Those of us who do not have perfectly straight teeth may be self-conscious about our smile, and it’s a terrible shame for anyone to have to hide their smile away. Luckily, help is at hand thanks to fixed braces, which can help create the perfect smile. There are now many different types of brace available, but fixed braces remain among the most popular, after a long history of being used to treat various irregularities in teeth.

What is a fixed brace?

Fixed braces are probably the most common type of dental braces. They are made of metal brackets which are, as the name suggests, fixed onto the teeth so that they cannot be removed. Wires link these brackets, and this mechanism asserts gentle pressure onto the teeth over time to allow for the gradual correction of the teeth. In other words, the teeth are gently pushed into a straighter position over time. The braces will occasionally be tightened by your orthodontist to ensure your teeth move in the correct way.

When is a fixed brace useful?

Fixed braces can be used to correct various cosmetic problems with teeth, including straightening teeth, to correct the overall shape of a jaw, or to correct the spaces between teeth – for example, to close up gaps between teeth, or alternatively to help teeth which are too close together. The treatment can take between six months and three years, depending on the exact situation. While there are many different types of braces, fixed braces have a proven record of results. Despite the fact that they are more noticeable than so-called ‘invisible braces’, they are much more affordable. Fixed metal braces are suitable for most patients, except those with allergies to the metal, and in some rare cases with patients with periodontal problems, for example sufferers of type one diabetes.

Contact Dublin18 Dental Care near to South Dublin for more information.