Orthodontic treatment gently moves teeth into better positions over time. It can straighten crowded or crooked teeth, close gaps and correct how the upper and lower teeth meet. Straighter teeth are often easier to clean, and a better bite can reduce uneven wear.
Orthodontic treatment is not only for teenagers; adults can often have it too, as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. At Divine Dental Care in Ankleshwar, the first step is always a consultation, where the dentist examines your teeth and bite, explains what can realistically be achieved and discusses whether braces or clear aligners suit your case.
What the treatment involves
There are two main approaches:
- Fixed braces – small brackets bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire. The wire is adjusted at regular visits to guide the teeth into place.
- Clear aligners – a series of thin, removable plastic trays made for your teeth. Each set moves the teeth a little, and you change to the next set as advised. Aligners need to be worn for most of the day and night, usually around 20 to 22 hours, and taken out only to eat, drink anything other than water and clean your teeth.
Aligners are not suitable for everyone. Some tooth movements are more predictable with fixed braces, and aligners only work if they are worn as advised. Suitability for aligners is decided at the consultation, after the dentist has examined your teeth, bite and X-rays. If your case needs a specialist orthodontist's opinion, the dentist will tell you.
After treatment, teeth tend to drift back towards their old positions. That is why everyone needs a retainer, either removable or fixed behind the teeth, once braces or aligners are finished.
Common reasons patients come in
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Upper front teeth that stick out
- An uneven bite, such as a deep bite, open bite or crossbite
- Teeth that have shifted over the years, or after old braces without a retainer
- A child whose adult teeth are coming in crooked
- Teeth that need moving before an implant, crown or smile makeover
How the treatment works at Divine Dental Care
- Consultation. The dentist listens to what bothers you about your teeth and examines your teeth, gums and bite.
- Records. X-rays, photographs and impressions are taken to plan treatment. If a wider X-ray of the jaws is needed, the dentist will tell you where it can be done.
- Your options explained. You are told whether braces or aligners suit you, roughly how long treatment may take and how often you will need visits.
- Healthy teeth first. Any decay or gum problems are treated before orthodontic treatment starts.
- Fitting. Braces are fixed to the teeth, or your first aligners are fitted, and you are shown how to clean and care for them.
- Reviews and retainers. You visit at intervals so the dentist can adjust braces or check aligners, and retainers are fitted at the end.
Aftercare and recovery
Teeth usually feel sore for a few days after braces are fitted or adjusted, or when you change to new aligners. Soft food helps, and the discomfort usually settles. Orthodontic wax can stop brackets rubbing the cheeks.
With braces, avoid hard and sticky foods such as hard nuts, toffees and chikki, which can break brackets. Brush carefully around every bracket and use small interdental brushes. With aligners, brush before putting them back in and clean the trays as advised. Wear your retainer exactly as instructed; for many people that means wearing it at night for the long term.
Because treatment needs regular visits over many months, choose a clinic you can reach easily, whether you live in Ankleshwar or travel in from somewhere like Jhagadia. You can book an appointment for an orthodontic consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old for braces?
Usually not. Adults can have orthodontic treatment as long as their teeth and gums are healthy.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on how much the teeth need to move. Many cases take between one and two years, though some are shorter and some longer.
Can I have clear aligners instead of braces?
Possibly. Aligners suit many mild to moderate cases, but not every type of tooth movement. Suitability for aligners is decided at the consultation after the dentist has examined your teeth and bite.
At what age should a child be checked for braces?
An orthodontic check around the age of seven can be helpful, as some bite problems are easier to guide while the jaw is growing. Many children start treatment later, once more adult teeth have come in. See children's dentistry for more about children's visits.
Do I really need to wear a retainer?
Yes. Without a retainer, teeth tend to move back. The dentist will explain how long and how often to wear yours.
Every mouth is different. The right treatment for you is decided only after Dr. Dhara M. Sudani examines your teeth and, if needed, takes an X-ray. This page is general information, not a diagnosis.