Fixed Braces
Fixed braces are what most people picture when they think of Orthodontic Care, they are a great option to craft the perfect smile. With braces, an optimal position is targeted for each individual tooth, allowing improvements in gaps and strengthening to happen in a shorter period of time. Sleeker brackets, along with lighter wires, have improved comfort and made braces a popular choice of many for their orthodontic care.
The Traditional Choice
Fixed braces are what most people envision when they think of braces and are still by far the most popular option. In recent years, there have been significant technological advancements in these types of braces that have decreased their size and thickness providing for increased comfort and better hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are doing research into orthodontic treatment options and aren’t sure where to start, we are happy to answer all your questions. Although most may consider fixed braces to be outdated, technological advances have made them more comfortable and have reduced treatment time.
What Are Braces Made of?
Brackets
The brackets are durable, long-lasting, and typically made from stainless steel. Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Adhesive (“Glue”)
This is what is used to attach the brackets to your teeth. If you need more serious treatment, metal bands may be used together with glue to make your braces more stable.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Khatib may change the shape and curvature of the wire in order to move your teeth in the desired direction. In some cases, the wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together, but she might occasionally cut the wire strategically if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
Elastics
If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They are generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook. This will pull the lower jaw forward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw backwards to correct an underbite.
Orthodontic Bands
These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they are not used for everyone.
Spacers
These small elastic “doughnuts” or rings can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They are also referred to as separators.
Elastic Ties/O-rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They are less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colours, so you can choose your favourite.
What Can I Expect from Today’s Fixed Braces?
Fixed braces have an undeserved reputation for being awkward and obvious. But with the advances of modern orthodontics, you will benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before. Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you will have less irritation in your mouth.
Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.
Fixed braces are a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!
Metal braces get right down to work, you’ll be able to see some signs of progress in a relatively short period of time. It may not seem like much, but sometimes seeing even a small improvement in your smile can give you an encouraging boost on your orthodontic journey.
How Long Will I Be in Braces?
This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment time with fixed braces will be different every time.
The average time spent is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual. We have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.
With metal braces, you can see signs of improvement in just a short period of time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.
What Are The Benefits Of Fixed Braces?
Here’s why fixed braces have stood the test of time:
- They’re effective. They’re great at moving teeth to exactly where you want them.
- They’re versatile. They can help with anything from simple crowding to significant spacing.
- They’re affordable. For many patients, they provide a cost-effective alternative to invisible braces.
- They’re discreet. We can disguise your fixed braces with subtle clear brackets.
How Do I Know If I Need To Get Fixed Braces?
The signs that an adult needs braces can vary according to age and overall dental health.
Adult braces are becoming increasingly common, and outcomes from adult braces are mostly positive.
Symptoms that can indicate you need braces include:
- Teeth that are visibly crooked or crowded
- Difficulty flossing between and brushing around crooked teeth
- Frequently biting your tongue or cutting your tongue on your teeth
- Teeth that don’t close over each other properly when your mouth is at rest
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds due to your tongue’s position under your teeth
How Do I Tell If My Child Needs Braces?
If your child needs braces, it can be a little more difficult to tell. If a child has baby teeth that are crooked or crowded, it can be a sign that they will need braces in the future.
Other signs include:
- Being prone to biting the tongue, the roof of the mouth, or inside of the cheek accidentally
- Thumb sucking or using a pacifier past the age of 2
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Teeth that don’t come together even when the mouth is shut completely
- Teeth that are crooked or crowded
- Breathing through the mouth
- Jaws that click or make other sounds
When Should I See An Orthodontist?
It is recommended that all children have an appointment with an orthodontist at the age of 7. The logic behind this recommendation is that when a need for braces is identified, early treatment can improve outcomes.
Even children with no visible crowding or slant to their teeth can benefit from a check-in with an orthodontist.
The best age for getting braces varies from person to person. Most of the time, treatment with braces begins between the ages of 9 and 14, once children start to get their permanent teeth.
But for some people, treatment with braces as a child is just not possible. Whether because of expense, inconvenience, or lack of diagnosis, many people have to put off orthodontic treatment until their adult years.
Technically, you’re never too old for braces. However, that doesn’t mean you should continue to put off treatment.
Whenever you’re ready to pursue treatment for crowded or crooked teeth, you can schedule an appointment. You usually don’t need a referral from a dentist to make an appointment with an orthodontist.
The sooner you can speak with a professional about getting braces, the better.
Will My Child Still Need Braces If They Get Interceptive Orthodontics?
Interceptive orthodontics will either eliminate the need for braces in the future or reduce their treatment time. Interceptive orthodontics will either eliminate the need for braces in the future or reduce their treatment time, this varies case by case.
If we haven’t answered all your questions in these fixed braces FAQs, we’re happy to answer them during a consultation at our orthodontic practice. If you would like to learn if fixed braces are right for you or your child, please call us at (021) 671 0171 or email us at info@claremontorthodontics.co.za to book an appointment today.