Teeth straightening with a fixed brace or clear aligner, the choice is yours.

Clear Fixed Braces

Choosing fixed braces is a personal choice. Certain patients prefer the security of wearing a fixed brace instead of a removable appliance like Spark or Invisalign. Some cases can benefit more from having a fixed brace, and others may not be suitable for clear aligners. Our specialist orthodontist, Dr Monica Reinach, will advise which treatment would be most appropriate.

Clear braces resemble traditional braces but use high-tech wires and clear, tooth-coloured brackets to give you a more discreet treatment solution. The key component of the highly efficient orthodontic system is the tie-less, self-ligating brackets.

Instead of using elastic bands to help apply pressure to your teeth, as with traditional braces, self-ligating braces can be programmed so that the arch-wire knows how much pressure to apply to the teeth to straighten them. It’s a more efficient treatment system and produces a broader, more natural smile.

Fixed braces will need to be looked after properly to get the most out of your treatment.

Caring for your braces.

If you have been fitted with an orthodontic appliance, to get the most out of your treatment you need to look after it. This includes careful brushing and flossing after every meal, avoiding food that may damage your braces and visiting both your orthodontist and your dentist throughout your treatment.

Fixed braces may cause you some issues during the first few weeks.

Possible Discomfort

The first few weeks after your braces have been fitted is the time you are most likely to experience some issues. This is perfectly normal as it can take a bit of getting used to wearing braces. You may experience some discomfort during this time caused by loose brackets, wires snapping or disengaging, or the wire being too long at the end of the bracket.

These problems may be a result of any number of issues, such as:

  • Inappropriate food, i.e. hard/crunchy/sticky foods

  • Too much food in your mouth (overloading)

  • Habits such as chewing pens and nail biting

  • Deep or strong biting – an upper tooth may be biting too much on a particular lower bracket or lower wire

  • Grinding at night

  • Cement or bonding problems

  • Complex force systems – where a force applied to a certain tooth results in the bracket-cement seal breaking or the wire snapping

  • Trauma

  • Deliberate damage

Discomfort at the start of treatment very rarely increases the total treatment time.

How to deal with discomfort.

If you have:

  • Loose bracket – Cover with wax if it is causing discomfort.

  • Long wire – Cover with wax if it is causing discomfort, or try to cut it with scissors or nail clippers.

  • Snapped wire – Pull the two pieces out (only possible if the wires are thin).

  • Wire slipped out of the end of the bracket – Try to push it back into the tube or cover it with relief wax if it causes discomfort. Ideally, the initial wire should be engaged in the end bracket, but if it comes out too easily it is best to wait until the next thicker wire size can be fitted.

Discomfort at the start of treatment very rarely increases the total treatment time. However, breakages during the later stages of treatment might result in increased treatment times if we have to revert to thinner wires.

If you experience severe discomfort that you cannot repair please call us on 01245 46 3000 to book a comfort appointment if necessary.

Breakage and comfort appointments out of hours are charged at £250 per appointment.

Eating with fixed braces.

While you are wearing braces, you need to think twice about eating foods that could increase your risk of cavities. You should also avoid anything that might damage your brackets or wires as frequent breakages will add to your overall treatment time.

Stay away from hard and sticky foods. Caramel, hard sweets and gum etc. can damage your braces and get stuck in the wires and brackets. Cut down on all sugary foods. You can still have a limited amount of sweets and fizzy drinks, but the more sugar you consume, the greater your risk of tooth decay.

Always brush after eating sugary foods or sweets.

What to eat when wearing fixed metal braces.
People having orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to keeping their teeth clean. available at Pure Orthodontics Chelmsford Essex.

Looking after your teeth.

People having orthodontic treatment need to be even more dedicated to keeping their teeth clean. This is because food can get trapped in braces very easily, which causes plaque to build up. If plaque is not removed, you run the risk of developing gum disease, dental decay and bad breath. Furthermore, patients with poor oral hygiene tend to find their treatment can take longer.

Top tips for good oral hygiene.

  1. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush as they are best for getting into those nooks and crannies around your appliances.

  2. Use a toothbrush specifically designed for brace wearers with longer bristles on the edges and shorter ones in the middle.

  3. Consider an electric toothbrush – studies suggest they remove more plaque and bacteria than manual toothbrushes.

  4. Brush after every meal.

  5. Make use of interdental brushes and single-tuft brushes to ensure you have removed as much plaque and bacteria as possible.

  6. Floss at least once a day. It might seem like you can’t possibly floss while you have fixed braces, but you can and you should. Specialist products such as Superfloss and Tepee brushes are available.

  7. Use a fluoride toothpaste.

  8. Use a fluoride mouthwash to protect and strengthen teeth.

  9. If you have lingual braces, make use of a waterpik®, which shoots small streams of water onto your teeth at high pressure to remove debris. They can be used as an aid in your oral hygiene routine, but not in place of brushing and flossing.

  10. Regardless of treatment, disclosing tablets are useful for ensuring you are brushing everywhere. The tablets use vegetable dye to highlight plaque or debris in your mouth. Once you see the spots, you can quickly remove them with your toothbrush.

Fixed Braces Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, fixed braces work to quickly and gently realign your teeth.

    The amount of pressure applied to the brackets and bands is adjusted over time, meaning that your teeth can move into position in a shorter amount of time than with other orthodontic treatments.

    However, the rate at which your teeth move depends on the complexity of your case, so times can vary.

  • When you get fixed braces, you can expect a gradual process of aligning your teeth for the desired result.

    It is important to note that fixed braces cannot be removed during your treatment period, so it’s beneficial to take extra care when eating and brushing.

    Regular visits with your orthodontist will help ensure that your teeth are being aligned correctly and to check for any potential issues.

    With proper care and regular scheduling with your orthodontist, you can expect beautiful straight teeth in no time!

  • The duration of treatment with fixed braces will depend on the complexity of the case and your individual circumstances.

    Generally, treatment times range from 6-24 months, however in more complex cases, this could take a little longer.

    Regular reviews with your orthodontist will help to ensure that you stay on track

  • Depending on the type of braces, both top and bottom teeth can move quickly and evenly.

    Generally, depending on your bite and the severity of your misalignment, all teeth can be moved at a similar rate.

    With modern treatments such as fixed braces, you can expect to get results in a shorter amount of time than ever before, with the top and bottom teeth potentially moving at similar rates.

  • The 5 stages of fixed braces are:

    (1) Placement, where the orthodontist first attaches the metal or ceramic brackets to your teeth.

    (2) Straightening, which is when the thicker wires are adjusted to create gentle pressure and gradually align your teeth.

    (3) Tightening, which is when the orthodontist adjusts and tightens the wires every 4-6 weeks.

    (4) Removing, which is when the braces are removed after they have done their job.

    (5) Retention, which is when you wear either a removable retainer or a fixed retainer to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position.

  • While wearing braces, you should still maintain a healthy diet but there is no evidence that they will cause you to lose weight.

    However, having straighter teeth may reduce food buildup which can ultimately reduce your risk of cavities and other associated oral health problems.

    With regular brush and flossing, you can still enjoy the same foods while protecting your teeth from decay.

  • You’ll need to be careful when eating sticky, hard or crunchy foods while wearing fixed braces. It’s best to avoid eating chewy sweets, hard lollies and popcorn, as these can damage the brackets and wires.

    Also avoid crunchy peanut brittle and toffee as well as chewing gum which can also stick to the brackets and pull them off.

  • Every individual experiences pain differently and the amount of pain experienced with fixed braces will depend on how your teeth are moving.

    Generally, it is common to experience some discomfort especially after adjustments. Most people describe the pain as similar to having tight rubber bands in the mouth or during orthodontic tightening.

    However, your orthodontist can prescribe medications and provide tips which can help reduce any discomfort you may experience.

  • Fixed braces generally involve three stages.

    First, the brackets are attached to each tooth and connected by a wire. Then, thicker wires are placed on the braces and adjusted over time to create gentle pressure on your teeth and gradually align them further.

    Finally, the brackets and bands are removed at the end of your treatment when your smile looks straight!

  • Fixed braces are designed to be comfortable and almost unnoticeable. Although your teeth may feel a bit sore when first fitted, after a few days you’ll get used to wearing the brace and won’t even notice it is there.

    Our orthodontists can also advise on any foods or activities that should be avoided during treatment so you stay as comfortable as possible.

  • During the first week of wear, it's best to stick to soft or blended foods. Avoid sticky and hard candy, chewy snacks like gum, and crunchy foods like popcorn, apples, and carrots.

    You should also avoid acidic beverages and food such as juices or sodas, since these can erode the enamel of your teeth.

    Your orthodontist may also provide you with their own list of foods to avoid during the adjustment process.

  • Absolutely! With braces, you can enjoy your favourite meals without worrying about your teeth moving around.

    Eating with braces is much easier than it used to be, and you can even eat crunchy and sticky foods with ease.

    Additionally, the wires in fixed braces help support your jaw structure which makes chewing more comfortable too.

  • The first week of braces can be challenging for many who are not used to having them, however it is important that you take care when eating.

    You should stick to softer foods that don’t require a lot of chewing and avoid hard or sticky food such as crunchy nuts or chewy candies.

    Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water with meals as this will help keep your mouth hydrated and reduce discomfort.

  • Braces are typically tightened every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your individual treatment plan.

    This process is called an adjustment, and it is how the orthodontist can make sure that your teeth are gradually moving into the desired position.

    During this time, new wires are placed and adjusted to create gentle pressure which gradually aligns your teeth.

  • Yes, fixed braces can change your jawline. By straightening your teeth and aligning your bite, the shape of your jawline and facial profile can be enhanced.

    With careful planning and a well-executed treatment plan, braces can even correct asymmetry in some cases.

    Braces are an effective way to make subtle changes in the appearance of your face, giving you a more confident smile in the long run.

  • Getting the braces fitted can be a bit uncomfortable, but the most painful part of the process is likely to be when you get your braces tightened.

    During this process, tension is applied to the braces wire which gradually moves your teeth into their new positions.

    This can cause some discomfort and soreness in your mouth, but it should only last for a few days.

  • The teeth that are hardest to move with braces are the wisdom teeth, molars, and premolars. These teeth tend to be deeper and have more roots which make them harder for the brace to move.

    However, with regular visits to your orthodontist and a good orthodontic plan, these teeth can still be moved into proper alignment.

  • Fixed braces may feel tight and uncomfortable at first, but these feelings should subside after a few days.

    You may also experience some tenderness on your gums and teeth, but this should go away as you get used to wearing the braces.

    With regular adjustments, your teeth will gradually become aligned, giving you the straight smile you have always wanted.

  • Yes, braces can fix bad teeth. Braces can help to straighten your teeth, close gaps and improve your overall oral health and appearance.

    Fixed braces are a popular choice as they ensure that your teeth stay properly aligned throughout the treatment period.

    Your dentist will be able to advise if fixed braces are suitable for you and can provide more information about what to expect during the process.