How Dental Braces Work as Explained by a Surbiton Orthodontist

The dental braces are placed usually within one appointment; this is a rather long procedure, about one hour, but its painless. We will place on each individual tooth a bracket bonded directly to the enamel. An arch wire will be placed to unite the brackets in a single arc to deliver gentle force.

When the teeth start to move, sometimes, some additional forces are required. It might be extra traction worn at night, or little elastic inside the mouth worn all the time.

You will also be instructed on how to brush your teeth, which is essential for comfortable treatment. You should brush your teeth each time you have eaten to remove any bits of food which remain in your mouth. Poor oral hygiene will cause the gums to grow over the braces, leading to pain, swelling and bleeding. We will help you as much as we can but the final answer is in your hands (and your toothbrush). The braces are sturdy but can break under high pressure. There is no special diet during orthodontics. It is common sense to stay away from hard or sticky sweets, chocolate bars, etc. Do not bite your fingernails or your pencil.

Your orthodontist will adjust your braces every 4-6 weeks, so your teeth will always be under gentle continuous pressure, moving them into place efficiently. It can take up to 2 years, depending on the complexity of your teeth, to get a perfect smile.

There are a variety of dental braces available; some are fixed braces to the teeth and some are removable braces. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you which type of braces are the best for you.

We arrange FREE no obligation orthodontic consultations on Mondays. Do give us a call if you would like to book an appointment and find out more as to how orthodontic treatment can help you achieve your perfect smile.