Orthodontic treatment moves teeth gradually into better positions by applying gentle, sustained pressure. It is not only about appearance: crowded and overlapping teeth are harder to clean, and a bite that does not meet properly can cause uneven wear and jaw discomfort.
What it can correct
- Crowding, where there is not enough room and teeth overlap
- Gaps and spacing
- Protruding front teeth, which are also more vulnerable to trauma
- Crossbite, overbite and underbite
- Teeth that have drifted after a tooth was lost
The options
Fixed metal braces are brackets bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire, adjusted periodically. They are the most versatile option and can correct the widest range of problems, including complex cases. They are also generally the most economical.
Ceramic braces work the same way but use tooth-coloured brackets, so they are far less noticeable. They tend to cost more and can be slightly more fragile.
Clear aligners are a series of removable transparent trays, each worn for a period before moving to the next. They are discreet and come out for eating and cleaning — but they only work while they are in the mouth, typically requiring around 20–22 hours of wear a day. They suit mild to moderate cases; not every problem can be treated this way.
Which is right for me?
It depends on what needs correcting, not on preference alone. We will assess your teeth and bite, take records, and tell you honestly which options can achieve the result you want — including when aligners cannot.
How long does it take?
It varies considerably with how much movement is required, from several months for minor correction to a couple of years for complex cases. We will estimate at the planning stage. Two things genuinely affect the timeline: attending your adjustment appointments, and wearing removable appliances or elastics as instructed.
What it feels like
Teeth ache for a few days after braces are fitted and after each adjustment — this is the pressure doing its job. Ordinary painkillers and soft food help. Brackets can rub the inside of the lips at first; orthodontic wax smooths them until the mouth toughens up.
Cleaning during treatment
This matters more than people expect. Fixed braces trap food and plaque, and poor cleaning during treatment can leave permanent white marks on the enamel around where the brackets were.
- Brush after every meal, and around each bracket from above and below
- Use interdental brushes and a fluoride mouthwash
- Avoid hard, sticky and very sugary foods — toffee, hard sweets, ice, and biting directly into apples or corn on the cob
- Keep up regular professional cleaning throughout
Retainers are not optional
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards where they started, and that tendency does not expire. Retainers — removable or a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth — are what hold the result. The honest position is that retention is effectively lifelong, and stopping is the commonest reason people end up with crooked teeth again after successful treatment.
Common questions
Am I too old for braces?
No. Teeth move at any age, provided the gums and supporting bone are healthy. Adult treatment can take a little longer, and any gum disease must be treated and stable before starting.
When should a child be assessed?
An early assessment while they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth is useful, because some problems are simpler to manage while the jaw is still growing. Assessment does not mean starting treatment immediately — often it means knowing the right moment to begin.
Will I need teeth removed?
Sometimes, where crowding is severe and there is not enough room to align the teeth without creating space. It is not automatic, and we will explain the reasoning if it is recommended.
What it costs
We do not publish a price list, because the right treatment — and so the price — depends on what we find when we examine you. What we promise instead:
- A written treatment plan and quote before any work begins
- No charges you have not agreed to first
- Payment by MTN MoMo, Airtel Money or card
Nervous about this treatment?
Tell us when you book. We allow extra time, explain each step before we do it, and stop whenever you ask us to.