Brighton Braces & Teeth Straightening

 Fixed Braces Overview

Fixed braces consist of brackets, which are individually shaped attachments made from either metal or ceramic, bonded or to your teeth and very thin soft metal wires clipped into them that they gently push your teeth into their right positions. With your tooth firmly in your jaw bone and pressure applied on one side from the orthodontic arch-wire, the bone on the other side moves away allowing the teeth to reposition and new bone to grow in behind to support them. Ordinary fixed braces are bonded to the front of your teeth. There are also braces that can be bonded on the back of your teeth (lingual braces). Removable braces are sometimes used when you are still growing or if you still have baby teeth left. Functional removable braces are used to change jaw growth to normalise your bite.

Steps in Fixed Braces Treatment

First Visit:
X-ray pictures, photographs and impressions for plaster study models of your teeth are taken. Your orthodontist will plan your individual treatment requirements using these records. At SmileWorks using the very latest advances in orthodontic technology we very rarely find it necessary to remove permanent teeth, but very occasionally it may be necessary to do extractions if the teeth are very crowded and there is not enough bone in the jaws for all of them.

Second Visit:
Your orthodontist will explain the brace options and treatment plan suitable for your condition and discuss the timescale required and SmileWorks various payment plan options.

Third Visit:
Brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth and the first gentle arch wire is connected and you’ll be given full instructions and guidance on what to expect next and the care of your new braces.

Subsequent Visits:
(Every 4 to 8 weeks) Adjustments are made to the braces by way of wire-changes, adding springs, elastics or other accessories to gently guide your teeth into the desired position to create your beautiful new smile.
NOTE: Accessories are necessary to make your braces work. Elastics are often used to get your upper and lower teeth to bite together properly. Facemasks, headgear or biteplates are sometimes used with fixed braces. It is very important to use all accessories exactly as you have been told, if not, progress of the treatment stops and may in some cases, reverse.

When treatment is completed:
Your fixed braces will be removed at a de-bonding appointment, followed by removal of cement and the polishing of your teeth. Moulds of your teeth in their new positions are taken to make retainers. After your braces are removed, you will need to wear invisible retainers for a short time every day to hold your teeth in their new positions.

How long does treatment take?

We’re experienced in the use of the very latest orthodontic technology and our normal period of treatment with fixed braces if you comply with our advice may be as short as 3-15 months. You’ll need to make time every 4 – 8 weeks to visit your orthodontist regularly if you wish your treatment to finish well and on time.

How will braces affect my daily life?

Speech: With regular fixed braces, speech is normally not affected at all. However, if your condition requires a palatal expander appliance to be fitted at the roof of your mouth, this may interfere with your speech for a short period. If you have lingual braces, you will also take some time to learn to speak properly with the braces.
Playing musical instruments: If you play a musical instrument with a mouthpiece, it will take you one to two weeks before you become as skilful as before.
Brushing with braces: With braces on, your teeth are more difficult to clean. Our hygienist and nurses will give you tips and the tools to do the job properly. It’s important that you do not leave food on your braces. Brushing your teeth properly after every snack and meal will reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. In addition, five minutes of brushing is needed every morning and night. Have your toothbrush available to brush after meals as well as at your orthodontic visits. You can use disclosing solution to check if your teeth are clean. You will need to replace your toothbrush more often as it will wear out faster.
Eating and diet restrictions: Eating hard food or biting on large pieces of food may dislodge the brackets and damage the wires. Avoid eating nuts and chewing gum and biting on finger nails or pencils. Do cut hard fruits into small and thin pieces before eating them. As always avoid food and drinks with high sugar content such as sweets and fizzy drinks.