Fixed Braces consist of small precisely designed metal or ceramic buttons called brackets are stuck/bonded to each tooth. Sometimes metal rings called bands are also fitted around the back/molar teeth. The brackets are then connected to each other using a thin metal wire, called an archwire. The wire is held in place with small elastic rings called modules, or with very thin wires called ligatures. The wires are adjusted at regular intervals to straighten the teeth and correct the bite.
Modern brackets are quite small, and they cover a relatively smaller area of each tooth, making braces more attractive than they used to be. With fixed braces, there is no plastic in the roof of the mouth. This means speech is unaffected and the flavour of food can be enjoyed fully.
Fixed braces are often used as they give a lot of control over where the teeth are finally positioned. They are most often used to correct crooked teeth, gappy teeth and teeth that grow in the wrong place.
Fixed braces are usually worn for 9-30 months and cannot be removed by you. Your orthodontist will advise you on the length of time you will be likely to wear a fixed brace depending on the treatment prescribed.
