• Fixed Braces

FIXED BRACES

If you have decided to have your teeth straightened using the most commonly used fixed braces, then maybe you are on your way to having a bedazzling smile that can be maintained for a lifetime when you embrace the right approach.

In the past, they had a reputation for being uncomfortable and cumbersome. However, with recent technological advancement, fixed braces are becoming smaller and less noticeable than usual. However, while the world of orthodontic has recorded numerous innovations, with more and more braces of different types created every day, these traditional fixed braces are still widely used because of their versatility.

Table Of Content

What Are Fixed Braces?

Generally, fixed braces are not removable for eating or cleaning purposes, as they are fitted to the teeth, and are detached only with the help of a dentist or orthodontist. They are commonly referred to as train track braces, and sometimes traditional metal braces. They consist of square brackets attached to each tooth, with a wire running through them, which helps to move the teeth slowly into their ideal position. The use of these brackets allows the orthodontist to quickly reposition the teeth in ways that may not be possible when using another modern system.

Options For Fixed Braces

The following are three commonly used options for fixed metal braces:

Metal Braces

These fixed braces are very common among most orthodontic patient. Little wonder why people visualise mouths stocked with metal, whenever they are required to have their teeth straightened. Metal braces consist of metal attachments or brackets that are bonded to the front of the teeth, and connected with fine metal wires—they are sophisticated and is used in treating or correcting severe dental misalignments among orthodontic patients.  Metal braces are reliable, effective and serve as an economical option of straightening the teeth— although it has been recorded as bulky, awkward and sometimes painful — today’s metal braces are not only lighter, but also comfortable to wear. You can easily personalise them by choosing your set of elastic colours.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are often worn behind the teeth, on the inside and may be fitted to the teeth more conventionally — they are less visible compared to the traditional metal braces because they are usually installed behind the teeth rather than in front. Although it may serve as a more discreet way of straightening misaligned teeth, they are challenging to wear and can only be fitted by your dentist.

Incognito Orthodontic Braces

Just like lingual braces, they are placed on the inner surface of the teeth. However, one striking difference between most lingual and incognito braces is that they are custom made in a laboratory to fit each patient’s dental need. 

Contact Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London if you need to consult an experienced dentist to prescribe the most suitable braces for you. You can give us a call on 02071830755 today to book an appointment.

Dental Conditions Treated With Fixed Or Metal Braces

Fixed metal braces are useful in treating most orthodontic problems, including occlusions and bites—they are also used in closing gaps in between the teeth and to correct overcrowding, crooked, and protrusive teeth— correcting both minor and severe overbites dental condition. In other words, they are quite effective in treating the following dental issues:

  • Overbites: it occurs when the upper front teeth close too far forward in front of the lower front teeth.
  • Underbites: This is just the direct opposite of overbites. It occurs when lower front teeth bite too far forward in front of the upper front teeth.
  • Open bites: Similarly, open bites occur when the front teeth do not impede or bite together, even when the back teeth are in contact.
  • Crossbites: Fixed or metal braces can also be used to set crossbites dental condition where some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.

In general, fixed or metal braces can are used in treating the following dental conditions:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Bite issues
  • Protruding teeth
  • Impacted teeth

Benefits Of Choosing Fixed Or Metal Braces

The primary advantage of choosing a fixed brace system is that the treatment is guaranteed to work for most orthodontic conditions. While removable braces may sound very good, they are strictly reliant on the compliance level of the patient, and the patients may be tempted to leave them out for longer than recommended —when this happens, it can easily disrupt the predicted treatment plan, and can also extend the overall treatment length. Hence, removable aligners may become a nightmare for anyone who is extremely forgetful.

On the other hand, treatments with fixed metal braces are often more straightforward as there is no need to worry about changing aligners. All that is required is a visit to your dentist every 4- 6 weeks to ensure that the treatment process is correct and also, for necessary adjustments.

Treatment length, including individual visits to the orthodontics, is also short, as all types of fixed braces allow for precise tooth movements, with the brackets precisely positioned to move the teeth to its ideal position correctly. However, it is not always easy to achieve this level of precision when using removable braces.

Other Advantages Of Fixed Metal Braces May Include:

  • They are quite durable due to the use of metallic substances
  • These braces are also adaptive and used for most type of orthodontic corrections
  • Fixed braces like the commonly used traditional metal braces are the best option for correcting overcrowded teeth when compared to other braces.

Disadvantages Of Fixed Metal Braces

Generally, after the inception of fixed metal braces, a lot of technological advancement took place with more progress in the orthodontic world. These technological advancements are more or less like the disadvantages of fixed metal braces because of its traditional outlook. Some of these drawbacks include:

  • Most fixed braces like traditional metal braces are barely invisible; hence, people can quickly notice that you are having your teeth straightened.
  • They require a large amount of maintenance since it is fixed in your mouth
  • They can demineralise your mouth, which may result in some allergic conditions
  • You may have to observe it continuously, to avoid other dental complications
  • You may experience difficulty when eating and talking.

What You Should Expect During Treatment With Fixed Braces

The following is a step by step procedure of having metal braces:

  • Consultation with your dentist

The first step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist— this will help you find out if fixed or metal braces will give you the desired result.

  • X-Rays, Dental Photographs And Impressions

To prepare for your treatment, your orthodontist will take the dental prints, x-rays, and pictures of your teeth. This will provide your dentist with the necessary information that is needed to straighten the teeth. 

  • Fitting The Braces

After your dental information is collected, your braces will be fitted. During this process, your dentist will clean the teeth, while using a clear glue to stick the brackets in position before mounting the elastics, wires or any other metal parts that can be used to move the teeth into its ideal location.

  • A Routine Visit To The Orthodontist

After the braces have been fitted into the teeth, you are expected to visit your orthodontist at regular intervals to monitor your treatment progress, while carrying out necessary adjustments. However, asides the frequent changes that are often carried out by your orthodontist, the braces will remain in position until the treatment period elapses.

  • Wearing a retainer

After the braces are removed, you are expected to wear a set of retainer. This will help to ensure that the teeth do not move back to its original position after treatment.

Do Fixed Braces Hurt During And After Treatment?

While the actual fitting of metal braces may barely hurt, you may experience some level of discomfort and slight toothache a few days after. Not to worry, this discomfort can quickly be dealt with, using some over the counter painkillers. Some parts of the braces can also rub the inner part of the lips or cheeks. Nevertheless, this can be easily avoided with a small piece of orthodontic wax.

Length Of Treatment For Fixed Or Metal Braces

Treatment length may vary, depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues. However, most fixed braces patient may need to wear their fixed braces for a year, and possibly for a more extended period.

Caring For Your Fixed Braces

If your dentist decides that metal braces are the right choice for your dental condition, the following are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Avoid chewy, crunchy or hard foods food that may damage your braces. More so, some vegetables and fruit can get stuck in your braces; you may have to consider cutting these fruits and vegetables into small bits. Nevertheless, your dentist may likely give you a list of food to avoid, so as ensure that your braces are in good condition.
  • Regular brushing and flossing of the teeth are recommended, to help keep the braces neat and good looking.
  • Keeping to your follow-up appointments can save you from unnecessary dental conditions, as it allows for possible adjustments to the braces when needed. More so, it also serves as an opportunity to address any questions or concerns about your fixed braces.

Conclusion

If you have any question on how to care for your teeth with your fixed braces or you need an appointment with an experienced dentist then place a call to us on 02071830755 or visit us in London today.