Traditional braces remain a widely used orthodontic treatment option for children, teenagers and adults with tooth alignment or bite concerns. At Dentists @ Canning Vale, our dentists can assess your teeth, bite, jaw development and oral health to discuss whether traditional braces, Angel Align clear aligners or another orthodontic option may be suitable for your individual needs.

Braces use brackets and wires to gradually guide teeth into planned positions over time. They may be recommended for patients with crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, bite concerns or more complex orthodontic needs that may not be suitable for clear aligners alone.

Every orthodontic case is different. A consultation is required to assess your oral health, treatment needs, likely timeframe, benefits, limitations and alternatives before any recommendation can be made.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are fixed orthodontic appliances attached to the teeth for the duration of treatment. They generally include:

• Brackets bonded directly to the teeth
• Archwires that connect the brackets and guide tooth movement
• Small elastics or ligatures to secure the wire to each bracket
• Periodic adjustments at review appointments to support planned tooth movement

Because braces are fixed in place, they work continuously throughout treatment and do not rely on patients remembering to wear a removable appliance. This can make them a suitable option for some patients, including younger patients or those with more complex tooth movements.

What Can Braces Help Address?

Traditional braces may be suitable for a range of orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Crooked or rotated teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite concerns
• Underbite concerns
• Crossbite concerns
• Open bite concerns
• Teeth that are difficult to clean due to alignment
• Bite function concerns
• Orthodontic relapse after previous treatment

Not every patient will require braces, and not every orthodontic concern can be treated in the same way. Our dentists will assess your teeth and bite before discussing the options most appropriate to your situation.

Braces for Children and Teenagers

The teenage years are a common time for orthodontic treatment, as many adult teeth have erupted and bite development can be assessed more clearly. For children and teenagers, braces may be discussed where there are concerns about:

• Crowded adult teeth
• Tooth eruption problems
• Bite development
• Jaw growth concerns
• Teeth that are difficult to clean properly
• Spacing or alignment concerns
• Previous orthodontic monitoring recommendations

For younger patients, our focus is on healthy dental development, function and oral hygiene. Cosmetic treatment decisions for minors require careful assessment and involvement from a parent or guardian throughout the process.

Braces for Adults

Adults can also consider traditional braces if they have orthodontic concerns affecting tooth alignment, bite function or oral hygiene access. Adult orthodontic treatment may be discussed for:

• Long-standing crowding or spacing concerns
• Bite concerns affecting function or wear
• Tooth movement following previous orthodontic treatment
• Teeth shifting gradually over time
• Alignment concerns prior to restorative or cosmetic dental treatment

Treatment suitability depends on gum health, tooth condition, bone support, existing restorations and the complexity of tooth movement required. A thorough assessment is always conducted before any treatment recommendation is made.

Traditional Braces vs Angel Align Clear Aligners

Traditional braces and Angel Align clear aligners are both orthodontic treatment options, but they work differently and suit different cases. Your dentist will discuss the most appropriate approach after assessing your individual needs.

Our dentists will explain the advantages and limitations of each option and help you understand which approach may be most clinically appropriate for your needs.

The Traditional Braces Process

How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?

Treatment timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of tooth movement required, oral health, growth factors and how individual teeth respond to treatment. Some cases may be completed within a shorter timeframe, while more complex cases may require a longer period. Your dentist will discuss an estimated treatment timeframe during your consultation after assessment.

Looking After Your Teeth During Braces Treatment

Good oral hygiene is especially important during braces treatment because food and plaque can collect around brackets and wires. Our team may recommend:

• Brushing carefully around all brackets and wires after every meal
• Cleaning between teeth daily using floss threaders or interdental brushes
• Avoiding very hard or sticky foods that may dislodge brackets or bend wires
• Attending regular dental check-ups throughout treatment
• Booking professional cleans as recommended by your dentist
• Wearing a mouthguard for contact or collision sports
• Following your dentist's specific instructions between appointments

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Some foods may need to be avoided or modified during braces treatment to reduce the risk of breaking brackets or bending wires. Your dentist may advise caution with:

• Hard lollies, toffees and chewing gum
• Chewing ice
• Popcorn and popcorn kernels
• Very sticky or chewy foods
• Hard bread crusts and rolls
• Whole nuts and hard raw vegetables
• Biting directly into hard foods with the front teeth

Discomfort After Adjustments

It is common to experience some pressure or mild discomfort after braces are first placed or following adjustments. This typically relates to tooth movement and usually settles within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by your dentist may assist with managing this.

If a bracket, wire or elastic becomes loose or is causing significant discomfort, contact Dentists @ Canning Vale for advice rather than attempting any repairs yourself.

Health Funds and Orthodontic Treatment

Some private health funds may provide benefits for orthodontic treatment depending on your level of cover, waiting periods, annual or lifetime limits and individual policy terms. Dentists @ Canning Vale accepts private health funds and offers HICAPS on-the-spot claiming where applicable. We are preferred providers for several major health funds, including BUPA Members First Platinum, Medibank Members' Choice Advantage, HCF More For Teeth, HBF Member Plus, NIB First Choice, CBHS Choice Network and Smile.com.au.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Braces