Straighter teeth have many benefits. They make chewing easier, reduce wear, and help you brush well. If you are weighing up orthodontics, you can expect a clear plan at TSB Dental and Facial Aesthetics with braces for adults and children.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics focuses on the position of your teeth and the way they meet when you bite. The goal is alignment that feels natural, works comfortably, and looks balanced. Treatment can be as simple as moving a few teeth or as comprehensive as correcting crowding and bite issues across the whole mouth. 
Which orthodontic options are available?
Treatment is planned around your goals, your bite, and your timeframe. Options include fixed metal braces and supportive measures to guide growth in younger mouths. At TSB Dental and Facial Aesthetics, Dr Theo Botha provides:
- Braces for adults and children
- Comprehensive orthodontic assessments
- Preventative and corrective orthodontic treatment plans
Plans can be created in stages. You can address the most pressing issues first and schedule the rest sensibly.
What happens at my assessment?
You will know where you stand before anything begins. A typical assessment includes:
- Conversation about your goals, habits, and any history of jaw discomfort
- Photos, measurements, and scans if required
- Bite analysis to see how the upper and lower teeth meet
- A clear outline of options, timelines, and appointments
- A written plan you can review at home
If you need other care first, such as gum health support or a filling, we will explain the sequence to ensure a thorough approach.
Who is orthodontics suitable for?
You may benefit from treatment if you notice:
- Crowding or overlapping front teeth
- Gaps that collect food
- Teeth that meet unevenly or feel unstable
- Jaw clicking, morning headaches, or tooth wear from grinding
- Difficulty keeping certain areas clean
Children, teens, and adults can all be candidates. Early guidance can be preventative, helping avoid more complex corrections later. Adults often choose a phased plan that fits around work and family.
How do metal braces compare with other options?
Metal braces are reliable, precise, and work around the clock. They are fixed to your teeth, so there is no need to remember when to wear them. They can be a strong choice for crowding, rotations, and bite corrections that need controlled movements.
If you are comparing options, think about:
- The complexity of your case
- How disciplined you feel about wearing removable appliances
- Your desired timeline
- How your daily routine will fit around appointments and care
Your assessment will set out the trade-offs so you can decide with confidence. 
How do I look after my teeth during treatment?
Clean, steady habits make a visible difference. During orthodontics:
- Brush after meals with a fluoride toothpaste
- Use interdental brushes around brackets and under wires
- Limit frequent snacking and sip water after surgery drinks
- Keep regular hygiene visits for professional cleaning and advice
- Wear any elastics or additional components as instructed
- Report rubbing, a loose bracket, or a sharp wire promptly
These small steps protect your gums and keep treatment moving on schedule.
What happens when treatment ends?
Retention matters. Once your teeth reach their planned positions, retainers help them stay there while bone and soft tissues adapt. You will receive guidance on:
- Type of retainer (fixed, removable, or both)
- How long to wear it each day
- How to clean and store it
- Review intervals to monitor stability
A simple retainer routine safeguards your result.
When should I book with a dentist in Cape Town?
If you are thinking about orthodontics for yourself or your child, an initial assessment sets the course. You will understand whether metal braces are suitable, what your timeline may look like, and how to prepare.
Take the first step. Book an orthodontic assessment at TSB Dental and Facial Aesthetics and map a practical route to confident alignment.