Fixed Braces in Derby

Fixed braces (appliances) are also commonly known as ‘train tracks’

Fixed Braces straighten the teeth using brackets which are stuck on to the teeth and a wire which is inserted through the brackets to create tension to move the teeth. Ceramic (tooth coloured), gold and silver brackets are available to suit each patients preference. Coloured ligatures can be placed over brackets and are popular with teenagers wanting to personalise their brace!

Fixed appliances which are also commonly known as ‘train tracks’. They straighten the teeth using brackets which are stuck on to the teeth and a wire which is inserted through the brackets to create tension to move the teeth. Ceramic (tooth coloured), gold and silver brackets are available to suit each patients preference. Coloured ligatures can be placed over brackets and are popular with teenagers wanting to personalise their brace!

A fixed brace is an orthodontic appliance which cannot be removed from the mouth by the patient. Amongst teenagers, fixed braces are commonly known as “train tracks” and they are one of the most effective ways of straightening teeth. They can be used in combination with removable or functional braces and while a fair number of patients benefit from more than one type of brace, most will have fixed braces.

The component of fixed braces which has the greatest variability is the bracket, which comes in various sizes, shapes and colours.

Options for Fixed Braces

Metal brackets with colours

Stainless steel metal brackets are easily recognised and are widely used in the treatment of patients in all age groups. Their robustness and suitability for most cases make them an appliance of choice for most orthodontists. The designers have been making them smaller and decreasing the profile of these metal brackets, sometimes with beneficial results including higher treatment efficiency, decreased friction, decreased appliance breakage (due to increased bond strength) and superior fit or seating.

These metal brackets can be customised with coloured ligatures or modules to provide individuality and make them more aesthetically pleasing.

Gold brackets

Others might be more attracted by the aesthetic appeal of the Gold appliance systems such as the ‘3M Unitek Victory Series’ 24K gold plated brackets, which can be complimented with gold wires – these provide the patient with an alternative to the traditional stainless steel look.

Ceramic brackets

Attractive, translucent or tooth coloured, aesthetic fixed brackets appeal to patients in view of their less obtrusive appearance. These are made from a ceramic material and differ from plastic (polycarbonate) brackets in terms of the superior durability, colour stability, strength and overall performance throughout the treatment. Not all tooth coloured brackets are ceramic, if you are having problems with breakages and discolouration, you most likely have been fitted with an inferior plastic bracket.

Fixed braces can be made “totally white” by utilising ceramic brackets, white or tooth coloured arch wires and non-staining ligature wires This means that your appliance is virtually not visible!

Self ligating brackets

These are fixed braces which function without ligatures and modules. These braces are designed to help the teeth move more efficiently and may result in fewer adjustment visits. The absence of modules and ligatures eliminates the hassle of staining.

How Fixed Braces work

Ligature or Module

The archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny elastic or a twisted wire.

Archwire

The archwire is tied to all the brackets and creates forace to move teeth into proper alignment.

Brackets

Brackets are connected to the bands, or directly bonded on the teeth, and hold the archwire in place.

Elastic Hooks & Rubber Bands

Elastic hooks are used for the attachment of rubber bands, which help move teeth toward their final position.

Metal Band (not shown)

The band is the cemented ring of metal which wraps around the tooth.

Neil Bagnall & Daughter, Jodie

Dr Malhi treated Jodie with fixed braces – both were delighted with the results

Fixed Braces

Dr Malhi was very professional in the way he spoke to us and took us through everything step by step not using big words so we could understand everything that he meant. The staff here are amazing ” – Neil Bagnall

    FREE Open Day Consultations for Alignment Treatment

    We offer a free consultation with our treatment co-ordinator to discuss your teeth straightening options every Monday. For a limited period we are offering Free Whitening (worth £390) and Free Retainers normally priced at £160 per arch.

    You will get a chance to meet our team and ask any questions about the various treatments on offer

    You can tell us what your hopes are so we can advise on the best way to achieve them

    We will run through the various treatment options and what is involved

    We will discuss the finance options available to you including our interest free payment plans