Fixed braces consist of brackets and bands bonded or cemented to your teeth (to get a hold of them) and very thin metal wires that gently push your teeth into their right positions.
The wire is tied into the brackets with a steel ligature or a coloured plastic ring. Some brackets have clips to hold the wires and no ties are needed. Brackets can be made of metal or tooth-coloured ceramic or plastic. 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.
First Visit: – X-rays, photos and impressions for plaster study models of your teeth are taken. Your orthodontist will plan your treatment using these records. Very often, permanent teeth are removed when they are crowded and there is not enough space in the jaws for all of them. The extractions are done just before or just after the fitting of your braces. Before placing braces on your teeth you will need a check-up for decay or gum problems.
Second Visit:– Your orthodontist will explain the treatment plan and the braces suitable for your condition. Before braces are fitted, separators (small plastic ‘doughnuts’) are placed between your molars for a week to create spaces for the molar bands.
Third and Fourth Visits: Bands are cemented and brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth.
Subsequent Visits: (Every 4 to 8 weeks) Adjustments are made to the braces by way of wire-changes, adding springs, elastics or other accessories.
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.
Your fixed braces will be removed at a debanding 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 retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions for the next few years.
The normal period of treatment with fixed braces is two to three years. You will need to make time every 4 – 8 weeks to visit your orthodontist regularly if you wish your treatment to finish well and on time.
In addition to traditional fixed braces for teeth straightening we also offer treatment using clear aligners. We use the extremely popular Invisalign Clear Aligner treatment system.
Cfast was developed by Dr Biju Krishnan in 2009. Dr Krishnan qualified from Dundee University in 1993 and after several years in general practice completed a clinical attachment in Oral Surgery in 1999.
With clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, Cfast is barely noticeable – and worn for only a fraction of the time compared to traditional braces.
Standard orthodontic mechanics are still involved with CFAST, but because it’s just the front teeth, the force required is minimal. The nickel-titanium wires exert mild pressure to force the teeth to move, and this is done without the need for severe tightening which causes the discomfort noted in conventional orthodontic treatments.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a straighter smile. Our team will discuss with you all the options available for achieving the straight smile you have always dreamed of.
