Conversations...October 2026

Me: Ah, I see you have a bracket off on your front tooth. When did that happen?

Patient: I’m not sure, but it was a while ago.

OK, well if a bracket comes off you should call us and we’ll organise an appointment to fix it, I don’t want the teeth moving without the control of the brace, you don’t have to wait until the next appointment.

Well it came off at the last appointment.

You’re saying we let you leave with a bracket attached to the brace but not attached to the tooth?

Well, it broke later that day, the evening after I left.

So there has been no attachment on that tooth since your last visit?

Yeah, I thought that was supposed to happen.

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The Duties of an Orthodontic Therapist

One of the main duties of an orthodontic therapist is to carry out certain clinical procedures under the direction of an orthodontist. These can include taking dental impressions or scans, placing orthodontic appliances, fitting orthodontic wires and adjusting braces. They may also take photographs and dental X-rays when appropriately trained and authorised to do so.

Orthodontic therapists also spend a lot of time communicating with patients. They explain how to look after braces and appliances, provide advice about oral hygiene, and encourage patients to follow their treatment plan. Good communication is especially important when treating children and young people, as it can help them feel …

October 10, 2026
What are the Five Stages of Orthodontics? (Or the Three Stages. Or Seven. Or…)

So I got asked “What are the Five Stages of Orthodontics?” and was a bit surprised because it wasn’t a phrase I’d instinctively use, but I figured someone had been spending a bit of time on the internet looking into the stages of braces treatment.

When I studied orthodontics, we considered orthodontic treatment to take place in three main stages:

  1. Levelling and alignment
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  3. Finishing

(I’ll explain the terms a bit later on)

But… five?

Though on reflection, there are a lot more phases but some of them are so universal to any form of medical or surgical treatment that I wouldn’t have thought of …

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Clear Aligners at Swords Orthodontics

Clear Aligners at Swords Orthodontics: Transform Your Smile, Discreetly

Thinking about straightening your teeth, but the thought of traditional metal braces makes you hesitate? You’re not alone. Many of our patients in Swords and across North County Dublin want a healthier, straighter smile without the noticeable wires and brackets.

Clear aligners have revolutionised modern orthodontics, offering a modern, comfortable, and virtually invisible way to align your teeth. Here is why clear aligners continue to be one of the most popular choices at Swords Orthodontics.

1. Virtually Invisible

The most obvious benefit of clear aligners is right in the name: they’re virtually invisible. Made from smooth, …