Fixed orthodontics is one of the methods of dental orthodontics. But is this method better than removable dental orthodontics? Is the treatment process for teeth faster with fixed orthodontics?
In the continuation of this article from Dr. Bonyanian’s dental website, we will address these questions.
What is Fixed Orthodontics?
Fixed orthodontics is one of the therapeutic methods in dentistry used to straighten and align teeth.
In this method, special brackets and wires are permanently bonded (throughout the treatment) to the teeth and apply continuous force to them, gently moving the teeth to their correct position.
Fixed orthodontics is usually used to treat more severe dental alignment problems or jaw abnormalities, and the duration of treatment, depending on the patient’s condition, can last from a few months to a few years.
The Process of Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
Fixed orthodontic treatment is performed using special equipment. This equipment is placed on the teeth and, by applying very gentle pressure on the teeth and jaw, moves them.
It might be interesting for you to know that teeth move at most one millimeter per month after orthodontics. For this reason, observing changes in this process may not be very noticeable. However, this does not negate the effectiveness of orthodontics.
After installing the orthodontic equipment on your teeth, the orthodontic specialist will schedule sessions for you to attend the clinic. These sessions will be held to monitor the progress of your fixed orthodontic treatment.
Finally, after the teeth have stabilized in their primary position, the dentist will remove the fixed orthodontic equipment from your teeth, and you can enjoy your beautiful smile with well-aligned teeth.
Fixed Orthodontic Dental Equipment
The appliances used for orthodontic treatment include braces, wires, and brackets. But how does this equipment work?
- Braces act like anchors placed around the teeth.
- Brackets are attached to the front of the teeth.
- Wires connect the brackets and bands, applying pressure to guide your teeth towards their correct position.
Why Should We Choose Fixed Orthodontics?
The health of teeth and mouth is related to overall body health. Orthodontic treatment alone ensures that you observe the best performance from your teeth.
However, the reasons for choosing fixed orthodontics over other orthodontic methods are nothing but the advantages of this method. Fixed orthodontics is suitable for treating all types of dental and jaw abnormalities. From crooked and misaligned teeth to issues with tooth length (short or long). Meanwhile, other orthodontic methods are not as widely applicable.
Furthermore, fixed orthodontics offers the fastest effectiveness compared to other types of orthodontics. This is because, in this method, the orthodontic equipment remains in your mouth for a fixed period. In contrast, with removable orthodontics, the equipment can be taken out of the mouth.
Tooth Extraction in Fixed Orthodontics
Sometimes, it is necessary to extract some teeth before installing fixed braces, which depends on the degree of abnormality and the age of the individual.
Usually, individuals who need tooth extraction have upper and lower jaws that are smaller than average. It doesn’t matter if the tooth in question is perfectly healthy or hidden within the jaw.
Most often, small molars (premolars) are extracted for orthodontics so that the canine teeth can be positioned in a more suitable space. The space created by tooth extraction is completely resolved by the movement of teeth and correction of crowding, and there is no cause for concern. Also, the correct extraction of certain teeth provides adequate space for the growth of wisdom teeth and makes the use of wisdom teeth possible.
The Best Time to Start Fixed Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. However, the health of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth is very important beforehand. It is usually recommended to start treatment before puberty so that jaw growth does not encounter specific abnormalities and potential problems can be well prevented by starting orthodontic treatment early.
Children are evaluated from the ages of 7 to 10. Adolescents are also better off starting dental check-ups between the ages of 12 and 16. However, this does not mean that orthodontic installation is not possible in adulthood!
Contrary to the belief of many people, orthodontics in adulthood significantly improves appearance and self-confidence and is the best solution for correcting crooked and misaligned teeth.
How Long Does Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The duration of treatment with fixed orthodontics usually lasts between 12 to 24 months. However, this period can vary depending on the severity of dental abnormalities, the patient’s age, cooperation in oral hygiene, and adjustment schedules set by the orthodontic specialist.
According to an article titled “How long does treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances last?”, in some simpler cases, treatment may take less than a year, and in more complex cases or in individuals who start treatment later, it may even take more than two years. Regular follow-up appointments and adherence to the orthodontist’s recommendations can help shorten this time.
Who is a Fixed Orthodontic Specialist?
A fixed orthodontic specialist is an individual who uses fixed or removable appliances to change the position of teeth in the mouth. They are skilled in treating the following dental and jaw abnormalities and can treat them well:
- Bite problems such as overbite and underbite
- Teeth with gaps
- Jaw disharmony
Orthodontic specialists, after graduating from a multi-year program, enter an additional specialized orthodontic training course where they receive intensive and focused training. The training in this course includes the correct and safe movement of teeth, dental and facial orthopedics, and guidance on the proper growth of teeth, jaw, and face, as well as cosmetic dentistry.
Important Points for Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
Surely, you too want to see the best results for the investment you make in your orthodontic treatment. The best result is achievable when oral and dental hygiene is well maintained.
Dr. Bonyanian explained to us regarding post-orthodontic care that:
Food particles and bacteria in the mouth and teeth get trapped around the braces, and this factor causes disruption in your treatment process. To prevent troublesome outcomes, brushing and flossing are very important.
Below, you will become acquainted with a few important points in orthodontic treatment that you should observe well during this period:
- Be sure to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal, snack, and before bed.
- When you are away from home, carry a travel toothbrush with you.
- Be sure to use dental floss daily. If working with regular dental floss is difficult for you, use special orthodontic floss.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
- Your orthodontist may recommend using a mouthwash to prevent tooth damage. So, do not be negligent in its use.
- Chewing gum and eating hard and sticky foods is a bit difficult with orthodontics. To prevent breaking the orthodontics, avoid eating these types of food.
- In the early days, speaking and eating may be a bit challenging. But over time, you will get used to the orthodontic appliance.
- When performing strenuous sports activities, take care of your oral and dental health so that no impact is made to it. If possible, use a mouth guard.
Is Fixed Orthodontics Better or Removable Orthodontics?
Choosing between removable orthodontics or fixed orthodontics depends on the patient’s condition, the severity of the abnormalities, and their age. Usually, removable orthodontics is used for younger individuals with minor abnormalities. This is because, during this period, the mouth and teeth respond more quickly to orthodontic treatment, and the jawbone and teeth stabilize faster.
In contrast, fixed orthodontics is more applicable for cases with severe dental abnormalities and sometimes, due to its higher power in applying pressure, it will also have a shorter treatment duration.
| Feature | Fixed Orthodontics | Removable Orthodontics |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Appliance | Brackets and wires bonded to the teeth | Removable plates |
| Control over Teeth Movement | Very precise and complete | Less control than fixed |
| Appearance | Visible (unless transparent type) | Usually less visible |
| Patient Cooperation | Less cooperation needed, as it’s non-removable | Requires high cooperation for regular use |
| Suitable for | Severe and complex problems | Mild to moderate problems |
| Treatment Duration | Usually shorter (due to higher impact) | Usually longer (due to lower impact) |
| Cost | High | Low |
| Care and Hygiene (Eating) | More difficult (more precise brushing needed) | Easier (can be removed while eating) |
Types of Fixed Orthodontics
The most important part of an orthodontic appliance is the braces. Most often, for this type of treatment, silver-colored metal braces are used. However, other options for orthodontic treatment exist, such as ceramic braces, Damon braces, and lingual braces (behind the teeth).
Lingual Orthodontics
Lingual orthodontics, or behind-the-teeth orthodontics, is a type of orthodontics that is installed on the inner surface of the teeth and creates no aesthetic problems. However, in some cases, it can cause problems such as difficulty in speaking, inability to keep the braces clean, and irritation to the tongue.
This treatment method is suitable for those who do not like the appearance of orthodontics and braces on their teeth and prefer not to use braces on their teeth so that no one notices the orthodontics inside their mouth.
Orthodontics with Metal Brackets
Metal orthodontics is one of the very old orthodontic methods that still has its own fans. This model is now available to patients in a lighter weight. Usually, fixed metal braces are made of stainless steel, and the metal bracket is attached to the tooth with special cement.
Finally, they are connected to each other by a wire. To establish connection and stability, elastic bands are used around the bracket, and these colored elastics are replaced by the dentist at each visit.
Orthodontics with Ceramic Brackets or Damon System
Ceramic bracket orthodontics is one of the best orthodontic models currently available, made from Damon braces or self-ligating ceramic or metal braces. Damon orthodontics has more advantages compared to other models, the most important of which is maintenance with an integrated mechanism.
In fact, in this model, there are no plastic ties for holding the wire, and this has significantly reduced the wire replacement time and the likelihood of the wire changing color compared to the metal model.
Fixed and Self-Ligating Orthodontics
Orthodontics with self-ligating brackets is known as smart orthodontics, which uses a different type of bracket instead of a regular one.
In this model, the orthodontic wire is placed in a special groove of the brackets and then installed behind the groove. For this reason, manual adjustment of self-ligating braces is much easier, and their installation is done more quickly. Also, the feeling of pain and discomfort when using self-ligating orthodontics is less.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed Orthodontics
The advantages of this orthodontic model include the following:
- Excellent impact and very high performance
- Applicable for all ages, from children to adults
- Suitable for all jaw problems and dental abnormalities
- Very amazing results
- Its cost is more suitable compared to other orthodontic methods
The disadvantages of non-removable (fixed) orthodontics also include the following:
- It is not removable, and taking it out of the mouth is only possible by a doctor.
- It requires more care and maintenance compared to other methods.
- You may experience difficulty when eating. However, the problem will resolve over time.
- The treatment period for non-removable orthodontics is somewhat long and requires patience and perseverance.
Which Type of Bracket is Better in Fixed Orthodontics?
Each type of fixed dental bracket has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
- Fixed metal brackets have lower cost, shorter treatment duration, and greater efficiency. However, they are completely visible and will affect your smile.
- Fixed ceramic brackets are less visible than metal brackets. However, they are more expensive than metal brackets, and their probability of breaking is also higher.
- Special lingual orthodontic brackets are not visible and are suitable for individuals seeking aesthetics during treatment. However, they have a much higher cost, apply less pressure to the teeth, and consequently, the treatment duration will be longer. These brackets, due to their type and placement, can also cause mouth sores in the initial days.
How Much Does This Treatment Cost?
The cost of fixed orthodontics depends on various factors, such as treatment duration, dental insurance, location, orthodontist’s experience and skill, abnormalities, and problems of the mouth and teeth, and so on.
Also, the orthodontic model affects the cost. For example, the cost of invisible or clear orthodontics will be higher than conventional orthodontics, and the more problems your jaw and teeth have, the more you will have to pay for treatment.
We will discuss the complete cost of dental orthodontics and how to pay for orthodontic installments at Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic in a separate article. However, you can contact us for more information by calling 00982188539720.
Final Conclusion
In this content from Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic, we discussed fixed dental orthodontics. We learned that fixed orthodontics is one of the methods of dental orthodontics, known as fixed orthodontics because the individual cannot remove the brackets and braces.
This method has advantages and disadvantages that distinguish it from other orthodontic methods. Ultimately, the decision to use fixed orthodontics or other methods rests with the orthodontic specialist. Because they have the most knowledge about the conditions and severity of your dental abnormalities.
Finally, if you intend to undergo fixed dental orthodontic treatment, you can use the fixed orthodontic services of Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic. Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic, with a professional, specialized, and experienced staff, is ready to provide orthodontic services to all dear patients.
You can book an appointment by calling 00982188539720 or visit our clinic located at: Tehran, Arjantin Square, Ahmad Qasir (Bokharest) Street, West Sixth Street, Plaque 22, Unit 7.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
⚠️ اطلاعات این صفحه صرفاً برای آگاهی است و جایگزین معاینه و تشخیص تخصصی نمیباشد.