Fixed Metal Braces
Fixed metal braces are attached to the outer surfaces of the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. Often known as “train tracks”, these braces consist of small metal brackets attached to the front of each individual tooth with a special adhesive, linked together by orthodontic wires. If preferred, patients can choose vibrant colours to customise their metal braces.
Fixed braces are commonly used as they give a lot of control over where the teeth are finally positioned. They can be used to correct all problems including crooked teeth, ‘goofy teeth’, ‘gappy’ teeth and teeth that grow in the wrong place.
Treatment times vary depending on the complexity of tooth movements required, but typical treatment times range between 6 and 24 months. Patients usually attend every 8-10 weeks for adjustments. Your orthodontist will advise you on the length of time you will be likely to wear a fixed brace depending on the treatment prescribed.
For more information on fixed braces please visit our Resources page where you can download a Fixed Appliance PDF produced by the British Orthodontic Society.
Twin-Block Functional Braces
Twin-blocks are a type of functional brace which are used to correct prominent teeth in growing children. By repositioning the lower jaw to a more forwards position the functional brace encourages jaw growth and an improvement in tooth position.
The brace comes in two separate parts, a top removable brace and a bottom removable brace, which fit together in the mouth. Although Twin-blocks are removable, in order to gain the best results, they should be worn all the time, including sleeping and if possible, eating. This brace usually takes 9-12 months to work and will need adjusting by your orthodontist every 10-12 weeks. Functional appliances are often used as a first stage in treatment and will be followed by a further 12-18 months of fixed braces to fully straighten the teeth.
Removable Braces
Removable braces are appliances which patients can put in and take out themselves, but do need to be worn all the time, including sleeping. They are typically used to correct minor problems in younger patients (under age 10) or they are sometimes used alongside fixed braces. Because removable braces are used to correct a wide range of conditions, the timescale for treatment varies but your orthodontist will explain to you how long you need to wear it for. A removable appliance will need to be adjusted every 8-10 weeks.