Treatment with Fixed Appliances

Why is a fixed brace necessary? Fixed braces, unlike removable braces, exert a constant force on the teeth. As a result, success does not depend on the patient’s cooperation. As soon as bodily tooth movement is required—for example, uprighting tilted teeth, correcting rotated teeth, targeted movement of tooth roots, closing gaps after tooth extraction, etc.—a fixed brace is urgently necessary. Whether treatment with a fixed appliance is appropriate must be decided by the orthodontist for each patient based on the existing tooth and jaw misalignment and the intended treatment goal.

How does a fixed brace work? A fixed brace consists of small metal plates (brackets). These are connected with a wire. This wire provides the necessary force to move the teeth in the desired direction. A fixed brace must be checked at regular intervals (every 4 weeks). For precise three-dimensional tooth movements with gentle, light forces, we use various bracket systems. In addition to metal brackets, there are ceramic brackets for the aesthetically visible area, which are, however, more brittle in comparison. Self-ligating brackets have an integrated closure mechanism, so that the wire does not need to be attached with small elastics but can be clicked into the brackets.

Oral hygiene: It is not the brace that damages the teeth, but the plaque. Therefore, teeth must be brushed after every meal, in combination with additional aids (interdental brushes) and protective care products (mouthwash and Elmex gel). There is also the option to seal the teeth before bonding a fixed brace. This provides additional protection for the teeth.

The treatment duration with a fixed brace varies depending on the individual case. On average, the brace remains on the teeth for approximately 1.5 years. To secure the achieved treatment result after active treatment, a retainer is fabricated, as teeth have a tendency to return to their original position.