Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment moves crooked, crowded or gapped teeth, and corrects a bite that does not meet properly, using braces or clear aligners. At Suman Dental Care it is planned and carried out by Dr. Aashka Doshi, an orthodontist with an MDS in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics.
Step by step
- 1BeforeConsultationVisit 1
The orthodontist looks at your teeth and bite, asks what bothers you and tells you whether treatment is needed and when.
- 2BeforeRecordsVisit 1–2
Photos, X-rays (an OPG and a cephalogram) and impressions or a 3D scan record your teeth, jaws and bite.
- 3BeforeTreatment planVisit 2
The plan explains how teeth will move, which appliance suits you, how long it will take and whether any teeth need to be removed.
- 4TreatmentFit the applianceVisit 3
Braces are bonded to the teeth, or the first aligner trays and attachments are fitted.
- 5TreatmentActive treatmentEvery 4–10 weeks
Braces are adjusted, or aligner progress is checked and new trays are given. Teeth move gradually through the bone.
- 6AfterRemove the applianceLast visit
Braces are taken off and the teeth are polished, or the last aligner trays are completed.
- 7AfterRetention12+ months
Retainers hold the teeth in their new position, and a review checks that nothing has moved.
Active treatment typically takes 12–24 months with braces and 6–18 months with aligners, then retainers for years.
Crowded or crooked teeth are harder to clean, and a bite that does not meet properly can wear teeth unevenly and strain the jaw. Orthodontic treatment moves teeth gradually into a healthier position. Whether braces or aligners suit you depends on your teeth, your bite and how you will manage them day to day.
- Crowded, overlapping or gapped teeth
- Overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Children can be assessed from about age 7
- Adults: there is no upper age limit if gums and bone are healthy
Teeth are sore for 3–5 days after braces are fitted, after each adjustment, and after each new aligner tray. Soft food and your usual pain relief help. Brace wires can rub the cheeks; orthodontic wax relieves this.
Brushing takes longer with braces. Clean around every bracket after meals and use an interdental brush or floss threader once a day. Aligners come out to eat and are cleaned every day.
See the full braces aftercare card.
- Teeth can drift back without retainers, which is why retainers are worn after treatment.
- Decay and gum inflammation are more likely if cleaning is poor during treatment, with white marks on the enamel left behind brackets.
- Root shortening (usually small) can happen with tooth movement and is monitored on X-rays.
- Treatment can take longer if appointments are missed, elastics or aligners are not worn, or a bracket breaks.
- Some bites need extraction of teeth or surgery in addition, which is discussed at the plan visit.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
- Consultation, records and a written treatment plan
- Fitting of braces or delivery of aligners
- Regular review and adjustment visits
- Removal of the appliance
- A first set of retainers
Questions patients ask
Should I choose braces or aligners?
Braces are fixed to the teeth, work for almost every bite problem and cannot be taken out, so they suit people who may forget to wear a removable appliance. Aligners are clear removable trays that suit mild to moderate crowding and gaps in people who can wear them about 22 hours a day. Read braces vs clear aligners. You can find details on braces and clear aligners.
How long does treatment take?
Braces typically take 12–24 months and aligners 6–18 months, depending on how far the teeth need to move. Your orthodontist gives an estimate at the plan visit.
Do I have to wear retainers?
Yes. Teeth tend to move back after treatment, and retainers hold them in the new position. Most people wear them full time at first, then at night, for years.
Can children have braces?
An orthodontic assessment is useful from about age 7. Most children are monitored and treated later, once the adult teeth have come in, but some bite problems are treated early.
Is there an age limit for adults?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age if the gums and bone are healthy. Adults may need gum treatment first.
Living with braces
What to do after treatment, day by day.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.