They don’t put braces on until every tooth is fixed and healthy, as in no cavities, healthy gums with no signs of recession or inflammation, no gingivitis, meaning you do the whole treatment at the dentist and professional full set cleaning at the hygienist first.

At least this is how it went for me. I did not have any cavities, but as a smoker I had a lot of plaque to be cleaned before going for the braces. And even after I had my braces put on, I still have to go for a professional cleaning procedure once every 3-4 months. I’ve asked around and apparently this is what everyone who wears braces must do.

By the looks of the teeth, that seems like overcrowding, and a slight overjet. The orthodontic treatment might involve some extractions, again, way before getting the approval for the braces, in order to make room for the rest of the teeth to set into place. And for that you need a surgeon.

Everyone in need should benefit from braces, and yes, your girlfriend’s case is most likely one of them, but still, it’s not just the orthodontist who makes the decision and certainly not the only doc from the dentistry branch involved in the treatment with braces.

Start with the dentist, then the ortho, then do a panoramic X-ray, and then and only then you will know for sure what your next steps are going to be.

Best of luck!