Braces & Orthodontics
Clear information, careful assessment and a treatment plan designed around your comfort and long-term oral health.
Braces & Orthodontics: what to know
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth using controlled forces. Planning considers alignment, bite, gum health and growth.
When might it be needed?
Crowding, spacing, protrusion or bite problems that benefit from tooth movement.
The choice follows an examination. Symptoms alone cannot identify the right treatment.
Braces & Orthodontics · illustrated steps
See the main stages of care. Illustrations explain the approach; your treatment is planned after an individual assessment.
The main treatment stages
01 · Assess teeth and bite
An orthodontic examination and records help define a suitable treatment plan.
02 · Fit and adjust the appliance
Brackets and archwires, or another planned appliance, apply controlled forces with regular monitoring.
03 · Finish and retain
After active correction, a retainer plan helps maintain the result. Treatment time varies.
Illustrative scenes, not photographs of DentCare patients or staff. Your clinical care and results may differ.
Could clear aligners be an alternative?
Clear aligners may suit selected tooth movements when a removable appliance is preferred. Suitability depends on your bite, oral health and ability to follow the wear plan. Explore Clear Aligners for treatment steps, photos and care advice.
Compare metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners
Compare the options below. On a small screen, swipe across the table.
| Comparison point | Fixed metal braces | Fixed ceramic braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| How they work | Brackets and an archwire move teeth | Tooth-coloured brackets and an archwire move teeth | A planned series of removable trays moves teeth |
| Appearance | Metal brackets remain visible | Less noticeable brackets; wires remain present | Clear trays are less noticeable; attachments may show |
| Removal for meals | Stay attached | Stay attached | Remove as instructed for meals and cleaning |
| Daily responsibility | Careful cleaning, food choices and any elastic wear | Careful cleaning, food choices and any elastic wear | Consistent wear for prescribed hours; keep trays safe |
| Treatment suitability | Can address a wide range of planned movements | Suitability depends on the bite and appliance design | Suitable selected movements; complex cases may need another approach |
| Reviews and changes | Planned adjustments and checks | Planned adjustments and checks | Progress checks and tray changes as prescribed |
| After active treatment | Retainers and follow-up | Retainers and follow-up | Retainers and follow-up |
Extractions, risks and long-term stability
Why might teeth need to be removed for braces?
Some patients need extractions to create enough space for crowded teeth or to help correct their bite and tooth position. Not everyone needs this. Examination and records guide whether extraction, carefully planned enamel reduction (IPR), suitable expansion or another approach is appropriate. An extraction-free plan cannot be promised before assessment.
Is removing a healthy tooth harmful?
Removing a permanent tooth is irreversible and is not risk-free. A healthy tooth may be selected when the expected benefit to the overall orthodontic plan justifies removal. We explain why that tooth is being considered, the extraction risks, how its space is intended to be managed and the alternatives. You can ask questions or seek a second opinion before deciding. Read more about tooth extraction and recovery.
Root resorption: roots can shorten
Orthodontic movement can shorten tooth roots. Small changes are usually of little clinical significance, but more extensive shortening can occasionally affect long-term tooth health. Individual susceptibility is not fully predictable. Assessment and appropriate follow-up imaging help evaluate risk and root changes; findings may require a pause, a change in the plan or stopping movement.
Relapse: teeth can move again
Teeth can shift after braces are removed, including towards earlier positions. Growth and age-related changes can also affect alignment. Retainers help limit unwanted movement but do not guarantee perfectly unchanged teeth for life. Follow the prescribed long-term wear and review plan. Contact us if a retainer breaks, becomes loose or no longer fits.
Other risks and your part in prevention
White-spot marks, decay, gum inflammation, irritation and appliance breakage are also possible. Careful cleaning, food choices and planned reviews help manage these risks. Tell us about previous tooth injuries, gum problems or unexpected symptoms so the treatment plan can take them into account.
The benefits, alternatives and risks for your own teeth are discussed before treatment. Neither extraction nor a non-extraction approach is automatically the right choice for every patient.
Aftercare & follow-up
Clean around appliances, keep adjustment visits and follow wear instructions. Use retainers as directed after active treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Which braces are best for me?
The required tooth movements, bite, gum health and ability to maintain oral hygiene determine the choice. Examination and records guide the plan.
Can adults have braces?
Often yes, if the teeth and supporting tissues are suitable. Age alone does not determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate.
How do metal and ceramic braces differ?
Both use brackets and wires. Ceramic brackets are less noticeable, while metal brackets remain visible. Suitability and care requirements are discussed during planning.
Will fixed braces hurt?
Temporary pressure or soreness can occur after fitting or adjustments. Persistent or worsening pain needs review.
How long does treatment take?
There is no fixed duration for everyone. The bite problem, movements required, biology, appliance care and missed visits affect the timeline.
Will I need extractions or IPR?
Not every patient needs either. Space requirements, tooth proportions and the bite determine whether extraction or carefully planned enamel reduction is appropriate.
How do I clean around brackets and wires?
Clean the teeth and appliance carefully as demonstrated, including between teeth and around brackets. Keep planned dental and orthodontic reviews.
Are there foods I should avoid?
Follow your appliance-specific advice. Hard or sticky foods can damage brackets or wires; careful food choices help protect the appliance.
What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks?
Contact the clinic for advice and an assessment. Do not try to repair or adjust the appliance yourself.
Can my teeth move back after braces?
Yes. This is called relapse. Teeth can shift towards earlier positions, and alignment can change with age. Follow the long-term retainer and review plan; retention reduces risk but cannot guarantee no movement.
How much do braces cost in Mymensingh?
We provide an estimate after assessment. Ask what records, adjustments, repairs and retainers are included in the plan.
Could I choose clear aligners instead?
Clear aligners may be an alternative in selected cases. See our separate Clear Aligners page for suitability, treatment steps and daily care.
Is extracting a healthy tooth for braces harmful?
Extraction is irreversible and has risks, but it may be appropriate when the expected benefit to the overall plan justifies it. Ask why removal is recommended, how the space will be managed and which alternatives are suitable.
Can braces cause root resorption?
Yes. Tooth roots can shorten during orthodontic movement. Small changes are usually minor, but extensive shortening can affect tooth health. Reviews and appropriate imaging may lead to a change or pause in treatment.
What if my retainer breaks or stops fitting?
Contact the clinic promptly for assessment. Do not force a poorly fitting retainer or attempt to adjust it yourself; teeth may move while retention is interrupted.
Patient information sources
- NHS patient information
- British Orthodontic Society: clear aligners
- FDA: clear aligners and professional supervision
- BOS: extraction decisions and treatment claims
- BOS: risks of orthodontic treatment
- BOS: retainers and relapse
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital: risks of braces treatment
General education to help you discuss options with your dentist. Your treatment plan is individual.
Ready to discuss your treatment?
Visit DentCare Dental Clinic in Charpara Mor, Mymensingh. We will assess your condition, explain the suitable options and help you choose the next step with confidence.