Fixed braces guide
3 min readFitting and adjusting fixed braces
What happens during fitting, early soreness, reviews and elastic instructions.
Brackets are attached to the teeth and connected by wires. The clinician checks the appliance and explains cleaning, foods, comfort measures and what to do if something breaks.
Review appointments are part of active treatment. Follow the specific instructions for elastics or other components. Increasing force or changing the arrangement yourself can cause harm.
Illustrative artwork, not a patient photograph or promised result.
Contents
What to discuss with your dental team
- Tell the clinician about past tooth injuries before fitting.
- Ask for written instructions and an emergency contact route.
- Contact the team if soreness persists, worsens or interferes significantly with daily life.
When to seek professional help
Frequently asked questions
Does fitting braces involve drilling holes?
Brackets are generally bonded to tooth surfaces. Other planned dental work may be separate; ask what your appointment includes.
Will fitting hurt?
The procedure and early pressure can feel unfamiliar, and teeth may be sore afterwards. Tell the team about anxiety or significant discomfort.
How long will soreness last?
It often settles after the early adjustment period, but persistent or worsening pain needs advice from the orthodontist.
What can I eat when teeth are sore?
Softer foods may be easier initially. Follow the team’s advice and avoid foods that could damage the appliance.
How often are adjustment visits?
The clinician sets the interval for your plan. Keep appointments and ask what to do if you cannot attend.
Can I tighten the wire myself?
No. Only the treating dental team should adjust the appliance.
Why do I need elastics?
They may help correct particular bite relationships. The team should demonstrate exactly how and when to use them.
Can I double elastics to speed things up?
No. Use only the prescribed arrangement and force. More is not automatically better or safe.
What if I forget elastics?
Contact the team for advice about resuming the plan. Do not double up to compensate.
Can I miss reviews if my teeth look straight?
No. Appearance does not show every treatment objective or appliance issue. Continue planned reviews until the clinician advises otherwise.
Discuss fixed-brace options with a dental professional
Ask your dentist about orthodontic assessment and confirm local availability. Odenta provides information here; a fixed-brace booking service is not confirmed.
Explore British Orthodontic Society guidanceOfficial sources
These links open professional guidance and patient information. Any manufacturer material is labelled and explains its own system; it is not independent evidence of superiority.
Content updated 2 November 2026 · General patient information from the sources above.
References used for this guide are listed above.
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