CASE STUDY · BRACES
A woman in her late 30s had narrow, crowded teeth that were collapsing inwards. Cleaning was difficult and not much of her teeth showed when she smiled. She preferred fixed braces to aligners.
Drag to compare. Photos of a real Hayat Dental patient, published with consent. Individual results vary.
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She came in because her teeth were narrow and crowded, with everything collapsing inwards. The crowding made her teeth hard to clean, and she was unhappy that so little of her teeth showed when she smiled.
She had already looked into Invisalign but wasn’t sure she could wear aligners, and felt fixed braces would suit her lifestyle better.
02
The arch was narrow, and the teeth were tipped inwards and overlapping. Crowded teeth trap plaque in places a brush can’t reach, and her gum health was suffering as a result.
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We discuss both braces and clear aligners with every orthodontic patient. Either could have worked here. What matters most is the option the patient will be comfortable with for the whole treatment.
She preferred something fixed that she didn’t have to take in and out, so braces were the right fit. Before starting, we showed her a proposal of what her smile could look like after treatment, so she could agree the plan first.
SMILE DESIGN FIRST
Before any tooth was changed, we designed the new smile and showed it to the patient. They could ask for changes, and if they didn’t like it, they didn’t need to go ahead. The design also shows us how little of each tooth we need to adjust.
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1
Smile proposal
We showed her a proposal of the finished smile before anything started.
2
Braces
About eight to nine months of braces widened the arch, opened up the smile and corrected the angles of the teeth.
3
Retention
A fixed retainer behind the front teeth, plus a removable retainer worn at night.
8 to 9 months · Fixed and night-time retainers
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Her arch is wider and her teeth are aligned, so more of her smile shows. Cleaning is much easier, and her gum health improved considerably over the course of treatment. Being able to clean well also made her more motivated with her home care.
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Wearing the night-time retainer as advised
Cleaning around the fixed retainer every day
Regular check-ups and cleans to keep the gums healthy
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Fees depend on how much movement your teeth need and how long treatment takes. After your consultation you get a written treatment plan with costs, before anything starts. Payment plans are available for orthodontic treatment, so the cost can be spread over the course of treatment. We give you costs for both braces and aligners so you can compare.
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Teeth that look narrow or tipped inwards
Crowded teeth that are hard to brush and floss
Gums that bleed around crowded teeth
Preferring fixed braces over removable aligners
If a few of these sound familiar, a consultation is the best next step. We explain your options, including the smallest treatment that will do the job.
This summary is based on the treating dentist’s account of the case. Every mouth is different, so your options, timing and costs depend on your own assessment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Both can straighten teeth well. Aligners are discreet and removable; braces are fixed, so they keep working without you needing to remember to wear them. We explain both at your consultation and recommend what suits your teeth and lifestyle.
Often, yes. Crowded teeth trap plaque in places a brush can’t reach. Once teeth are aligned, cleaning is easier and gums tend to be healthier, as they were in this case.
It depends on how much movement is needed. This case took eight to nine months. We give you an estimate after your assessment.
Yes. Teeth tend to move back without retention. This patient has a fixed retainer behind the front teeth and wears a removable one at night.
TREATMENTS IN THIS CASE
SIMILAR CASES
Before
AfterSmile design and crownsReplacing old crowns with dark edges and black trianglesAbout 10 crowns
Before
AfterInvisalign, gum lift and porcelain veneersStraightening, gum care and veneers for a young soldierAbout 15 months
Before
AfterInvisalign for crowdingStraightening crowded, overlapping teeth for a young professionalAbout 12 monthsA GOOD PLACE TO START
Book a consultation. We’ll assess your teeth, explain the options and give you a written plan with costs.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
Send an enquiry and our team will contact you. To book an appointment, use our online booking portal. For urgent availability, please call the clinic.
