Quick read
Key points
- 1
Orthodontic treatment is used to correct the position of teeth and jaws, most commonly using braces to gradually move teeth into a better alignment. It can address crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, or teeth that don't meet correctly when biting.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
You or your child have noticeably crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth
01 · Know
What is Orthodontic treatment and braces?
Orthodontic treatment is used to correct the position of teeth and jaws, most commonly using braces to gradually move teeth into a better alignment. It can address crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, or teeth that don't meet correctly when biting.
Treatment is most often started in the early teenage years, but adults increasingly use braces or clear aligners too. Options range from traditional metal braces to clear ceramic braces and removable clear aligners, chosen based on the specific issue and personal preference.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
Your dentist can advise on whether a referral to an orthodontist is appropriate and roughly what treatment might involve.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You or your child have noticeably crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth
- 2There's a significant overbite, underbite, or the teeth don't meet comfortably when biting or chewing
- 3You're experiencing jaw pain or difficulty cleaning teeth properly due to their position
- 4You want to explore options for adult orthodontic treatment
- 5A dentist has recommended a referral for an orthodontic assessment
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Maintain excellent oral hygiene.Braces make plaque more likely to build up, so thorough brushing and flossing (or use of interdental brushes) is essential throughout treatment.
- 2Attend all adjustment appointments.Regular visits allow the orthodontist to adjust the braces and keep treatment on track.
- 3Avoid certain foods.Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can damage braces or aligners, so following dietary advice helps avoid delays.
- 4Wear retainers as instructed after treatment.Teeth can shift back after braces are removed, so retainers are key to maintaining the result long-term.
- 5Use wax for any irritation.Orthodontic wax can ease rubbing from brackets or wires while your mouth adjusts.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Orthodontic treatment and braces ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years, but following the plan closely gives the best long-term results.
Wearing retainers exactly as instructed after braces come off is essential to stop teeth drifting back out of place.