Fixed braces or ‘train track braces’ are a traditional, yet modern way to move your teeth in a gentle and precise manner. They compromise of small metal brackets attached to the face of the teeth with a metal wire. The braces are visible when speaking or smiling.
As with the metal braces, the ceramic brackets are placed on the face of the teeth but are more discreet. The wires have a white coating, which closely matches the colour of the teeth and brackets.
A relatively new brand of brackets have emerged onto the market offering an alternative to metal and clear braces. They are described as a ‘champagne’ colour and blend well into the surroundings providing excellent aesthetics when smiling. Such braces are still relatively uncommon and you will choose this based on personal preference and its unique gold appearance.
If fixed braces aren’t for you, an option of clear aligners like Invisalign may be offered as an ideal solution.
A clear aligner is a popular bespoke brace made from plastic to specifically fit your teeth. They are discreet and they can be removed when eating or brushing your teeth. Prior to treatment, time is spent designing a sophisticated 3D digital scan of your smile. At this stage, you can discuss any modifications you would like to make before you proceed with treatment.
You will be provided a set of aligners which are changed every 1-2 weeks. You will have regular reviews to ensure treatment is progressing in the right direction.
Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth making it very difficult for them to be noticed. The lingual braces work in a similar fashion to the fixed braces as they help move teeth in a gentle but precise direction to achieve the best results. The lingual ‘hidden’ brace is an exclusive type of appliance to move teeth as few specialist orthodontists provide this treatment due to its complexity.
If you have mild crowding/crookedness associated with your front teeth when you smile, then you may be a candidate for lingual braces. However, all cases are different and therefore it is important to understand that this option will not be presented to every patient.
A twin block is a removable brace which aims to advance the lower jaw due to being underdeveloped. It is prescribed for patients who are in their growth spurt to achieve maximum skeletal and dental changes.
The position of your jaws determine where the teeth sit within the mouth. If a patient presents with an underdeveloped lower jaw, the lower teeth are held further away from the top teeth. Patients often notice their teeth sticking out or protruding – Orthodontists call this an overjet. Excellent wear of the twin block is required and worn all the time with exception to eating, cleaning and playing sports.
On average, the twin blocks are worn for about 12 months to provide the optimal chance for a stable and successful result. After the twin blocks are worn, a second phase of treatment commences with upper and lower fixed braces to straighten the teeth.
An expander may be prescribed as part of treatment to widen the upper jaw if it is too narrow or to help relieve crowding. An expander can come in the form of a removable appliance (like the picture) or if more significant expansion is required then a fixed appliance known as a Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) may be used.
Orthognathic cases are currently available within the NHS and if you are a candidate for such treatment then you will be referred to the local hospital for a consultation and placement onto a joint clinic to meet the consultant orthodontist and oral & maxillofacial surgeon.
Once treatment is complete, it is important to hold your teeth in their idealistic position. Unfortunately, if you do not follow guidance and fail to wear your retainers, your teeth will move. To prevent relapse, long term retention is required. There are 2 types of retainers that are usually prescribed:
A removable retainer is clear and made of plastic acting as a splint to hold the teeth in place. Nik advises patients to wear the retainers full time for the first 3 months after the braces are removed and then on a night time basis. Long term retention is always recommended to maintain the position of your teeth!
A bonded retainer is a supplement to the vacuum formed retainers but only suitable for certain patients. It is a thin metal wire cemented behind the teeth with the intention of staying there lifelong. Bonded wires tend to attract more plaque so patients selected to have this type of retainer must demonstrate excellent oral hygiene.
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