Smile makeover
Braces
Braces move crowded or crooked teeth into line with small brackets and a thin wire. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, and the bite works better too.
5.0 on Google from 93 reviewsYour braces, step by step
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Step 1 of 7
Your plan
After a check-up and X-rays, the dentist plans where each tooth needs to move.
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Step 2 of 7
Brackets bonded
Small brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth, one by one. No injection is needed.
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Step 3 of 7
The wire
A thin wire is threaded through the brackets. It pushes the teeth gently and steadily.
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Step 4 of 7
Month by month
Over the months, the teeth move a little at a time towards their planned positions.
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Step 5 of 7
Adjustments
Every few weeks the dentist adjusts the wire, and fresh elastic ties go on.
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Step 6 of 7
Brackets off
When the teeth are straight, the brackets are taken off and the teeth are polished.
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Step 7 of 7
Your retainer
A retainer, worn as advised, keeps your teeth from drifting back.
Types of braces
The dentist recommends what suits you after your check-up and, if needed, an X-ray.
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01
Metal braces
Strong, reliable and suited to most cases, from mild crowding to bigger bite problems.
Small stainless-steel brackets joined by a thin wire, held with colourful elastic ties.
Best for
- Mild to severe crowding, gaps or bite problems
- Children, teens and adults
What it involves
Brackets fitted in one visit, then adjustments every few weeks until the teeth are straight, then a retainer.
The parts
Metal brackets · Elastic ties · Wire · Your teeth
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02
Tooth-coloured braces
Ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth, so they are less noticeable.
They work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are ceramic and close to the colour of your teeth.
Best for
- Teens and adults who want braces to be less visible
What it involves
Brackets fitted in one visit, then adjustments every few weeks, then a retainer.
The parts
Tooth-coloured brackets · Elastic ties · Wire · Your teeth
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03
Clear aligners
A series of thin, clear trays you can take out to eat and brush. Suited to milder cases.
A series of thin, clear trays made for your teeth. Each set moves the teeth a little, and you change to the next set as advised.
Best for
- Milder crowding or gaps
- People who want to take them out to eat and brush
What it involves
Wearing the trays most of the day and night, changing to the next set as advised, with regular check-ups.
The parts
Clear aligner · Your teeth
Who braces can help
- Crowded, overlapping or crooked teeth.
- Gaps between teeth.
- A bite where the top and bottom teeth do not meet well.
- Children, teens and adults. Children are often treated while the jaw is still growing.
Teeth and gums need to be healthy before braces go on, so any fillings or gum treatment are done first.
Living with braces
- Brush carefully after meals, around every bracket.
- Avoid hard and sticky food that can break a bracket, such as hard sweets, nuts and chewing gum.
- If a bracket or wire rubs, a little orthodontic wax helps until your next visit.
- Wear your retainer as advised once the braces come off.
Dr. Tabassum Ajmal
Dentist and prosthodontist
Your treatment is planned and carried out by Dr. Tabassum, who leads the clinic on Nasir Bagh Road. She explains each step, and what it costs, before anything starts.
Questions about braces
Can't find yours? Ask the booking assistant, or message the clinic on WhatsApp.
How long will I wear braces?
Most people wear them for one to two years. It depends on how much the teeth need to move. You get an estimate after the check-up.
Do braces hurt?
Teeth can feel sore for a few days after the braces go on and after each adjustment. This settles, and ordinary painkillers help.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Adults can have braces too, as long as their teeth and gums are healthy.
How often do I need to visit?
Usually every few weeks, so the dentist can adjust the wire and check progress.
What happens when the braces come off?
You wear a retainer, as advised, to stop the teeth from moving back.
Talk to the clinic about braces
Book a check-up. The dentist examines you and explains your options, how long each takes and what it costs, before anything starts.
1st Floor, Al-Sayed Tower, Nasir Bagh Road, near Amal Labs, Malakandher, Peshawar