Braces.
Straighter teeth and a healthier bite, one gentle adjustment at a time. Braces remain one of the most reliable ways to fix crowding, gaps and misaligned bites.
- Category
- Orthodontics
- With
- Dr. Andy Ooi
- Approach
- Fixed appliance
Understanding braces.
Braces use small brackets fixed to your teeth, connected by a thin wire that we adjust over time to guide your teeth into their ideal position.
You can choose classic metal brackets or tooth-coloured ceramic ones that blend in more discreetly. Because they are fixed in place, braces work steadily around the clock without you needing to remember anything.
This constant, controlled pressure is why braces handle the trickier cases so well. Severe crowding, rotated teeth, large gaps and complex bite problems often respond better to fixed braces than to removable trays. We fine-tune your treatment at each visit, so progress is closely monitored from your first day to your final, confident smile.
A straighter smile, planned properly.
Every case begins with careful orthodontic planning, so your braces move teeth safely and predictably toward a bite that works as well as it looks.
Is this right for you?
- Teens and adults with crowded, overlapping or noticeably crooked teeth
- People with bite problems such as an overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Anyone with larger gaps or significant rotations that need firm control
- Patients who prefer a fixed option they never have to remember to wear
- Those wanting a proven, cost-effective route to lasting straight teeth
What to expect, step by step.
Orthodontic Assessment
We examine your teeth and bite, take X-rays and photos, and map out a clear treatment plan explaining how long your journey is likely to take.
Fitting Your Braces
At your fitting appointment we bond each bracket to your teeth and thread the first wire, a comfortable process that usually takes around an hour.
Regular Adjustments
You visit us every few weeks so we can tighten or change the wires, gradually and gently moving your teeth toward their planned final position.
Removal and Retainers
Once your teeth are beautifully aligned, we remove the braces and fit a retainer to hold your new smile firmly in place for the long term.
Braces, answered.
Most people wear braces for around eighteen months to two years, though it depends on how much movement is needed. We will give you a realistic estimate at your assessment.
Fitting doesn't hurt, but your teeth may feel tender for a few days after each adjustment as they start to move. This settles quickly and soft foods help.
Mostly yes, though it's best to avoid very hard, sticky or chewy foods that can damage the brackets. We will give you a simple list to follow.
Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured, so they blend in far more than metal ones and are much less obvious in photos and conversation.
Not at all. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, and we treat plenty of adults who simply decided it was finally their turn.
Ready to talk about braces?
Book a consultation with Dr. Andy or Dr. Mandy. We'll assess your needs, answer your questions and give you an honest recommendation — no pressure.