Cosmetic and orthodontic guide
5 min readFixed braces
Fixed braces use brackets and wires to move teeth. Treatment time, suitability and results vary and need orthodontic assessment and monitoring.
Fixed braces are orthodontic appliances attached to teeth and adjusted over time. They can treat a range of alignment and bite problems in suitable cases.
Treatment length should not be promised in general information because it depends on the case, growth, cooperation, biology and appointments.
At a glance
Understand the appliance
Brackets and wires
- Brackets are fixed to teeth and connected by wires.
- Adjustments guide tooth movement over time.
- Some soreness can occur after fitting or adjustment.
Protect teeth
Cleaning
- Braces make brushing and interdental cleaning more difficult.
- Diet and plaque control affect decay and gum risk.
- Retainers are usually discussed after active treatment.
Get help
Broken brace
- Broken wires or brackets should be reported to the orthodontic provider.
- Wax may help protect the cheek where advised.
- A swallowed, inhaled or choking-risk fragment needs urgent advice.
Contents
What fixed braces involve
Fixed braces use brackets, wires and sometimes elastics or other components to guide teeth. Planning includes assessment of teeth, gums, bite and oral hygiene.
Possible causes or contributing factors
- Crowding, spacing or bite concerns in suitable cases.
- Need for controlled tooth movement with a fixed appliance.
- Oral hygiene challenges during treatment.
What you can do now
- Ask what the braces are intended to correct.
- Discuss cleaning aids, diet advice and broken-brace instructions.
- Ask about retainers before treatment is completed.
What not to do
- Do not expect a fixed treatment time without assessment.
- Do not ignore plaque, white marks or gum swelling around braces.
- Do not cut wires yourself unless instructed in an emergency by a clinician.
When to contact an orthodontic provider
- You are considering fixed braces.
- A bracket, wire or elastic causes problems.
- You notice pain, ulcers, swelling or cleaning difficulty.
When prompt advice is needed
- A wire causes injury or cannot be made comfortable.
- A loose fragment may be swallowed or inhaled.
- There is severe pain, swelling, trauma or infection signs.
What a dentist or relevant professional may assess or do
- Assess teeth, gums, bite, X-rays and treatment goals.
- Fit and adjust braces where suitable.
- Manage broken components and plan retention after treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How long do fixed braces take?
Treatment time varies by case and should be discussed after orthodontic assessment.
What if a wire breaks?
Contact the orthodontic provider. Use wax if advised and seek urgent help if there is choking, inhalation concern or injury.
Do braces make cleaning harder?
Yes. Brackets and wires trap plaque, so tailored brushing and interdental cleaning advice is important.
Explore orthodontic guidance
Read balanced Odenta guides before discussing brace suitability, cleaning and retention with an orthodontic provider.
Browse orthodontic guidesOfficial sources
These links open external official guidance pages for further help.
Content reviewed by Dr Majid Saeed · 13 July 2026
References used for this guide are listed above.
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