What steps are involved in Fixed Brace Treatment?

Steps in Fixed Braces Treatment

Once you have agreed treatment plan with Dr Panesar, it is important that your oral hygiene and health is of a standard to support braces. If loss of teeth is agreed, these are usually done just before the fitting of your braces.

First Visit:
Orthodontic brackets are bonded to your teeth and an orthodontic  arch wire placed to straighten your teeth. If molar bands are required then, separators (small elastic  ‘doughnuts’) are placed between your molars for a 1-2 weeks to create spaces.

Second visit (only if Bands needed):
Bands are cemented and an archwire placed to straighten your teeth

Subsequent Visits:
These are usually every 4 to 8 weeks. Adjustments are made to the braces by way of wire-changes, adding springs, elastics or other accessories.

NOTE: Accessories are necessary to make your braces work. Elastics are often used to get your upper and lower teeth to bite together properly. Facemasks, headgear or biteplates are sometimes used with fixed braces. It is very important to use all accessories exactly as you have been told, if not, progress of the treatment stops and may in some cases, reverse. Therefore the desired result may not be achieved or a compromise accepted.

When fixed brace treatment is completed:
Your fixed braces will be removed at a dobonding and debanding appointment, followed by removal of cement of your teeth. After your braces are removed, you will need retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions.Impressions of your teeth in their new positions are taken to make retainers. Retainers are often worn full time for a short period and then night time. Retainers are just as important as the braces that straightened your teeth. You should avoid the same foods and drinks you were advised for fixed braces.

The only way to have permanently straight teeth is to wear a retainer on a part-time basis for life.