Choosing the Right Type of Braces

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces sometimes nicknamed "train tracks" remain the most widely used option because their results are consistent and predictable. Metal brackets and wires are typically bonded to the front of the teeth, though more discreet alternatives exist, including ceramic brackets that blend in with tooth colour, and lingual braces that sit on the back surface of the teeth, out of view.

TFBC offers a full range of fixed brace options.

How they work: Small brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by a wire. That wire applies steady, gentle pressure, and your dentist tightens or adjusts it at regular visits to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. Unlike aligners, fixed braces stay in place for the full course of treatment.

Clear Removable Aligners

Made from clear, medical-grade plastic, aligners look similar to a mouthguard or retainer and are barely noticeable when worn. They're a popular choice for adults who want to avoid the look of metal braces, and they work particularly well for mild-to-moderate misalignment. For best results, aligners need to stay in for roughly 20-22 hours a day, coming out only to eat, drink and brush.

Why patients choose aligners:

• Effective for gapped teeth, minor crowding, and some bite issues like overbites or overjets
• Practically invisible a good fit for anyone self-conscious about a fixed brace
• Removable, so there's no need to give up foods that would be off-limits with fixed braces
• Thin, flexible plastic that sits comfortably over the teeth

Over the course of treatment, you'll progress through a sequence of aligners, usually swapping to a new set roughly every week. Some patients also have small, tooth-coloured "engagers" bonded to specific teeth like buttons, which help the aligner grip and apply pressure exactly where it's needed.