, photographs, and study models assess the teeth, jaw, and bite. The severity of the orthodontic problem is classified and a treatment plan with expected timeline is presented before any braces are fitted.
Fitting Appointment
Brackets are bonded to each tooth with a dental adhesive and the initial archwire is placed. The fitting appointment takes approximately 60–90 minutes. There may be mild soreness for 3–5 days as the teeth begin to respond to the pressure — this is normal and settles quickly.
Regular Adjustment Appointments
Every 4–6 weeks, the archwire is changed or tightened to continue guiding tooth movement. Progress is monitored at each visit. These appointments take 20–30 minutes and are essential — skipping them extends treatment time significantly.
Debonding
Once the teeth have reached their final positions, the brackets and wire are removed. The teeth are cleaned and polished. This is one of the most satisfying appointments — the final result is revealed for the first time without the braces.
Retention Phase
Retainers are fitted immediately after debonding — this is the most critical phase. Teeth have a natural tendency to return towards their original positions without retention. A fixed wire retainer behind the front teeth and/or a removable retainer is provided and must be worn as instructed.