Braces

What braces are for

Braces can help straighten your teeth.

They are often recommended for children and teenagers after all their adult teeth have come through. But adults can also have braces.

Braces may be needed if:

• your teeth are growing too close together or they stick out
• your upper and lower jaws do not meet properly (an overbite or underbite)
• you have large gaps between your teeth
• you're finding it difficult to chew food or keep your teeth clean because of the position of your teeth

If you’re eligible for braces on the NHS, you’ll usually be offered a type that stays in place for 1 to 2 years (called a fixed brace).

There are also other types of braces you may be offered depending on the problems you’re having with your teeth.

How to get braces

Braces are usually only available for free on the NHS for people under the age of 18 who have a problem with their teeth.

If a dentist thinks your child needs braces, they will refer them to a specialist in teeth and jaw problems (an orthodontist). There may be a long waiting list to see an orthodontist.

The orthodontist will carry out an assessment, which may include:

• examining your child's teeth and jaws
• taking X-rays, photographs or scans of their teeth and jaws

The orthodontist will decide if your child is eligible for getting braces on the NHS. It depends on how their teeth are affecting their day-to-day life – for example, if it's causing problems with eating or cleaning their teeth.

If they are not eligible for braces on the NHS, you can speak to a dentist about alternative treatments, or you may want to pay for braces privately.

Paying for private braces

If you're 18 or over, you'll usually have to pay for braces.

The cost can vary depending on how complicated your dental problems are and the type of braces you have fitted.

Find a private orthodontist on the British Orthodontic Society website

How braces are fitted

There are several different types of braces, but fixed metal braces are commonly used on the NHS.

When having fixed metal braces fitted:

1. Metal squares (brackets) are attached to each tooth with dental glue.
2. A wire is used to connect the brackets together and apply a small amount of pressure to your teeth, which over time moves them into the correct position.
3. Small rectangular shaped pieces of elastic (modules) tie the wire to the brackets.

Before having braces fitted, tell the orthodontist if you or your child has knocked or damaged a front tooth in the past. It may need further treatment while wearing braces.

After your braces are fitted

Having braces may feel strange to start with and your teeth may be sore for a few days after they’re fitted.

You may need to eat soft food during this time and take painkillers to help relieve the pain.

You’ll have an appointment with the orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks so they can adjust your braces.

After your braces are removed, you’ll need to wear a retainer, which is a device that stops your teeth moving back to their original position.

The orthodontist will tell you how long you need to wear the retainer for.

How to look after your braces

It’s very important to keep your teeth and braces clean. The orthodontist will give you advice about things you can do to help.