Brace yourself

The number of adults in the UK opting to have braces continues to rise each year, as they dream of a straighter smile.

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And to meet demand, there have never been more options.

So how do you pick?

Dr Anni Seaborne, head of general dentistry at Bupa Dental Care (bupa.co.uk) shares her advice.

Types of braces

Adult braces generally fall into two main camps: fixed braces and clear aligners. Fixed braces range from traditional metal braces, that some might know as "train tracks", to ceramic braces made from tooth-coloured or clear materials for a more subtle look.

There are also lingual braces, which sit behind the teeth and are hidden from view.

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are another well-known option. These are transparent plastic trays that gently move your teeth over time.

They're custom-made and typically changed every one to two weeks.

Patients often ask me what the best type of brace is, and it really comes down to your individual case, budget, and lifestyle.