Fixed Appliances

Fixed appliances or “train tracks” are the most commonly used appliances and are able to produce very precise tooth movement to achieve ideal results.

Treatment with fixed appliances usually starts once all the adult teeth have erupted and usually lasts 18-24 months. All fixed appliance treatment is followed by retention.

They are attached onto the teeth using tooth coloured filling material (composite resin). Care has to be taken eating hard foods as the attachment can easily be broken leading to a disruption in treatment. An orthodontic wire (archwire) is tied (or ligated) into the bracket. As treatment progresses the orthodontist will progress to thicker wires which can place greater forces onto the teeth. Some patients term this process as 'tightening' the appliance. Appliances can easily be removed at the end of treatment leaving the teeth intact.