Fixed metal braces
How do fixed metal braces work?
Fixed metal braces are made up of wires and elastic bands, attached to metal brackets that are bonded to each of your teeth. The wire is gradually tightened to create the gentle force that aligns your teeth into a straighter position.
You’ll need to visit your orthodontist every six to ten weeks during your treatment to check on your progress and adjust the wires. When your teeth are correctly aligned and your braces are removed, you’ll be given fixed or removable retainers to maintain your new smile.
Fixed metal braces can fix common orthodontic problems from minor cosmetic issues and slight overbites, to more severe issues like excessive crowding or a deep underbite.
How much do metal braces cost?
Treatment usually costs less than other types of braces, such as ceramic or lingual. Treatment starts from £3,800 privately but the cost will depend on your individual needs. Ask your practice about payment options available.
Traditional braces are sometimes available for free on the NHS for under 18s who meet a certain criteria. A consultation to discuss your options and the exact price will give you the clearest idea of cost.
What are the pros and cons of fixed metal braces?
Pros:
- Fixed braces are bonded to your teeth, so you don’t need to worry about taking your braces in and out
- Metal braces move your teeth in a precise, gradual manner to deliver successful results, so you know you’ll get the treatment outcome you want
- Fixed braces are strong and durable as they’re made from metal
- Metal braces can cost less than other solutions such as Invisalign treatment and lingual braces
Cons:
- Metal braces are the most visible type of brace, and you may prefer a more discreet option
- It’s common for people to want removable aligners such as Invisalign treatment, as you can take them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth
- You’ll need to be careful about what you eat with fixed braces, as you won’t be able to have hard, crunchy foods like apples or crusty bread. It may take time to adjust to having fixed braces.
How long do fixed metal braces take to straighten your teeth?
How long teeth straightening takes depends on your individual needs. Treatment with fixed braces generally takes between 12 months and two years, but it can take longer for those with severe orthodontic needs. If you have minor cosmetic issues, these can sometimes be fixed in as little as six months.
Your orthodontist will advise how long your treatment should take during your initial consultation.
Do metal braces hurt?
You may find that the inside of your cheeks become a little sore after your braces are fitted. This is normal and with time, you’ll start to find the braces more comfortable. You may also experience discomfort each time they’re tightened.
Normal over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen should help ease any pain. You can also use pain relief gel to help soothe irritated areas inside your mouth and attach orthodontic wax to any areas of your brace that start to rub (you can get this from your orthodontist).
If you need any advice about managing discomfort, speak to your local practice who will be able to help you.
Looking after metal braces
Food and plaque can easily get stuck in fixed braces, so be extra careful with your oral hygiene routine. If you don’t keep your teeth and braces clean, you can end up with permanent marks on your teeth, so brush twice a day and make sure to floss too.
It’s also a good idea to see a hygienist and your general dentist for regular check-ups.
What are the alternatives to fixed metal braces?
Total Orthodontics offers various teeth straightening treatments that you might want to chat to your orthodontist about. These include:
Invisalign treatment
Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners to move your teeth without the need for fixed braces. You can take them out to eat, drink or brush your teeth.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces work in the same way as fixed metal braces but they’re fitted to the inside of your teeth rather than to the front surface. For this reason, they’re often called ‘hidden braces’ or ‘braces behind teeth’.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are also fixed to the outer surface of your teeth but they use clear brackets and metal or tooth-coloured wires. This makes them a more discreet option than metal braces.
What to expect
When we contact you, we will ask you if you’d like to have your free consultation in person or over the phone. At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Consultations are free of professional charges (excluding consultations at Total Orthodontics Belfast, Ormeau Road where a professional charge will apply).
2. A COVID-19 safety tariff will not apply to the free consultation but may apply to specific appointments in your treatment, which you will be notified of beforehand.
3. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. Any clinical examinations, diagnostic tests, and associated costs required, which may take place in the same appointment as the free consultation or subsequently, will be discussed before treatment commences.
4. Consultations subject to availability.
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Find out more
Lingual
braces
A type of fixed braces that are bonded to the back of your teeth, making them a more discreet option.
Invisible and removable braces
Find out about the types of near-invisible and removable braces we have available, including Invisalign treatment.
Cost of
braces
Find out more about how much braces cost and how you can request an estimate for treatment.
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Consultations subject to availability.
3. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
