With so many advancements in orthodontic treatment in the past 30 years, both children and adults can enjoy improved health and straight smiles with greater success than ever before.

Types of orthodontic treatments

Dental braces are not what they used to be. A variety of new techniques and equipment have been developed to enhance the patient's experience and shorten treatment times.

There are a wide variety of orthodontic treatments available, and the correct treatment depends largely on the individual needs of the patient.

Some treatments, such as orthodontic plates, are best for young children whose teeth and jaws are still growing, while treatments with low visibility, such as Invisalign®, may be ideal for adults.

Some of the most common orthodontic treatments include:

Fixed metal braces

Traditionally fixed or orthodontic braces are high-quality metal brackets that are attached to each tooth. These brackets are then connected by a special type of wire, which slowly pulls the teeth into alignment.

Over time, your dentist or orthodontist will make a series of adjustments to straighten the teeth to achieve the desired outcome. More contemporary braces are much more streamlined than traditional braces, and modern technology allows for the brackets to be discreetly matched to your tooth enamel.

What can traditional braces help with?

Some common issues that orthodontists may improve with fixed braces include:

• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Underbites, overbites and crossbites
• Limited breathing
• Unevenly spaced teeth
• Gapped teeth

Ceramic braces

Like metal braces, ceramic braces use wires and brackets; however, the brackets are clear or off-white ceramic to disguise the appearance of the braces.

Ceramic is also smoother than metal, which can make this type of brace more comfortable to wear.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces use the same metal brackets and wires as metal braces, but on the inner surface of the patient's teeth so that they can't be seen.

As well as being essentially invisible to others, lingual braces can offer benefits for your teeth. With braces that are attached to the front of your teeth, there is a risk of decalcification (the removal of calcium), however, the backs of the teeth are more robust, so the risk is lower at the back.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are one of the most sought-after types of orthodontic treatment for adults.

Most commonly known by the manufacturer's name, such as Invisalign® or ClearCorrect, aligners are created using advanced technology. This includes a series of aligners custom-made for your mouth that apply targeted pressure to your teeth, which gradually moves them into alignment as you move through your set of aligners.

What is functional orthodontic treatment?

The job in functional orthodontics is to identify and correct growth and development issues so that when teeth are straightened, stability, comfort, function and facial aesthetics are improved.

Crowded teeth are indicative of underdeveloped arches, so once developed to their full potential through interceptive treatment, extractions often are not required.

Functional orthodontics achieves results through the use of various oral appliances and braces. Early treatment facilitates the progression more easily promoting the horizontal development of the face with healthy arches

What are the benefits of clear aligner treatment?

Clear aligners have become extremely popular due to their subtle appearance. They are transparent in colour, almost invisible, and custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth. There are many advantages to using clear aligners over traditional braces:

• They are almost invisible and have a discreet appearance.
• They're removable, so you can take them out for eating, drinking, and photos.
• They are easy to clean when you take them out.
• They're more comfortable as they are custom-made to fit your mouth.
• They can usually straighten your teeth in a shorter amount of time.

Orthodontic plates and retainers

For young children who have particular problems with tooth or jaw alignment, orthodontic plates can be used to carefully adjust the growth of the jawbone and arrange the teeth.

An orthodontic plate, or retainer, consists of plastic or wire that is shaped to fit around the top or bottom teeth to hold them in place or gently guide them into the desired position.

Judicious use of orthodontic plates at a young age can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for braces later in life. Retainers are often used after treatment with braces to ensure that the teeth remain in position.

Who can benefit from an orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment helps improve how your teeth and jaws function and align. Age plays a role, but it does not limit care. Many adults and children benefit from treatment when alignment affects comfort, function, or long term oral health.

Orthodontic treatment often helps with these concerns:

• Difficulty chewing due to poor alignment of upper and lower teeth
• Crossbite, where upper teeth sit behind lower teeth
• Overbite or deep bite, where upper front teeth cover lower front teeth
• Open bite, where front teeth do not meet when biting
• Crowded, crooked, angled, or widely spaced teeth
• Jaw or joint discomfort and headaches linked to clenching or misalignment
• Uneven wear, decay, or bone loss caused by poor tooth positioning

Your dentist completes a full assessment to determine the most suitable approach. If specialist care is required, you receive a referral so treatment stays appropriate and effective.

Care and maintenance

Braces, aligners, and retainers require changes to eating and cleaning habits. This protects your teeth and the orthodontic appliance.

Avoid hard and sticky foods such as gum, toffee, popcorn, nuts, and hard biscuits. Cut food into smaller pieces and chew with back teeth instead of biting with front teeth.

Food often collects around braces after meals. Brush and floss after eating whenever possible. Use recommended brushes and flossing tools designed for orthodontic care. Mouthwash and floss brushes help clean hard to reach areas.

Keeping a small cleaning kit at work or school helps maintain hygiene and protects treatment progress.