An attractive smile and healthy, properly positioned teeth are everyone’s desire Fixed orthodontic appliances are commonly known as braces and are for correcting misaligned or crooked teeth. They consist of brackets attached to the teeth and connected by archwires to move the teeth into proper alignment. While braces are a highly effective orthodontic treatment, many people wonder what it feels like to wear them.

We will explain in this blog post how such a smile is achieved with a fixed orthodontic appliance.

In What Situations Do Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Come Into Play?

Crowding: When teeth are too close together, they can push against each other, causing them to overlap or twist.

Spacing: Gaps between teeth can be unsightly and make it difficult to chew or speak. Braces can close the gaps by moving the teeth closer together.

Bite issues: Bite problems can occur when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, resulting in an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Braces can be used to correct the position of the teeth and jaws to improve the bite.

Crooked teeth: When teeth are crooked, they can affect the appearance of the smile and make it difficult to clean between them. Braces can be used to straighten crooked teeth and improve oral hygiene.

Fixed orthodontic appliances are mostly for children and adolescents.

What Does A Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Consist Of?

Here Are The Main Parts Of A Fixed Orthodontic Appliance:

Brackets: These are small metal or ceramic squares that are attached to each tooth using a special dental adhesive. The brackets have a small slot in the center, which holds the archwire.

Archwire: This is a thin metal wire that connects the brackets and applies pressure to move the teeth into the desired position. Archwires come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the patient’s specific needs.

Ligatures or elastic bands: These are small rubber or metal ties that hold the archwire in place on the brackets. They come in a variety of colors, allowing patients to customize their braces.

Buccal tubes: These are small metal tubes attached to the molars in the back of the mouth that holds the archwire in place.

Springs: These small components are placed on the archwire to apply additional pressure to specific teeth, helping to move them into the desired position.

Rubber bands: These are elastic bands that attach to hooks on the brackets and apply additional force to the teeth to help correct the bite.

Power chains: These are long chains of elastic ligatures that connect multiple brackets, allowing for the simultaneous movement of several teeth.

Learn How To Keep Your Teeth Clean With Fixed Appliance

• Oral hygiene is essential when you are wearing fixed braces. Follow these steps:
• Brush your teeth with a regular toothbrush.
• Wash your gums with a regular toothbrush
• Clean the teeth under the arch and between the brackets
• Rinse with mouthwash
• Brush your teeth again before sleep.

Conclusion: The Key Takeaway

Whatever may be the condition taking proper oral hygiene and following the guidance of your dentist will help you maintain your teeth.