A fixed brace is an orthodontic appliance which cannot be removed from the mouth by the patient. Commonly known as “train tracks”, they are one of the most effective ways of straightening teeth and can be used in combination with removable or functional braces. While a number of patients benefit from more than one type of brace, most will have fixed braces
There are five key components to fixed braces. These are:
Ligature or module -The archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny elastic band or a twisted wire.
Arch-wire-The arch-wire is tied to all the brackets and creates force to move teeth into proper alignment.
Brackets-Brackets are connected to the bands, or directly bonded on the teeth, and hold the arch-wire in place.
Elastic hooks and rubber bands-Elastic hooks are used for the attachment of rubber bands, which help move teeth toward their final position.
Molar Buccal Tube or bands - small metal tube with hook that is bonded on the outside of a molar tooth. The molar buccal tube contains slots to hold arch wires, lip bumpers, face bows, and other things used to move your teeth
HOW DO FIXED BRACES WORK?
Each tooth to be aligned has a bracket cemented to enamel surfaces. Flexible wires are placed into slots on the brackets and the teeth are gradually pulled into alignment. As teeth move towards the correct position, wires are changed in order to further move the teeth into the desired arrangement.
Fixed brace treatment usually takes about 24 months. To speed up treatment it is very important to adjust the brace every four to six weeks or as your orthodontist recommends.
Retainers need to be used after fixed braces are removed
