Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry concerned with correcting the position of the teeth and how the upper and lower jaw meet, using appliances like braces, clear aligners, and retainers to move teeth gradually into a new position. This page is an overview of what each option involves, not a claim about who provides which treatment at this practice.
What Falls Under Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment ranges from fixed appliances like metal braces, which apply continuous mechanical force through brackets and wires, to removable clear aligners, which move teeth through a series of custom trays, to the retainers needed afterward to keep results stable. Which approach suits a given case depends on how complex the misalignment is, not personal preference alone — more involved bite problems are typically better addressed with fixed appliances, while mild to moderate crowding or spacing is often manageable with removable aligners.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Is Considered
Beyond appearance, misaligned teeth can make cleaning harder, which raises the risk of decay and gum disease in hard-to-reach spots, and can put uneven stress on certain teeth or the jaw joint over time. Not every case needs treatment for functional reasons — some people pursue orthodontics primarily for how their smile looks — but a dentist’s assessment is what actually distinguishes a cosmetic preference from a bite issue worth correcting for functional reasons.
Orthodontic Options
Metal braces use brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by a wire that’s adjusted periodically to guide teeth into position over time. They apply continuous, more direct mechanical force than a removable aligner can, which is why they’re generally the option considered for more complex misalignment or bite problems. Treatment is typically measured in months to a couple of years, depending on the complexity of the case, with periodic adjustment visits throughout.
Clear aligners are a series of custom, removable, transparent trays, each worn for one to two weeks before moving to the next stage in the sequence, gradually shifting teeth into position. They suit mild to moderate crowding or spacing better than complex bite problems, and their removability makes them a common choice for adults who want a less visible option. A full walk-through of how this works is on the clear aligners page.
A retainer holds teeth in their new position once active orthodontic movement — braces or aligners — is complete. Without one, teeth tend to drift back toward their original position over time, which is why retainer wear, not just the active treatment itself, determines whether a result actually lasts.
A fixed lingual retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back (tongue-facing) surface of the front teeth, left in place long-term rather than removed daily. Because it’s not visible from the front and doesn’t rely on the patient remembering to wear it, it’s a common choice for the lower front teeth in particular, where relapse tends to happen quickly if teeth aren’t held in place.
Removable appliances include retainers that come in and out, and other removable devices used at certain stages of treatment or for simpler tooth movements. Because they rely on the patient wearing them as instructed, consistency of wear is one of the main factors that determines whether a removable appliance achieves its intended result.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between metal braces and clear aligners?
Braces are fixed to the teeth and apply continuous mechanical force through brackets and wire, which generally makes them more suitable for complex misalignment. Clear aligners are removable custom trays, worn in sequence, and are typically better suited to mild to moderate crowding or spacing. A clinical assessment, not personal preference, determines which is appropriate for a given case.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
It varies widely by case. Mild cases treated with aligners may take several months to around a year; more complex cases, especially with fixed braces, can take a year or more. The specific timeline depends on how much movement is needed and how consistently any removable appliance is worn.
Do I need to wear a retainer forever after braces or aligners?
Some form of retention is generally needed indefinitely, or at minimum for a substantial period, because teeth tend to drift back toward their original position once active treatment ends. Whether that’s a removable retainer, a fixed lingual retainer, or a combination depends on the case and the dentist’s recommendation.
Can adults get orthodontic treatment, or is it mainly for teenagers?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t limited by age on its own — what matters more is whether the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy enough for tooth movement. Clear aligners in particular are commonly sought out by adults because they’re less visible than fixed braces.
Is orthodontic treatment only about appearance?
Not entirely. Misaligned teeth can make cleaning harder in certain spots, which raises decay and gum disease risk, and can put uneven stress on teeth or the jaw joint. A dentist’s assessment is what distinguishes a mainly cosmetic case from one with a functional reason to correct it.
Questions about this treatment?
Every case is different. The most useful first step is an examination, where the options for your teeth can be explained in person.