At Splash Orthodontics, we help patients of all ages achieve healthier, straighter smiles – and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. This guide covers everything you need to know about braces, from how they work to what happens after treatment ends.

Who can benefit from braces?

Braces aren’t just for teenagers. While many people associate orthodontic treatment with adolescence, the truth is that braces can benefit anyone at almost any age – as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.

Children, teens and adults can all achieve excellent results with the right treatment plan. In fact, more adults than ever are choosing to straighten their smiles, thanks to modern options that are more discreet and comfortable than traditional metal braces.

You might benefit from braces if you have:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between your teeth
• An overbite, underbite or crossbite
• Teeth that don’t meet properly when you bite down
• Difficulty chewing or speaking due to misaligned teeth

The best way to find out if braces are right for you is to book a consultation with a specialist orthodontist. We’ll assess your teeth, discuss your concerns and talk you through all your options.

What can braces treat?

Braces are incredibly versatile and can address a wide range of orthodontic issues. While many people think of braces as purely cosmetic, they’re often essential for improving oral health and function, too.

Crowding

When there isn’t enough space in your mouth, teeth can overlap or twist. Braces gradually create room and guide your teeth into their proper positions.

Spacing

Gaps between teeth can occur naturally or as a result of missing teeth. Braces can close these gaps and create a more uniform smile.

Bite problems

Your bite – the way your upper and lower teeth come together – plays a crucial role in your oral health. Braces can correct:

• Overbites, where the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much vertically
• Overjets, where the top teeth sit too far forward compared to the bottom teeth
• Underbites, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
• Crossbites, where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when you bite down
• Open bites, where the front teeth don’t meet when you close your mouth

A healthy bite not only looks better but also protects your teeth from excessive wear and improves function.

Rotated or tilted teeth

Individual teeth that have grown in at the wrong angle can be rotated and aligned with braces, creating a more balanced smile.

How do braces move teeth?

It might seem like magic, but there’s real science behind orthodontic treatment. Braces work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to your teeth over time. This pressure encourages the bone surrounding your teeth to remodel – breaking down on one side and rebuilding on the other – allowing your teeth to shift into new positions.

The process is gradual and carefully monitored. Moving teeth too quickly can cause damage, which is why treatment takes time. Your specialist orthodontist will adjust your braces at regular intervals to keep the movement on track and make sure your teeth are progressing safely.

With clear aligners, the principle is the same. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth slightly, and you progress through a series of aligners over the course of your treatment. The result is the same controlled, predictable movement – just with a more discreet approach.

Types of braces available at Splash Orthodontics

We offer a range of braces to suit different needs, lifestyles and budgets. During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the option that’s right for you.

Fixed braces

Fixed braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and are highly effective for a wide range of cases. They consist of brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by a wire, which is adjusted regularly to guide your teeth into place.

At Splash Orthodontics, we offer fixed braces with:

Metal brackets – strong, reliable and the most cost-effective option

Clear brackets – a more discreet alternative that blends in with your natural teeth

Champagne-coloured brackets – a subtle, stylish option that’s less noticeable than metal

Fixed braces are suitable for both adults and children and can treat even complex cases with excellent precision.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontics over the past two decades, offering a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth without the look of traditional braces. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and can be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning.

At Splash Orthodontics, we offer Angel Aligners and Invisalign. Both systems work in much the same way, using a series of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into position. Because the aligners are removable, they offer flexibility and convenience – though you’ll need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day to stay on track.

Clear aligners are ideal for anyone who wants a discreet treatment option without compromising on results. They’re particularly popular with busy professionals and image-conscious teens who value the flexibility of removable braces.

NHS vs private braces

At Splash Orthodontics, we offer both NHS and private orthodontic care, so you have options that suit your needs and budget.

NHS braces

NHS orthodontic treatment is available for children and teens under 18 who meet certain clinical criteria. The NHS uses a grading system called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) to determine eligibility. If your child’s teeth meet the required threshold, treatment is free.

Your dentist can refer your child for a free NHS orthodontic assessment. Alternatively, if you’re unsure whether your child qualifies for NHS treatment, we offer consultations for children at £99, where we can assess eligibility and talk you through all your options.

NHS braces are typically fixed metal braces, and treatment is focused on addressing functional and health-related issues rather than purely cosmetic concerns. NHS patients receive removable retainers at the end of treatment to help maintain their results.

Private braces

Private treatment is available for patients of all ages and offers more flexibility in terms of the types of braces you can choose. With private care, you can opt for clear aligners, ceramic brackets or other discreet options – and there are no waiting lists, so you can start treatment straight away.

Private patients at Splash Orthodontics also receive complimentary teeth whitening at the end of treatment, plus fixed and removable retainers to protect your results long-term.

Adults looking to straighten their teeth will need private treatment, and we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and make an informed decision.

Do braces hurt?

It’s one of the most common questions we hear – and it’s completely understandable. The good news is that while braces can cause some discomfort, most patients find it manageable and temporary.

What to expect

When braces are first fitted, or after an adjustment appointment, you might feel some soreness or tenderness as your teeth begin to move. This usually lasts a few days and can be eased with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

With fixed braces, the brackets and wires can occasionally rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips, especially in the first week or two. Orthodontic wax can help protect sensitive areas while your mouth adjusts.

Clear aligners tend to cause less irritation to the soft tissues of your mouth, though you may still feel pressure when you switch to a new aligner. This is a sign that the treatment is working – your teeth are gently shifting into place.

It gets easier

Most patients find that any discomfort fades quickly as they get used to their braces. Within a few weeks, wearing braces becomes second nature, and any initial soreness is long forgotten.

If you do experience ongoing discomfort or notice any issues with your braces, our team is always here to help. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable and supported throughout your treatment.

The importance of retainers

Once your braces come off and your teeth are beautifully straight, the journey isn’t quite over. Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment – and they’re the key to keeping your smile looking its best for years to come.

Why retainers matter

After braces, your teeth naturally want to shift back towards their original positions. Retainers hold your teeth in place while the bone and gums around them settle and stabilise. Without retainers, you risk losing the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Types of retainers

We provide removable retainers for all our patients. Private patients also receive fixed retainers – thin wires bonded to the back of your teeth – offering long-term stability without any daily effort.

Removable retainers are custom-made to fit over your teeth and are typically worn at night. Your orthodontist will recommend the best retainer plan for you based on your treatment and individual needs.

Long-term commitment

Retainers aren’t just for the first few months after treatment – they’re a lifelong commitment if you want to maintain your results. Most patients only need to wear removable retainers at night long-term. It’s a small effort for a lifetime of confident smiles.

Braces vs bonding or veneers

If you’re unhappy with your smile, you might be wondering whether braces are the right solution – or if cosmetic dentistry options like bonding or veneers could achieve similar results more quickly.

When braces are the better choice

Braces are the gold standard for moving teeth and correcting bite problems. If your teeth are crowded, gapped, rotated or misaligned, braces will reposition them from the root up – creating a healthier, more functional smile that lasts.

Bonding and veneers don’t move your teeth. Instead, they mask imperfections by reshaping or covering the visible surface. While this can work well for minor cosmetic concerns, it won’t correct underlying issues like crowding or bite problems.

When cosmetic options might work

If your teeth are already well-aligned but you’re unhappy with chips, discolouration or minor shape irregularities, bonding or veneers might be a good fit. However, if the position of your teeth is the main concern, orthodontic treatment will give you better, longer-lasting results.

Combining treatments

In some cases, patients choose to have braces first to align their teeth, then finish with bonding or veneers for a final cosmetic polish. Your orthodontist and dentist can work together to create a treatment plan that gives you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Ready to start your smile journey?

Every smile is unique, and the best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to come in for a consultation. Our specialist orthodontists will assess your teeth, answer all your questions and talk you through your options.

We offer free consultations for adults and £99 consultations for children, where we can also assess NHS eligibility.

At Splash Orthodontics, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages. From your first appointment to the day your braces come off – and beyond – we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Book your consultation today and take the first step towards the smile you deserve.