Getting started
Deciding to have braces as an adult is a big decision for many people. Learn more about your options, treatment choices, finding an orthodontist and what to expect whilst undertaking treatment
Do you want to get braces?
If you are seriously thinking about getting braces, congratulations, it’s a decision you won’t regret. But where do you start? Firstly you need to know that General Dental Practitioners (GDP’s) can provide orthodontic treatment within the scope of their expertise alongside all the other treatments they provide. Orthodontists are specialist dentists who have had three years additional training and often concentrate on just providing orthodontic treatment. You are likely to receive a more comprehensive assessment and more options from an orthodontist than a GDP.
There are many different types of braces available but more importantly, it is the skill of the practitioner rather than the type of brace that determines the experience you will have whilst undertaking treatment and the final outcome. It is worthwhile making appointments with several practices before making your final decision to get a complete understanding of the options available to you. As an adult, you do not need to be referred by your dentist to an orthodontist, you can simply contact them and arrange an initial appointment.
British Orthodontic Society
If you view nothing else before getting braces, please watch this great video from the British Orthodontic Society. They have also produced a patient leaflet explaining your choices and what you need to consider before getting braces. The leaflet can be viewed here
Think about
Wearing braces
Every type of brace is different, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Keep your options open until you have a better understanding of your own treatment goals
Invisible braces
The most discreet brace is a lingual brace. All other braces are more noticable but don’t worry, no one really cares that you have braces. Aligners are almost invisible but buttons on your front teeth make them more visible
Brackets
I have found no evidence that one particular bracket, self ligating or not, is any better than any other. It comes down to choice and the skill of the orthodontist providing your treatment
Retainers
Your teeth will likely move again if you do not wear retainers after treatment. If you don’t want to wear retainers, think seriously about whether you should be undertaking treatment
Discomfort
There will be an element of soreness when moving teeth irrespective of what type of brace you have. This tends to dissappear quickly and for most of the time you completely forget that you have braces
Faster treatment
We are all different and teeth move at their own speed. Its impossible to guarantee faster treatment, just different outcomes. I’ve found no evidence that one system works any faster than another. Don’t be misled by clever marketing
Dentists and Orthodontists
Dentists can provide orthodontic treatment within the scope of their expertise. Orthodontists are dentists who have had specialist training in orthodontics and often concentrate just on providing orthodontic treatment
Marketing
There is some very clever marketing out there, be sure to check the claims made and make your decision based on available evidence and the recommendation of someone you trust
Treatment planning
Think carefully about DIY brace options, it takes time and skill to carefully plan safe orthodontic treatment and these planning and records taking appointments are essential
Oral health
With the exception of removable aligners, you will find keeping your teeth clean more of a challenge with braces. Excellent oral health is required throughout treatment and additional visits to your dentist or hygienist are a good idea
Getting started
Every adult patient I have spoken to has said that their decision to get braces was one of the best decisions they have made. Do your research and speak to other patients.
Orthodontists
Treatment provided by orthodontists is generally not more expensive and won’t take longer. Make sure you are comparing similar treatments and similar outcomes
Cost
Like many things in life, you get what you pay for. Orthodontics is not cheap but an investment in your future oral health
Dental teams
You will be frequently visiting a practice for the duration of your treatment and getting to know the whole team really well. Make sure you are completely comfortable with the practice
Short term orthodontics
Treatments marketed as being able to give you a perfect smile in just a few months may not address underlying issues and often just focus on straightening your front teeth. Think about the long term outcomes
Blog posts
Can you help with some orthodontic research?
I am Dr. Aoibheann Wall, an NHS trainee Orthodontist working at a dental hospital in London. As part of my training, I am doing some research into adults who get braces and would be grateful if you could complete my survey.
How to look after your brace during Covid-19
Some simple steps you can take to look after your teeth and braces during Covid-19
Braces and Covid-19
How Covid-19 will affect your orthodontic treatment
Safe Brace
The British Orthodontic Society and the Oral Health Foundation have launched a new website ‘SafeBrace’
GDC – Providing Dental Care Remotely
The GDC have issued a statement in relation to direct to consumer orthodontics.
A coffee with Iain Hoeltschi
In this interview, I learn from Iain Hoeltschi about the patient experience at Splash Orthodontics.
BBC article on adult orthodontics
A great article from the BBC on why more adults are getting their teeth straightened.
BOS response on direct to patient orthodontics
A response from the British Orthodontic Society to Kevin O’Briens post on direct to patient orthodontics.
Direct to patient orthodontics
Should you be concerned about direct to patient orthodontics?
Invisalign 7 million patients
Invisalign have announced they have treated their 7 millionth patient.
Orthodontic Hygiene
A common complication of orthodontics is tooth decay, although this can be prevented by appropriate cleaning and maintenance of the teeth and appliances. In this article, Dr. Bethany Rushworth offers advice on how to look after your teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Is Invisalign ‘SmileView’ a game changer for orthodontics?
Invisalign has announced a new online tool, ‘SmileView’, which enables patients to see what their teeth might look like after finishing treatment.
Faster orthodontic treatment with piezocision?
Tell me honestly, would you undertake this procedure to finish your orthodontic treatment a few months faster?
A guest post from Ruth
Do you want to discover three instant benefits from getting braces? Check out this great guest blog post from Ruth.
A guest Invisalign blog post from Natalie Weaving
It took me two years of umming and ahhhhh-ring before I decided to actually book a consultation to look at having braces….again. That’s right. At 36 years old I was doing it again!
How to search the GDC register
Do you want to find out whether a dentist offering orthodontic treatment is on the specialist register? The GDC has a public database you can access.
The birth of the ortho-dentist
Has a new category of dental practices offering orthodontic treatment just been created?
What’s the difference between hidden and invisible braces?
Two terms often used on websites and on social media are ‘invisible braces’ and ‘hidden braces’ but what treatments do these words relate to?
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
How long does orthodontic treatment take and what can you do to achieve faster results?
ClearCorrect Aligners
ClearCorrect is a US-based manufacturer of aligners who provide aligners to UK based patients. In this really great video, the company explains how aligners work, what actually makes the teeth move and why it is important to wear your aligners for the required number...
Top ten ‘getting started’ braces tips
If you are thinking about getting braces, congratulations, it's something you won't regret. To get you started, here are my top ten 'getting started' braces tips. 1. Take some time to do your research. There are many different treatment options provided by a large...