Fixed Braces

What are fixed braces?

Most patients require the use of fixed orthodontic appliances (‘train tracks’) to have really straight teeth, and achieve the best possible improvement of their smile. Small precisely designed metal or ceramic buttons called brackets are stuck/bonded to each tooth. Sometimes metal rings called bands are also fitted around the back/molar teeth. The brackets are then connected to each other using a thin metal wire, called an archwire. The wire is held in place with small elastic rings called modules, or with very thin wires called ligatures. Modules come in a variety of colours to customise your brace. The wires are adjusted at regular intervals to straighten the teeth and correct the bite.

Modern brackets are quite small, and they cover a relatively smaller area of each tooth, making braces more attractive than they used to be. With fixed braces, there is no plastic in the roof of the mouth. This means speech is unaffected and the flavour of food can be enjoyed fully. As the appliance cannot be removed, it acts full-time, and so it is very effective. Fixed braces are very good at achieving fine detail, and making the smile look really perfect!

How do fixed braces work?

Fixed appliances, by definition, cannot be removed by the patient. The simplest way to think of each bracket is as a handle with which it is possible to control each tooth individually and precisely.

As we have already mentioned, in the early part of treatment, a thin archwire is fitted to link up all the brackets. Because the teeth are irregular, the wire has to bend up and down or in and out between the teeth. This is the clever bit: the wire, a bi-product of NASA research, has perfect shape memory and will gradually return to its original shape, bringing the teeth with it.

As treatment progresses, stiffer wires are fitted and these act as a monorail. At this time, tiny springs and elastics are also used to guide the teeth in the desired directions.

What are the limitations of fixed braces?

Fixed braces are not very good at major alterations to the bite. For this, other appliances are used either before or at the same time as the fixed braces. Examples include changing the relationship of the jaws with a functional/orthopaedic appliance, or moving the upper teeth back to improve bite with headgear. Very occasionally specialist surgery needs to be used in conjunction with brace treatment to achieve the ideal result.

How are fixed braces fitted?

• Depending on your treatment, fixed braces can be fitted either in a single appointment or over several appointments.
• Sometimes small blue elastic rings called ‘separators’ are fitted between your back teeth a few days before your braces are fitted. This is to enable the fitting of ‘bands’ around the molar teeth. Bands are like rings that fit around the back teeth. Not everybody needs to have bands as part of their fixed braces.
• Before braces are fitted, your teeth are cleaned and conditioned.
• For those who need bands special glue is used to stick them to the teeth.
• Brackets are square-shaped metal or ceramic components that are glued to the teeth.
• The fitting of fixed braces is completed by connecting the bands and/or brackets with a thin piece of wire that is held in place using small elastics called modules. These come in different colours to make the wearing of braces more fun

Will it hurt?

• Fitting your fixed braces will not hurt: they are simply glued to your teeth. No injections are required, and you certainly do not need to go to sleep for fixed braces to be fitted!
• For the first 4-5 days after your appliances have been fitted, and for a day or two each time they are adjusted, you may experience some discomfort and slight toothache. Your teeth may feel loose and quite tender.
• Parts of the brace may rub on your lips, cheeks or tongue. You may also notice increased saliva flow, and a minor temporary effect on your speech. This is normal, and soon you’ll get used to wearing your brace and your speech will go back to normal.
• Stick to a softer diet for the first few days.
• If necessary, you may wish to take mild painkillers such the ones you would normally take for headaches. Please read the instructions on the packet regarding how much you should take.
• We will supply you with some orthodontic wax. If any part of the brace is rubbing against your lips or cheeks, tear off a small piece of wax, roll it into a small pea-sized ball between your fingers, and gently mould this over any part of the brace that feels sharp. This acts as a cushion, keeping your lip or cheek away from the brace components.
• If you continue to have discomfort beyond the first few days, contact the practice so that an emergency appointment can be arranged as soon as possible to adjust your fixed brace.

Do I need to modify my diet?

• You may need to stick to a softer diet only for the first few days of having your braces if your teeth feel a little tender. After that you should generally be able to eat normally.
• Having said that, we recommend that you totally avoid certain foods to avoid damage to your teeth or your braces. These include sticky, chewy or hard sweets (such as toffee, boiled sweets and wine gums). Avoid chewing gum or bubble gum. Do not bite directly into very hard food with your teeth.
• Keep your consumption of fizzy cola drinks to a minimum, and generally keep these to meal times.
• Cut up harder fruit and vegetables (e.g. crisp apples, carrots) into smaller pieces before eating them. Be very careful with crusty bread, nuts, spare ribs, corn on the cob and stones in fruit.
• Above all think about what you eat and be careful.

What else can damage my brace?

Biting your fingernails may result in damage to your brace. Do not touch, play with, or pick at your brace. Do not bite pens or touch your braces with them. Do not use your teeth as DIY or household tools! The more you look after your braces, the sooner your treatment will be completed.

What do I do if my brace is damaged?

If despite all your careful attention part of the brace becomes dislodged or damaged, contact the practice as soon as possible so that an appointment can be arranged either to repair the brace or to relieve any discomfort. Damage to your braces can prolong treatment. If appliances are repeatedly damaged and no progress is being made, treatment may have to be terminated.

How do I keep my teeth and fixed braces clean?

• We will provide you with a free pack containing what you need to look after your braces. From now on you will need to spend more time cleaning your teeth. Neglect will cause swelling and bleeding of your gums, tooth decay and marking/staining of the teeth around the brackets.
• Brush after each meal.
• Make sure the gum margins are also brushed even if they bleed when you brush them.
• Change the brush every three months.
• Use the interdental toothbrush supplied for getting in between the brace components and the tooth surface.
• Use the fluoride treatment we provide regularly.
• It may also be useful to use disclosing tablets occasionally to check that you are removing all the plaque from your teeth.

How long will treatment take?

This usually takes anywhere between 9-24 months but can vary according to how severe your case is. Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace will add to the overall treatment time.

Will I need to wear retainers?

Once the active phase of your treatment has been finished, it will be necessary to wear a retainer. This may be removable or it may be fixed behind your front teeth. The length of time this has to be worn can vary.

How often will I need an appointment?

You will need regular appointments during treatment for the brace to be adjusted.

Do I still need to see my regular dentist?

Yes. It will be important you still have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.

What do I do in an emergency?

If your fixed braces become damaged, or a component is digging in your lips or cheeks, or if you are concerned that the fixed braces are continuing to be uncomfortable or troublesome beyond what is normally expected for the first few days, then telephone the practice for advice and/or an emergency appointment. Where possible, do not try and adjust the appliances yourself, as this may damage them.

 

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