Straightening your teeth
Braces
Metal or ceramic brackets, fixed to the front of the teeth. Adjusted every 4 to 8 weeks until the bite is right.
Who it suits
Braces suit most bites, including cases that need more than teeth alone to move. Dr. Mashaly confirms whether they fit your case at the consultation, after your records are taken.
How it works
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1
Photographs, a scan, and a conversation about what your bite needs.
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2
Brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and connected with a wire.
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3
The wire is adjusted every 4 to 8 weeks until the bite is right.
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4
Once the bite is right, a retainer is fitted the same day the braces come off.
How long it usually takes
Most cases run 12 to 24 months, with a short visit every 4 to 8 weeks.
The first week
- Pressure and tenderness for a few days after fitting.
- Lips and cheeks take a week or two to settle. Orthodontic wax covers anything that rubs.
What to avoid
- Biting into hard food: ice, nuts, crusty bread, whole apples and carrots. Cut them up first.
- Sticky sweets, toffee and chewing gum. They pull brackets off.
- Nail biting and chewing on pens, the two habits that break the most brackets.
Ready to talk about your bite?
Message us on WhatsApp or book a consultation, and we will tell you whether braces are the right fit.