Metal braces - great results the old fashioned way

The conventional option. Fixed metal braces, often known as ‘train tracks’, are the most common type of orthodontic appliance used. This traditional treatment option consists of brackets (small squares) attached to the front surface of your teeth, which are connected with very thin metal wires. These wires, known as archwires, apply gentle pressure to your teeth to help guide them into a straighter position. 

Visible yet effective. Although the metal brackets attached to the front of the teeth are visible, this type of brace still offers great results. If you’re concerned about your appearance, clear brackets are an option. While these aren’t completely invisible, they are less noticeable than metal ones.

A modern take on an old method. Technology has advanced in orthodontics and metal braces are now smaller and more compact than ever before, making them more comfortable to wear as well. You can even jazz them up with some colour. The tiny elastic bands used with each bracket to hold the wire in position come in a variety of colours. You can change the colour at your adjustment appointments, usually every 8-10 weeks. If you prefer your brace to look more discreet, you can opt for either the silver or tooth coloured elastics.

Suitable for all the family. Metal braces can be fitted to teeth of all ages and are particularly effective on very crooked teeth. Your orthodontist will advise you on the best type of braces for your teeth.

Removable appliances

For some patients, a removable appliance may also need to be worn prior to having braces fitted. A removable appliance is a plastic and metal brace that simply clicks onto your teeth and can be taken out. These can be used as the sole means of treating tooth displacements, or more commonly in combination with fixed braces to treat more complex problems.

They may be used to correct an early problem when you have a mixture of adult and baby teeth present for very simple tooth movements or to correct an overbite (when your top teeth cover your lower teeth when you bite) or an overjet (when your top front teeth stick out horizontally over your lower front teeth).

At Anglia Orthodontics, we use two types of removable appliances:

• Upper removable appliance: worn on upper teeth only
• Functional removable appliance: also known as a Twin Block appliance, this appliance is worn on both the upper and lower teeth.

You can find out more about removable appliances on our FAQs page.