How do Fixed Braces work?

The brackets are then connected together using a metal wire which puts pressure on your teeth gradually moving them into position. Depending on your case, sometimes small elastic bands are used to fix the wires to the brackets.

At regular appointments, you will have to go back to visit your orthodontist to check that your teeth are moving in the way that they should. Your orthodontist will tighten the wires to keep up the pressure for your teeth to be straightened.

You may choose to eat softer foods for the first day or two after having your braces fixed to your teeth whilst you get used to your braces, but after that you can eat as usual. You may want to cut up harder foods such as an apple and you should avoid chewing gum, nuts, popcorn and too much sugary food.

As you cannot remove your fixed braces, you will need to brush your teeth as usual but pay particular attention to the brackets and wires. It’s important that you maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth so that food doesn’t get trapped in your braces and cause plaque to build up.

Straightening teeth with fixed braces tends to take a bit longer than the more conventional braces. On average teeth straightening takes between 12 and 18 months and this is because the fixed braces are moving teeth so precisely.