Metal braces
What to expect with fixed braces, from fitting day to braces off.
What are metal braces?
Metal braces are fixed braces. Small metal brackets are glued to your teeth and joined by a thin wire. At each appointment, the wire is adjusted to move your teeth gently into a better position.
Because they are fixed in place, metal braces work all day and night. They can treat a wide range of problems, including crowding, gaps and teeth that stick out.
Your care is provided by our orthodontic team: orthodontic therapists, our dentist with enhanced skills in orthodontics, Dr Méabh Maguire, and our specialist orthodontist, Dr William Maguire.
At a glance
- Appointments usually every 8 to 10 weeks.
- Treatment usually takes around 18 to 24 months, but this varies.
- Private fee: from £2,900, the same as aligners, depending on complexity. Health service (NHS) treatment is available if you qualify.
- Retainers for life when your braces come off.
Your treatment step by step
Records
We take a 3D digital scan of your teeth and some photographs. We contact you within 12 weeks with your options.
Extractions (if needed)
Some people need teeth taken out to make space. This is done by your own dentist before your brace is fitted.
Fitting day
We glue a bracket to each tooth and fit the wire. It does not hurt, but your teeth will feel tender afterwards.
Adjustments
We see you about every 8 to 10 weeks to adjust your brace and check your progress.
Some people also need small elastic bands that hook onto the brace to correct their bite. If you are given elastics, wear them exactly as we show you – if you forget, treatment can take longer or you may not get the best result.
The first few weeks
Comfort
- Your teeth will probably ache for 3 to 5 days, and may again after each adjustment. Simple painkillers (always check with a parent and follow the instructions on the packet) can help.
- If the brace rubs, press a small piece of orthodontic wax over it.
- For sore spots or ulcers, rinse with warm salt water.
- Teeth can feel slightly loose while they move. This is normal.
Eating and cleaning
- Start with soft foods and cut food into small pieces.
- Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods, such as toffees, chewing gum, nuts and crusty bread.
- Avoid fizzy and sugary drinks, including diet drinks.
- Brush after every meal and before bed, and use interdental brushes around the brackets.
If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes, cover it with wax and contact us. See brace care and problems for more help, and sport and braces if you play sport.
Braces off
When your teeth are in the right place, we remove your brace. This is called your debond appointment. We then give you retainers to hold your teeth in their new position.
Wear your retainers every night while you sleep (8 to 10 hours), for life. If you stop, your teeth are likely to move.
Cost and health service treatment
From £2,900
The same as clear aligners: £2,900, £3,900 or £4,900 depending on complexity. Or pay a £900 deposit, then the rest in 12 monthly payments (a £150 plan fee is added to the balance and spread across your monthly payments). You can refer yourself. If you paid the £155 private assessment, it comes off the deposit, so you pay a £745 deposit and the same monthly payments. This does not apply to cross-border (HSE) patients.
If you qualify
For those whose teeth are significantly out of position (IOTN). You need a referral from your dentist. Waits are usually 6–12 months for assessment, then 3–6 months to start treatment, depending on the case.
Download
- PDFYour fixed brace2-page advice sheet
- PDFClass II elastics1-page advice sheet
- PDFClass III elastics1-page advice sheet
Questions and answers
How long do metal braces take?
Treatment with fixed braces usually takes around 18 to 24 months, but this varies from person to person.
Do braces hurt?
Having a brace fitted does not hurt. Your teeth will probably ache for 3 to 5 days afterwards, and may ache again after each adjustment. Simple painkillers (always check with a parent and follow the instructions on the packet) can help.
How much are metal braces in Belfast?
At Belfast Orthodontics, private metal braces cost the same as clear aligners: from £2,900, from £3,900 or from £4,900, depending on how complex your case is. Health service (NHS) treatment is available for those who qualify.
Will I need teeth taken out before braces?
Some people do, to make enough space to straighten their teeth. The dentist will explain whether you need extractions. They are done by your own dentist, and are not included in our private fee.
Questions about your treatment?
Our friendly team is happy to help. Call us on 028 9045 1303 or send us an email.