Align · Metal braces

Fixed braces, precisely planned.

Small metal brackets and a fine wire that work around the clock, a reliable choice for anything from crowding to complex bites.

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Costs and payment

Planned with a side-profile X-ray
Regular adjustment visits
Interest-free payment plans

classics-dental-self-ligating-metal-braces-on-a-model-of-the-teeth

On this page

Is it right for you?

A real result

Your options

Your journey

After braces

Risks

Questions

Is it right for you?

When braces
are a good fit

Braces and clear aligners can both straighten teeth. Braces are often the better choice when:

More complex movement is neededBraces give fine control over every tooth, which suits larger corrections and rotated teeth.

Your bite needs correctingOverbites, underbites and crossbites can often be corrected with braces, sometimes alongside elastics.

You’d rather not think about itBraces can’t be left out or forgotten, which suits many teenagers and busy adults.

A real result

Before and after braces

Drag the slider to compare. Crowded upper and lower teeth straightened with fixed braces.

Treated at Classics Dental. Photos shared with the patient’s permission. Individual results vary.

Your options

Braces or clear aligners?

Both work well. Here’s how they compare day to day.

Compare	Clear aligners	Metal braces
How they look	Clear and hard to notice	Visible metal brackets and wire
Removable?	Yes, you take them out to eat and brush	No, they stay on until treatment ends
Wearing them	About 22 hours a day, which is up to you	Working all the time, with nothing to remember
Eating	Eat what you like with aligners out	Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods
Cleaning	Brush as normal, and clean the aligners	Extra care around brackets, with small brushes
Best suited to	Mild to moderate crowding, spacing and bite problems	Everything from simple to more complex cases

Your journey

What treatment involves

Treatment usually takes between one and three years, depending on how much your teeth need to move. We’ll give you an estimate in your plan.

1RecordsWe take a 3D scan, photographs and X-rays, including a side-profile view of your jaw.

2Your planeWe explain what we’d like to move and why, how long it should take, and what it costs.

3Fitting your bracesWe attach a small bracket to each tooth and place the first wire. It doesn’t need an injection.

4AdjustmentsYou’ll see us regularly, usually every 6 to 8 weeks, to change wires and check progress.

5Braces off, retainers onOnce your teeth are in place, we remove the braces and fit retainers to hold the result.

After braces

Keeping your
teeth straight

Teeth naturally try to drift back, so retainers are an important part of treatment.

Fixed retainers A thin wire bonded behind your front teeth, which you can’t see from the front.
Wearing them long term We’ll tell you how often to wear your retainers. For most people, it’s for the long term.
Removable retainers Clear retainers made from a scan of your new smile, usually worn at night.
Checking in We’ll check your retainers at your regular appointments.

Risks and limitations

What to consider

Every treatment has benefits and risks. These are the main ones to know about.

Teeth feel sore for a few days after fitting and adjustments
Brackets can rub and cause ulcers at first, which orthodontic wax helps with
Decay or white marks can form around brackets if cleaning isn’t thorough
A small amount of root shortening can occur, usually without any effect on the teeth
Teeth will drift back without retainers

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. We’ll talk through the ones that apply to you before anything goes ahead, and you’re always welcome to get a second opinion.

Costs

You’ll get a written, itemised plan before anything goes ahead. Interest-free payment plans, Q Card, Southern Cross Easy-claim and WINZ quotes are available.

Payment options

Questions

Your questions, answered

Still wondering about something? Give us a call on 09 570 2823 or email reception@classicsdental.com, and we’ll get back to you.

How long will I need braces?

Usually between one and three years. We’ll give you an estimate for your case in your plan.

Do braces hurt?

Fitting them doesn’t need an injection. Your teeth may feel sore for a few days after they go on and after each adjustment, and regular pain relief usually helps.

How often will I need appointments?

Usually every 6 to 8 weeks, so we can adjust your braces and check your progress.

Will I need teeth taken out?

Sometimes, if there isn’t enough space for all your teeth. Occasionally small anchorage screws are used to help move teeth. We’ll explain if either applies to you.

Can I play sport or a musical instrument?

Yes. Wear a mouthguard for contact sport. Wind and brass players usually adapt within a few weeks.

Are you orthodontists?

No, we’re general dentists with postgraduate training in orthodontics. If your case needs a specialist orthodontist, we’ll refer you.