Precise, Discreet Orthodontic Care
for Every Stage of Life

We offer clear aligner systems — a series of removable transparent trays that progressively move the teeth through planned incremental positions — conventional fixed braces with metal or tooth-coloured brackets, and lingual braces bonded to the inside surfaces of the teeth and invisible in normal conversation. The most appropriate system depends on the clinical complexity of your case, your aesthetic priorities, and your lifestyle. All options are presented and discussed at consultation; no single approach is recommended without first understanding your specific situation.

No. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment, provided the teeth and supporting structures are healthy. Adult orthodontics is more common and more accessible than at any point in the history of the discipline. The principal considerations for adult patients are the health of the gums and bone — periodontal health is assessed before treatment begins — the complexity of the tooth movements required, and the patient’s commitment to the process. We have treated patients in their sixties with excellent outcomes.

Duration varies significantly by case complexity and the appliance used. Mild crowding or spacing addressed with clear aligners may take as few as six months; more complex bite corrections with fixed appliances may require eighteen to twenty-four months. A realistic estimate for your specific case is provided at consultation after clinical records have been taken and reviewed. Treatment timelines that appear unusually short should be questioned — adequate time for tooth movement and bone remodelling is essential to a stable result.

Some discomfort in the days following each adjustment appointment or aligner change is normal and expected as the teeth respond to the applied forces. This is typically described as pressure rather than acute pain, and resolves within two to four days. Over-the-counter analgesics are effective when needed. Modern clear aligner systems apply more gradual forces than traditional fixed appliances, and many patients report minimal discomfort throughout their treatment.

Clear aligners are removable transparent trays, exchanged every one to two weeks, that guide the teeth through a planned series of positions. They are virtually invisible in use and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene, which preserves cleanliness during treatment. Fixed braces use brackets bonded directly to the teeth and connected by a wire, giving the clinician direct control over tooth movement in three dimensions — which makes them preferable for complex cases involving significant bite correction, rotations, or vertical movement. The right choice depends on the clinical requirements of your case, not simply on aesthetic preference.

Yes, and in many cases it is preferable to plan both together from the outset. Aligning the teeth before whitening, bonding, or veneers ensures a more aesthetically considered and a more durable long-term result — restoring on a misaligned foundation compromises both the aesthetics and the longevity of cosmetic work. Some treatments, such as whitening, are best performed after the completion of orthodontic treatment. The optimal sequence is planned and coordinated between our orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry teams at the initial consultation.

Retention is the most important and most frequently underestimated phase of orthodontic treatment. Without retainers, teeth will shift as the bone and periodontal ligaments remodel — this is a biological reality, not a sign that treatment has failed. At Aspire, retention is planned from the start of treatment. On completion, custom retainers — typically a fixed bonded retainer and a removable nighttime retainer — are provided and their use explained in full. Retainer condition is reviewed at your regular dental appointments. For most patients, some form of retention is worn indefinitely.

Correctly aligned teeth are significantly easier to clean effectively — access for both toothbrush and floss improves in proportion to alignment, reducing the long-term risk of decay and gum disease in the areas that crowded teeth make unreachable. A well-aligned bite distributes occlusal forces more evenly, reducing accelerated tooth wear, the risk of fracture under excessive load, and the likelihood of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. For many patients, orthodontic treatment is a preventive investment as much as an aesthetic one.