Fixed Braces (Brackets)

Brackets (fixed braces) are among the most effective methods for correcting dental and jaw misalignments. As fixed appliances, they are securely attached to the teeth, allowing continuous and precise tooth movement. Suitable for patients of all ages, they reliably correct a variety of misalignments. Regular adjustments during treatment ensure planned and sustainable alignment. Their stability and durability provide consistent tooth correction and optimal results.

What are brackets?
Brackets are small plates fixed onto the teeth that hold an archwire, which applies targeted pressure to move the teeth into the desired position. The orthodontist regularly adjusts the pressure to guide tooth movement precisely. Brackets are made from materials like metal or ceramic and can be placed on the front or back of the teeth, depending on the treatment plan.

Why choose braces with brackets?
Brackets allow constant and controlled tooth movement and are particularly stable due to their fixed attachment. They are suitable for all types of dental misalignments and, with modern options like ceramic or self-ligating brackets, offer aesthetic and comfortable solutions that make treatment more pleasant.

Brackets are the core component of fixed braces, enabling precise and controlled tooth movement. They are made from various materials such as metal or ceramic and are bonded to the tooth surface using special UV-light-curing adhesives. A wire arch is inserted into the slots of the brackets, applying gentle but constant pressure to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. The archwire is periodically adjusted or replaced by the orthodontist to ensure continuous and accurate tooth movement. Because brackets are firmly attached to the teeth, they allow uninterrupted, consistent tooth movement that is not dependent on the patient’s compliance.

Advantages of Brackets
Brackets offer numerous benefits for correcting dental misalignments. They are highly effective, stable, and provide aesthetic options suitable for patients of all ages.

Precise Tooth Movements
Brackets allow precise tooth movements and reliably correct even complex misalignments. They exert constant pressure on the teeth, enabling rotation, tipping, and shifting of teeth.

Durability and Stability
Fixed brackets ensure continuous tooth correction due to their direct attachment to the teeth. Metal brackets are particularly robust and durable, making them a reliable solution. Ceramic brackets also provide stability but are somewhat more delicate, which is why we often use them in the aesthetic zone.

Aesthetic Options
Ceramic brackets are tooth-colored and therefore barely visible, making them ideal for patients who prefer a discreet treatment. Lingual brackets, attached to the inner side of the teeth, are invisible from the outside. Self-ligating brackets also offer an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable treatment, as they do not require elastic ligatures and reduce friction.

The treatment with fixed braces proceeds in several phases and is carefully tailored to the individual needs of the patient. From the initial consultation to follow-up care, each step is designed to achieve the best possible results and effectively correct the teeth alignment.

Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
The first step in the treatment process is a comprehensive consultation, during which our orthodontist carefully examines the teeth and jaw. In this appointment, we discuss your concerns, aesthetic wishes, and goals. To create a detailed diagnosis, the orthodontist conducts clinical examinations as well as X-rays, panoramic images, and, if necessary, a 3D X-ray (CBCT). These examinations help analyze the exact position of the teeth and the anatomical conditions of the jaw. Additionally, an intraoral scan is performed to produce highly precise digital impressions of the teeth. These extensive diagnostic steps are essential for making a well-founded decision regarding the best treatment option.

Treatment Planning
Based on the diagnostic results, the orthodontist creates an individualized treatment plan outlining the entire course of teeth correction. Using state-of-the-art 3D technology, the treatment progress can be simulated. You will receive a visual representation showing how the teeth will gradually move into the desired position over time. This technology not only enables precise planning but also provides transparency for the patient, as the exact procedure and the intended outcome are clearly visible from the start. The treatment plan includes the choice of brackets—metal, ceramic, or self-ligating—as well as the expected treatment duration and necessary check-up intervals.

Bracket Bonding
The next step is bonding the brackets. The brackets are carefully attached to the tooth surfaces, a precise procedure requiring time and attention. Afterwards, the archwires are threaded through the brackets, applying gentle but continuous pressure to gradually move the teeth into the correct position. Depending on the chosen method, different types of wires may be used, such as superelastic nickel-titanium wires, which allow gentler and more even tooth movements. For patients using aligner systems in combination with brackets, the first aligner trays are adjusted and inserted during this phase.

Regular Follow-Ups
Once the brackets are in place, the actual treatment proceeds in phases. Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist are a central part of the treatment process. During these visits, the wires are adjusted to ensure continuous progress and precise control of tooth movement. Typically, these adjustments occur every four to eight weeks, depending on the individual treatment situation. During these appointments, the treatment progress is monitored, any necessary modifications to the treatment plan are made, and additional aids such as elastics may be applied to support the correction. These regular visits are crucial to ensure the teeth move at the correct pace into their desired positions.

Bracket Removal and Retention
After the active treatment phase is complete, the brackets are removed. The teeth are cleaned, and the success of the correction is evaluated. However, the treatment is not entirely finished after bracket removal. During the retention phase, measures are taken to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. This is achieved either with retainers (clear plastic trays) or fixed retainer wires bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth. These retainers ensure that the teeth remain permanently in their new positions. Regular check-ups are also important during this phase to ensure the results remain stable and that no new misalignments develop.