Before & after · Braces

Very crowded teeth to a straight smile: 11 months of braces

Key points

  • Both the top and bottom teeth were badly crowded at the start.
  • Fixed braces were used, and treatment took about 11 months.
  • Fixed braces give the orthodontist precise control over each tooth, which helps in more complex cases.
  • Clear, tooth-coloured braces are an option for adults who want them to be less noticeable.

About this transformation

A one-minute before and after of a severely crowded smile treated with fixed braces by Dr Sarah Sadek.

Treatment time and approach depend on each person. Results vary, and your options are explained at a consultation.

Questions we often hear

Are braces better than aligners for crowding?

For more severe crowding, fixed braces are often the most predictable choice, but some cases can be treated with aligners. We will explain the pros and cons for you.

Are there clear braces for adults?

Yes. Ceramic, tooth-coloured braces are much less noticeable than metal ones.

Will crowding make my teeth harder to clean?

Yes. Overlapping teeth trap more plaque, which is one reason straightening them can help your gums.

Save on treatment with a Waterloo plan

Student Smile members get 15% off all treatments, including aligners and braces. Smile for Life plan members get 10% off private treatment, including aligners. Both plans also cover your check-ups and hygiene visits.

Student plans from £9.95/month →   Practice plans from £10.95/month →

12-month minimum term. Student plans need a valid student card. The Waterloo Essentials plan discount does not include aligners; full details and exclusions are in the terms. Student terms · Practice plan terms.

Seeing us at Waterloo

Waterloo Dental & Orthodontics is at 223 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8XH, a short walk from Waterloo and Lambeth North stations and close to the Southbank. Call 020 7928 5844 or book online.

In this video

Presenter
Dr Sarah Sadek
Specialist Orthodontist & Clinical Director
GDC No. 114943 · Waterloo · Croydon

General information only. This video and page give general information and are not personal dental or medical advice. Treatment suitability, results and timescales vary between patients and are confirmed at a consultation. Some videos were recorded at other practices in our group. Last reviewed October 2026.

Waterloo Dental & Orthodontics, 223 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8XH · 020 7928 5844. Croydon Dental Practice, 202 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 7AB · 020 8656 6959. Complaints procedure · Privacy & cookie policy