Braces & Orthodontic Treatment in Jalandhar: Straighter Teeth, Healthier Bite

A confident smile starts with well-aligned teeth.

Straight teeth look good, but they also make it easier to clean your mouth, chew properly and keep your teeth healthy for life. Orthodontic treatment corrects crooked teeth, gaps and bite problems, using braces and other appliances that move teeth gradually into a better position.

At Sushma Memorial Super Specialty Dental Hospital, we have been providing dental care since 2006, and our specialised ortho dental centre treats children, teenagers and adults. This page explains what orthodontic treatment involves, what your options are and what to expect from the first visit to the final retainer.

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the alignment of teeth and jaws. An orthodontic problem is called a malocclusion, which simply means the teeth or jaws do not fit together as they should.

Orthodontic treatment uses gentle, controlled pressure to move teeth through the bone to a new position. Over time, the bone around the teeth remodels, and the teeth settle into their new alignment. This is why treatment takes months rather than days, and why retainers are important afterwards.

Why Does Orthodontic Treatment Matter?

Many people think of braces as purely cosmetic. In reality, aligned teeth bring several health benefits.

1. Easier cleaning. Crowded or overlapping teeth trap food and plaque, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss.

2. A healthier bite. A misaligned bite can cause uneven wear, chipped teeth and strain on the jaw muscles and joints.

3. Better chewing and speech. Proper alignment helps teeth work together when you eat. Some speech problems are also related to tooth position.

4. Protection for protruding teeth. Teeth that stick out are more likely to be injured in falls or accidents.

5. Improved confidence. Many patients, especially teenagers, feel more comfortable smiling after treatment.

6. Preparation for other treatments. Moving teeth into the right position can make later work, such as crowns, bridges or implants, more successful.

Common Orthodontic Problems

Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend treatment for:

• Crowded teeth. There isn’t enough room in the jaw, so teeth overlap or twist.
• Spaced teeth (gaps). Teeth are spread apart, often because of small teeth, missing teeth or a large jaw.
• Overbite. The upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth.
• Underbite. The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth.
• Crossbite. Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when you bite.
• Open bite. The front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are closed.
• Protruding (prominent) front teeth.
• Midline shift. The centre of the upper and lower teeth do not line up.
• Impacted or misplaced teeth, such as canines that fail to come through properly.

Who Needs Braces? Signs to Look For

You or your child may benefit from an orthodontic assessment if you notice:

• Crooked, crowded or overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth that stick out
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Frequent biting of the cheeks or tongue
• Jaw clicking or discomfort
• Mouth breathing or thumb-sucking beyond early childhood
• Baby teeth that fall out very early or very late
• Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet properly

Only an examination can confirm whether treatment is needed.

What Is the Best Age for Braces?

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, but timing can affect the approach.

Children (around 7 years): Many orthodontic bodies suggest a first check-up around age 7, when the first adult teeth come through. This does not mean braces start then. The aim is to spot jaw growth problems early, as some can be guided while the child is still growing.

Teenagers (roughly 11-16 years): This is the most common time for braces. Most adult teeth have come through, and the jaws are still growing, which helps treatment.

Adults: Orthodontic treatment works well in adults, as long as the gums and bone are healthy. Many adults choose braces for cosmetic reasons, to improve their bite or before restorative work. Adults often prefer discreet options.

Types of Braces and Orthodontic Appliances

Your orthodontist will recommend an option based on your teeth, bite, age, lifestyle and budget. Which options are right for you is confirmed at your consultation.

1. Traditional Metal Braces

These are the most familiar braces. Small metal brackets are bonded to the teeth and joined by a thin archwire. Small elastic bands (ligatures) hold the wire in place, and they are often available in colours, which many children enjoy.

Advantages

• Effective for almost all types of orthodontic problems, including complex ones
• Durable and generally the most economical option
• Wide choice of fun elastic colours

Things to consider

• They are visible
• Food can get trapped, so thorough cleaning is essential

2. Ceramic (Tooth-Coloured) Braces

These work like metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-coloured or clear, so they blend in with your teeth.

Advantages

• Less noticeable than metal braces
• Work on a wide range of problems

Things to consider

• Usually cost more than metal braces
• Can stain if the teeth are not kept clean, and may be a little more fragile

3. Self-Ligating Braces

These braces have a built-in clip instead of elastic bands. This can make adjustments quicker and, in some cases, reduces the number of visits.

Advantages

• Simpler adjustments and often a neater appearance
• Can be easier to clean than braces with elastics

Things to consider

• Typically cost more than traditional braces
• Not always suited to every case

4. Lingual Braces

These are fitted on the back (tongue side) of the teeth, so they are not visible from the front.

Advantages

• Hidden from view

Things to consider

• Can feel uncomfortable on the tongue at first and may temporarily affect speech
• Harder to clean, and not suitable for every case

5. Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a series of transparent, removable trays, each moving the teeth a small amount. They are changed every few weeks.

Advantages

• Almost invisible
• Removable for eating and cleaning
• Generally comfortable

Things to consider

• They need discipline, as they must be worn for most of the day
• Suited mainly to mild to moderate problems, and not to every case
• Can cost more than traditional braces

Your orthodontist will tell you honestly whether aligners can achieve the result you want.

6. Other Orthodontic Appliances

Braces are sometimes combined with, or replaced by, other appliances:

• Functional appliances: used in growing children to guide jaw growth and correct bite problems such as overbites
• Palatal expanders: widen a narrow upper jaw in children to create space
• Space maintainers: keep space open when a baby tooth is lost early
• Headgear: used in selected cases to guide jaw growth
• Retainers: hold the teeth in position after treatment (see below)
• Mini-implants (anchorage devices): small temporary anchors that help move teeth in complex cases

Comparing the Main Options at a Glance

	Metal Braces	Ceramic Braces	Self-Ligating	Lingual Braces	Clear Aligners
Visibility	Visible	Less visible	Varies	Hidden	Almost invisible
Removable	No	No	No	No	Yes
Suitable for complex cases	Yes	Yes	Yes	Selected	Selected
Cleaning	Needs care	Needs care	Slightly easier	Harder	Easy
Relative cost	Lower	Higher	Higher	Highest	Higher

This table is a general guide. Your orthodontist will confirm what suits you.

The Orthodontic Treatment Process at Sushma Dental

Step 1: Consultation and examination. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, jaw and bite, asks about your dental and medical history and discusses what you hope to achieve.

Step 2: Records and diagnosis. Dental X-rays, photographs and impressions or scans of your teeth are taken. These help plan treatment and show the position of unerupted teeth and roots.

Step 3: Treating other dental problems first. Cavities and gum problems are treated before braces are fitted, because braces make cleaning harder and hidden problems can get worse.

Step 4: Your treatment plan. We explain the problem, the options, the expected duration and the estimated cost, so you can decide with full information. If extractions or other procedures are needed, we explain why.

Step 5: Fitting the braces. The teeth are cleaned and dried, brackets are bonded and the archwire is placed. The procedure is not painful, though your teeth may feel sore afterwards.

Step 6: Regular adjustments. You visit every few weeks so that the wires or aligners can be changed and your progress checked.

Step 7: Removal and retention. When the teeth reach their target position, the braces are removed and you receive retainers.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Treatment time varies. Many cases take roughly 1 to 2 years, though simple cases can be shorter and complex ones longer. The duration depends on:

• The severity of the problem
• Your age and how your jaws are growing
• The type of appliance
• How well you follow instructions, such as keeping appointments, wearing elastics and keeping the braces clean
• Whether extractions or other procedures are needed

Your orthodontist will give you an estimate after your examination.

Does Wearing Braces Hurt?

Fitting braces is not painful, but you can expect some soreness or pressure for a few days after fitting and after each adjustment. This usually eases within a few days, and soft foods help. Your dentist can also advise on medicines and on orthodontic wax, which protects the cheeks and lips from rubbing against the brackets.

Living with Braces: A Practical Guide

Eating

Foods to avoid or limit

• Hard foods: nuts, hard candy, ice, popcorn kernels
• Sticky foods: toffee, caramel, chewing gum
• Foods you bite into directly: whole apples or raw carrots (cut them up instead)
• Sugary snacks and fizzy drinks, which raise the risk of cavities and white marks around the brackets

Good choices: soft fruits, yoghurt, cooked vegetables, rice, pasta, eggs and cut-up foods.

Cleaning

Keeping your teeth clean with braces takes extra effort. Plaque builds up around the brackets, and poor cleaning can cause decay, permanent white marks and gum problems.

• Brush after every meal and before bed, using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Use interdental brushes or a floss threader to clean between teeth and under the wire
• Consider an orthodontic or electric toothbrush if your dentist recommends one
• Use an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash if advised
• Keep your regular scale-and-polish appointments

Playing Sports and Music

If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard designed for braces. Players of wind instruments may need time to adjust.

What If a Bracket or Wire Breaks?

Call the clinic. A loose bracket or poking wire is usually not an emergency, but it should be fixed promptly because it can slow your treatment. Orthodontic wax can ease irritation in the meantime.

Retainers: Protecting Your Results

When braces come off, the teeth are not yet fully stable. The bone and gums need time to settle, and teeth have a natural tendency to drift back. Retainers hold your teeth in their new position.

• Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded behind the front teeth
• Removable retainers are worn as advised, often full-time at first, then at night

Wear your retainers exactly as instructed. This is the step that protects the time and money you have invested in treatment. Teeth can move at any age, so long-term retainer use is often recommended.

Orthodontic Treatment for Children

Early assessment can make later treatment simpler. A child may need:

• Interceptive treatment to guide jaw growth and make room for teeth
• Habit correction for thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
• Space maintainers after early loss of a baby tooth
• Full braces once most adult teeth have come through

A child’s cooperation matters a great deal. Encourage good cleaning habits and attendance at all appointments.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults

More adults than ever are having braces. Things that are specific to adult treatment:

• Gum health must be checked first. Adults are more likely to have gum disease, which must be controlled before teeth are moved.
• Existing dental work, such as crowns, bridges or implants, may affect the plan.
• Discreet options such as ceramic braces and clear aligners are popular.
• Adult bone is no longer growing, so some cases take longer or need other procedures.
• Treatment can be combined with restorative work to give the best functional and cosmetic result.

Extractions, Surgery and Complex Cases

Sometimes braces alone are not enough. Your orthodontist may recommend:

• Extractions to create space in severely crowded mouths
• Exposure of impacted teeth so that they can be guided into place
• Orthognathic (jaw) surgery for significant jaw discrepancies, usually in adults whose jaws have finished growing

These are only suggested when they are needed, and your dentist will explain why. Sushma Dental’s oral surgery department can support such cases.

Possible Risks and How to Reduce Them

Orthodontic treatment is generally safe, but like any treatment it has potential downsides:

• Cavities and white marks from poor cleaning, which you can prevent with good hygiene
• Gum inflammation, also prevented with good hygiene
• Root shortening (resorption) in a small number of cases, which your dentist will monitor
• Relapse if retainers are not worn
• Longer treatment time if appointments are missed or instructions are not followed

Choosing an experienced team and following instructions greatly reduces these risks.

What Affects the Cost of Braces?

The cost depends on:

• The type of braces or aligners chosen
• The complexity and duration of treatment
• Whether extractions or additional procedures are needed
• The number of visits and retainers required

We will explain the options and cost clearly before you begin, so there are no surprises. Our aim is to offer quality dental care at fair, accessible rates.

Common Myths About Braces

“Braces are only for teenagers.”
Not true. Adults of any age with healthy gums can have orthodontic treatment.

“Braces are very painful.”
Fitting is comfortable. Soreness after adjustments is usual and temporary.

“Straight teeth are only cosmetic.”
Alignment also affects cleaning, bite and long-term tooth health.

“Once the braces are off, I’m done.”
Retainers are needed to keep the teeth in place.

“Treatment is faster if I skip appointments or ignore instructions.”
The reverse is true. Missed visits and poor cooperation slow the result.

“Clear aligners work for every case.”
They suit selected cases. Complex bite problems may need fixed braces.

Hygiene and Safety at Sushma Dental

Your safety matters as much as your result. We follow a structured sterilisation process:

• Instruments are cleaned before sterilisation
• Instrument packs are sterilised and checked with integrator strips that monitor temperature and steam penetration
• Only distilled or filtered water is used in dental chairs
• Surfaces are disinfected after every patient
• Dental waste is disposed of through a biomedical waste system

Why Choose Sushma Dental for Braces and Orthodontic Treatment?

• Experience since 2006, with a multi-branch dental hospital
• A specialised ortho dental centre, with care for children, teenagers and adults
• Specialists in every branch of dentistry, so your orthodontic care can be coordinated with gum treatment, root canal, restorative care or oral surgery if needed
• In-house dental X-rays for accurate diagnosis and planning
• Clear explanations of your options, timeline and cost
• Affordable treatment with a transparent estimate
• Convenient branches in Jalandhar, Phagwara and Kapurthala

Our Branches

Jalandhar

• Opposite Curo Mall, 66 Feet Road
• Talan Road, near Punjab & Sind Bank, Rama Mandi

Phagwara

• Near Civil Hospital, Chahal Nagar
• Adarsh Nagar

Kapurthala

• GT Road, near PNB Bank, Kala Sanghia

Phone: +91 80544 04325
Email: sushmadentaljld@gmail.com

Book Your Orthodontic Consultation

A straighter, healthier smile starts with one visit. Call us on +91 80544 04325 or book an appointment. Our dentists will examine your teeth, explain your options and plan the treatment that suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between braces and orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is the overall process of correcting teeth and bite problems. Braces are one of the main tools used for it, along with aligners and other appliances.

2. At what age can braces be started?
Most children begin treatment in their early teens, when most adult teeth are in. A first check-up around age 7 is often advised. Adults can also have braces at any age, if their gums are healthy.

3. How long will I need to wear braces?
Many cases take around 1 to 2 years, though it varies. Your orthodontist will give you an estimate after your examination.

4. Do braces hurt?
Fitting is not painful. You may feel soreness for a few days after fitting and after adjustments, which usually eases quickly.

5. Which type of braces is best?
It depends on your case, age, lifestyle and budget. Metal braces are effective and economical, ceramic braces are less noticeable, and clear aligners suit selected cases. Your orthodontist will advise.

6. Can I eat normally with braces?
You can eat most foods, but you should avoid hard, sticky and very sugary foods and cut up foods such as apples.

7. How should I clean my teeth with braces?
Brush after every meal, use interdental brushes or floss threaders, and keep up your regular dental cleanings.

8. Will I need to have teeth removed?
Not always. Extractions are only needed in some cases, for example severe crowding. Your dentist will explain if they are needed.

9. Do I need to wear a retainer after braces?
Yes. Retainers keep your teeth from drifting back, and you should wear them as instructed.

10. Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults can have orthodontic treatment as long as their gums and supporting bone are healthy. Discreet options are available.

11. Can braces fix a bad bite as well as crooked teeth?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment can correct overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. Some severe jaw problems may need surgery in addition.

12. How much do braces cost in Jalandhar?
The cost depends on the type of braces, the complexity of your case and the duration of treatment. After your examination, we give you a clear estimate before starting.