Braces and aligners in Sector 93, Gurgaon

Having braces fitted is not usually painful. Teeth often feel sore for three to five days after fitting and after each adjustment, as they start to move. Soft food helps, and you can take a simple painkiller if Dr. Arti advises it. Orthodontic wax covers any bracket that rubs your cheek. If soreness lasts longer than a few days, or a wire is digging in, call the clinic.

There is no fixed upper age limit. Adults can have braces as long as their gums and the bone around the teeth are healthy, so gum problems are treated first. Adult treatment can take a little longer. Clear aligners are also offered, if they suit your teeth.

Get your child's bite checked around age 7, when crowding or jaw growth problems can first be spotted. Most children start braces once most adult teeth have come in, usually in the early teens. An early check does not always mean early braces.

Metal braces treat a wide range of problems, including severe crowding, and work without you remembering to wear them. Clear aligners are removable trays that are hard to notice, but they must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, and not every case suits them. Dr. Arti explains which one fits your case.

Yes. Teeth tend to drift back towards their old position, especially in the first months after braces, and they keep moving slowly throughout life. A retainer, either removable or a thin wire fixed behind the front teeth, holds them in place. You usually wear it full time at first and later only at night. Most people need to keep wearing a retainer at night for many years, often for life, to keep their teeth straight.

Most problems with braces can be prevented, but there are a few risks to know about. Plaque that collects around the brackets can cause cavities, swollen gums and white marks on the teeth that may not fully fade, so careful brushing and cutting down on sugary snacks and drinks matter throughout treatment. The roots of the teeth usually shorten very slightly as they move. This does not normally cause problems, but in rare cases it is more marked. If a tooth was injured in the past, tell Dr. Arti, as it may need extra checks. Teeth can also move back after treatment if retainers are not worn.

Yes. For contact sports or games with a hard ball or stick, such as cricket or hockey, wear a mouthguard over your braces to protect your teeth, lips and braces. A mouthguard made to fit over braces is usually more comfortable than a bulky ready-made one, so ask Dr. Arti which type suits you. If a bracket breaks or a wire moves, call the clinic.