Dentist Belfast

Orthodontics, braces and clear aligners in Belfast

By Dr Faiz Azizan · Last updated October 2026 · How we list clinics

Orthodontics is dental treatment that straightens or moves teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. The most common appliance is a fixed brace, with brackets attached to the teeth and joined by a wire. A retainer is worn afterwards to hold teeth in position. Clear aligners are one alternative your practice can explain.

Reviewed by Dr Faiz Azizan, who is also the site author, so this is a self-review rather than an independent one. Last updated 2026-10-06. Editorial policy.

What orthodontics involves

The NHS says braces straighten or move teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. Fixed braces use brackets attached to each tooth with dental glue, joined by a wire. According to the NHS, checked 6 October 2026, the wire gradually moves teeth over 1 to 2 years. Teeth may be sore for a few days after fitting.

Retainers and care

After braces come off, a retainer stops teeth moving back, according to the NHS. The NHS also advises avoiding hard, crunchy, sticky and sugary foods during treatment, and keeping up cleaning. Read more in braces for teeth.

Who it may suit

The NHS says treatment may be recommended when teeth grow too close together, stick out, have gaps, or affect chewing or cleaning. Braces are usually recommended once all adult teeth have come through, though adults can also have them. Funding differs between Health Service and private care, so confirm this before you start.

Questions to ask a practice

  • Which type of brace or aligner do you suggest for me, and why?
  • How long will treatment and retainer wear last?
  • What is the total cost, and is any of it Health Service funded?

Belfast-area practices that list orthodontics

53 practices show this on their own website or Google listing; 20 mores mention it only on a group website, so we do not count them. Whether a practice offers it for you, and at what cost, is for the practice to confirm.

AreaPractices
orthodontics in Belfast BT99
orthodontics in Belfast BT155
orthodontics in Belfast BT55
Dentists in Belfast BT44
Dentists in Lisburn4
Dentists in Belfast BT73
Dentists in Belfast BT83
Dentists in Belfast BT102
Dentists in Belfast BT132
Dentists in Belfast BT172
Dentists in Newtownabbey2
Dentists in Newtownards2
Dentists in Belfast BT111
Dentists in Belfast BT121
Dentists in Belfast BT161
Dentists in Belfast BT61
Dentists in Holywood1

All 53 practices, A to Z

Guides

Frequently asked questions

How do fixed braces work?

The NHS describes fixed braces as metal squares called brackets attached to each tooth with dental glue and connected by a wire. The wire applies pressure that gradually moves the teeth. According to the NHS, checked 6 October 2026, this takes 1 to 2 years.

Why do I need a retainer after braces?

The NHS states that after braces are removed you wear a retainer, a device that stops your teeth moving back to their original position. How long you wear it varies from person to person, so ask your orthodontist for the plan that applies to you.

Is orthodontic treatment available on the NHS in Northern Ireland?

The NHS dental treatments page says braces are available on the NHS for children and occasionally adults, depending on clinical need. That page is not specific to Northern Ireland, so ask your dentist or the Business Services Organisation what funding applies where you live.

How many Belfast-area practices list orthodontics?

53 listed practices show it on their own website or Google listing, most often in Belfast BT9 (9), Belfast BT15 (5), Belfast BT5 (5). A practice may offer it without publishing it, so ask the practice.

Are the orthodontics practices ranked on this page?

No. The 53 practices that list orthodontics are shown A to Z, and each area page lists its own practices alphabetically. Ratings shown elsewhere on the site come from Google and are not a measure of clinical quality.

Sources