Fixed orthodontic treatment corrects dental misalignments and bite issues. Appliances remain attached to teeth, applying consistent force to guide them into correct positions. It is effective in improving both the appearance and function of a patient’s smile, contributing to improved oral health.
Understanding Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
Fixed orthodontic treatment uses appliances bonded directly to teeth. The primary components include brackets, archwires, and bands. Brackets are small attachments, often metal or ceramic, bonded to each tooth. Archwires are thin, flexible wires threaded through the brackets, guiding tooth movement. Bands, metal rings, are often placed around molars for anchorage and support. These components apply continuous pressure, gradually repositioning teeth.
How Fixed Orthodontics Repositions Teeth
Fixed orthodontic treatment moves teeth through a biological process called bone remodeling. When continuous pressure is applied to a tooth by the archwire, it creates areas of compression and tension in the surrounding alveolar bone. On the side of the tooth where pressure is exerted, osteoclasts break down bone, creating space for the tooth to move. Simultaneously, on the opposite side where tension is created, osteoblasts deposit new bone, stabilizing the tooth. This coordinated activity allows for gradual tooth movement.
Fixed orthodontics effectively addresses a range of common dental issues, including:
Overcrowding, where there is insufficient space for teeth.
Spacing, characterized by gaps between teeth.
Overbites, where upper front teeth significantly overlap lower ones.
Underbites, where lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth.
Crossbites, involving misalignment of upper and lower teeth when biting.
Open bites, where front teeth do not meet.
Common Types of Fixed Appliances
Various materials and styles of fixed orthodontic appliances are available. Traditional metal braces, made of stainless steel, are the most common type. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and an archwire, often secured by elastic bands. Metal braces are known for their durability and effectiveness across a wide range of dental issues.
Ceramic braces offer a less conspicuous alternative to metal braces. They use clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend with natural tooth shade. While aesthetic, ceramic brackets can be more fragile than metal, and elastic bands may stain.
Lingual braces offer a discreet treatment option. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are custom-made and placed on the inside surfaces of teeth, making them virtually invisible. Their placement can initially affect speech and oral hygiene, and they are often more expensive due to customization.
Living with Fixed Braces
Initial placement involves bonding brackets to teeth and threading the archwire. This procedure usually takes about one to two hours. Patients may experience initial discomfort or soreness for a few days as teeth adjust to pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this discomfort.
Routine adjustment appointments are scheduled every 6 to 10 weeks to monitor progress and adjust archwires, maintaining continuous pressure. These adjustments might cause temporary soreness similar to the initial placement. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important; brush after every meal and floss daily with specialized tools to remove trapped food particles.
Dietary modifications prevent damage to braces. Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods like nuts, hard candies, popcorn, and caramel, as these can dislodge brackets or bend wires. Foods like apples should be cut into smaller pieces rather than bitten directly. Minor issues like loose wires or brackets can occur; contact the orthodontist for repair. Treatment duration varies, commonly ranging from 18 to 30 months.
Achieving a Straight and Healthy Smile
Once teeth reach desired positions, fixed braces are removed by detaching brackets and bands. This process is quick and generally painless, though some may feel slight pressure. After removal, teeth may feel sensitive or loose as surrounding bone and tissues stabilize.
Retainers maintain newly aligned teeth. They are custom-made appliances, either fixed (a thin wire bonded to the back of teeth) or removable (plastic trays or Hawley retainers), designed to hold teeth in corrected positions. Wearing retainers as prescribed prevents orthodontic relapse, where teeth shift back towards original misalignment. This retention phase allows jawbone and periodontal ligaments to stabilize around realigned teeth.
Successful fixed orthodontic treatment yields several positive outcomes. Beyond aesthetic improvement, aligned teeth are easier to clean, enhancing oral hygiene and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Corrected bite function improves chewing efficiency and can alleviate jaw strain. The overall result is a more harmonious and healthy oral system, supporting long-term dental well-being.