Braces & aligners

Braces and elastics: understanding your treatment

Braces can align teeth and change the way the arches meet. Elastics may form part of an individual plan. Follow the prescribed pattern rather than copying another person’s treatment.

Illustrative dental care photograph from the original siteCARE FOR EVERY GENERATION
ALL CARE PATIENT JOURNALFirst published 18 May 2022 · Edited guide
01

Choosing the appliance

Metal brackets, ceramic brackets and clear aligners have different practical considerations. The type of movement needed and your ability to maintain the appliance matter as much as appearance.

02

Using elastics correctly

If elastics are prescribed, ask for a clear demonstration of where they go and when to wear them. Do not change the pattern or increase the force on your own. Contact the team if instructions or fit are unclear.

03

Cleaning and reviews

Careful brushing around brackets, interdental cleaning and scheduled adjustments are important. Ask about sports protection and foods that could damage the appliance.

04

What are dental braces?

Brackets and wires apply controlled forces to move teeth over time. Treatment may include additional appliances or elastics. Planning looks at how both arches meet, rather than only straightening the front teeth.

05

Types and treatment choices

Metal and tooth-coloured ceramic brackets are among the fixed appliance options described on the original site. Clear aligners are another approach for suitable cases. Your clinician can explain current availability, advantages, limitations and costs before you decide.

06

Your treatment journey

An examination and appropriate records come first. After planning, braces are fitted and adjusted at scheduled reviews. The total time varies with the starting position and treatment needs. Retention follows active treatment to help maintain alignment.

Care in focus.

Treatment imagery from our original website. Illustrations and examples do not predict an individual result.

Make an informed choice.

Use this guide to prepare questions for a dental consultation. Your diagnosis, treatment suitability, number of visits and estimate depend on an individual examination. Tell the team about previous treatment, medical conditions and any concerns about comfort.

Further reading: American Dental Association · American Association of Endodontists

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

Related care.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Your next step starts with a conversation.

Meet the team, understand your options, and plan care around you.

Let’s plan your visit
Call the clinicBook a visit

Dental care in focus

“Hygienist Visit, Full Mouth Dental Cleaning” · Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic. Educational video linked on our original website.

Watch on YouTube ↗