Braces

Braces can be either fixed or removable depending on the level of treatment required. Fixed braces consist of brackets that are fixed to your teeth and hold very thin metal wires that gently push teeth into the desired position.

Brackets can be made of metal or tooth-coloured ceramic or they can even be transparent. Fixed braces are normally bonded to the front of your teeth but there are some braces that can be fixed on the back of your teeth (lingual braces).

Removable braces are sometimes used for less serious corrections or for children whose teeth are still developing. Functional removable braces are used to help improve your ‘bite’ i.e. how your upper and lower teeth fit together better.

What does treatment involve?

• X-rays, photos and impressions are taken to create models of your teeth so we can plan your treatment. If teeth are overcrowded you may need an extraction to provide a bit more space.
• During a fixed brace fitting, brackets are cemented to the front of your teeth and the wires put in place.
• Adjustments are made every 4-8 weeks to make sure the brace is working effectively and teeth are moving in the right direction.

How long does it take?

Treatment with a fixed brace can take around two years because during the first year the tooth’s crown is moved, followed by the root in the second year.

After your braces are removed, you will need to wear a retainer to stop your teeth returning to their old position.

How will braces affect me?

• Speech may be affected for a short while if you have a removable brace with a plate that fits into the roof of your mouth. Also as lingual braces are on both the upper and lower teeth it may take a little while to learn how to speak normally again.
• If you play a wind instrument, you may want to take a removable brace out while playing.
• It’s very important to keep teeth clean while wearing braces to reduce any dental health problems and fixed braces will need extra attention, particularly around the brackets. It’s a good idea to brush after every meal and use disclosing tablets so you can see exactly where you need to concentrate your brushing.
• You may want to avoid hard crunchy food as this can damage brace wires or dislodge brackets and even biting your nails or chewing the end of a pen can cause problems. Also avoid fizzy drinks and natural fruit juices, as these are often high in sugar and can be tooth damagingly acidic.