The process begins with a consultation with the dentist to assess the degree of misalignment of the teeth and to discuss treatment goals. Dental X-rays, photographs and moulds of the teeth are taken for a detail assessment based on which a personalised treatment plan is devised.

Prior to fitting your braces a comprehensive dental health check is done so ensure your gums and teeth are healthy. Fissure sealants and a dental scaling is done and any dental decay is restored with dental fillings. If extractions are deemed necessary to create space for alignment this is also done at this time.

Personalised brackets, each with specific prescriptions are attached to the teeth using dental cement. A metal wire, called an archwire, is then threaded through the brackets. Elastic bands are used to hold the archwire onto the brackets. These bands come in various colours, allowing patients to personalise their braces.

Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled, usually every 4 to 6 weeks. During these visits, the archwire and elastic bands are changed to apply gentle pressure on the teeth. The applied pressure from the braces gradually changes the jaw bone, hence moves the teeth into their desired positions over time.

The finishing phase could take up to 3-4 months. This is when fine detailing of tooth positions are done to achieve that perfect smile. Once the teeth have all be moved to their desired final positioned, the brackets are removed from the teeth and all residual dental cement is cleaned away and tooth surfaces polished.

Once the braces are removed patients are usually given retainers to wear, which help maintain the new alignment and prevent teeth from shifting back. The retention phase lasts several months to a few years, depending on the individual case, to ensure the teeth stabilise in their new positions.