Why crooked teeth matter beyond looks
Teeth that are crowded or do not meet properly are harder to keep clean, which puts them at greater risk of decay and gum disease. A bad bite also loads the chewing muscles unevenly, which for some people means headaches, jaw pain, or aching in the neck and shoulders.
Signs you may need treatment
An overbite, where the upper front teeth sit too far forward. An underbite, where the lower teeth sit ahead of the upper. A crossbite, an open bite where the front teeth do not meet, a midline that does not line up, gaps, or crowding where there is simply not enough room for every tooth.
How treatment starts
We ask about your general health, examine your mouth, take impressions, photograph your teeth and face, and arrange X-rays. The treatment plan comes out of all of that together. Sometimes a removable retainer is enough. Occasionally, where the jaw discrepancy is severe, surgery is involved. In most cases it is braces.
How braces work
Braces apply gentle, continuous pressure over months. As the pressure moves a tooth, the bone around it reshapes to match. Brackets bonded to each tooth hold the archwire that does the moving; bands anchor the brackets where extra support is needed, and spacers create room before bands are fitted. Ceramic and tooth-coloured brackets are available if you would rather they were less obvious.
Common questions
How long will I need braces?
Most courses run between eighteen months and three years, depending on how far the teeth have to travel. We will give you an estimate after the assessment.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Bone reshapes at any age, so adults are treated routinely. Treatment can take a little longer than it would for a teenager.
Do I still need check-ups during treatment?
Yes, and they matter more than usual. Braces trap food, so cleaning takes more effort and we watch closely for decay.