Braces (full fixed appliances)

Full fixed appliance therapy

Also known as bands and braces, these are dental appliances constructed of bands and wires that are fixed to the teeth to correct irregular alignment.

Braces treat dental problems such as crowding, spacing and most importantly guide the teeth into a better occlusion. Braces are usually in place for approximately 18–24 months but this can vary depending on many factors such as growth, oral hygiene, breakages and regular attendance. Appointments at 4–9 weekly intervals will be required to adjust your appliances.

One week prior to placing your braces, we may need to polish, scale and clean all teeth. At this visit we may also place separators in between your back molar teeth. This visit takes approximately 30 minutes. Placing the braces requires a 90 minute appointment.

Clear braces

These are for patients who are concerned about the appearance of metal braces. They are made from a porcelain-like material and are generally only placed on the upper front teeth (the area most noticeable when you smile).

These braces are not appropriate if you play a lot of contact sport, as they are more fragile. These clear braces attract an additional fee. If you are interested in having them fitted please ask.

Metal braces

These are standard braces. They are manufactured from surgical stainless steel.

Patients have the option of natural or coloured “O-rings” (correct name Alastics) which may be changed or varied during adjustments.

Retainers

Braces are always followed by retainers, which are usually removable and hold the teeth in their new positions. These act like a template or guide to hold your teeth in place. Again this time can vary but usually retainers are worn for a period full time (removed only when cleaning and on very special occasions) followed by a minimum of 12 hours for 3 years before reducing to occasional wear.

Teeth move naturally as part of the growth and ageing process. As a result, as long as teeth are to remain in alignment, retainers must always be worn, however, their wear can eventually be kept to a minimum. Patients who wish to maintain a very high degree of alignment should contact the practice for replacement retainers when either worn out or lost.

Oral hygiene

The success of your braces treatment relies largely upon your standard of oral hygiene that you are capable of maintaining throughout your treatment.

At every adjustment visit we record an oral hygiene score out of 5 which gives you an indication as to how you are coping in this area.

Patients who score perfect 5’s during their visits enter our bonus prize draws.

Poor brushing leads to stained teeth and puffy gums following treatment. Excellent brushing leads to a fabulous result!