For which malocclusions are fixed braces suitable?
Fixed braces are particularly suitable for correcting various tooth and jaw misalignments in permanent teeth. One of the most common areas of application is the treatment of pronounced crowding, where the teeth have too little space in the jaw and overlap or displace each other. Fixed braces also offer an effective solution for individual teeth that are rotated or displaced.
In addition, at our practice in Leipzig, we also use fixed braces to treat tooth gaps between the teeth, overbites, underbites, and open bites. The therapy makes it possible to move the teeth precisely into the desired position while optimising the bite. Whether fixed braces are the right treatment method for you depends on various factors. The type and severity of your malocclusion, your age, and the condition of your teeth are decisive. After a comprehensive diagnosis in our practice, Dr Niels Hoffmann will work with you to create an individual treatment plan. We also take your personal wishes and ideas into account in order to achieve the best possible result.
What components make up fixed braces?
Fixed braces consist of several precisely coordinated components that work together to move your teeth into the desired position.
Brackets: Brackets are small metal or ceramic plates that we bond to the outside or inside of your teeth. They have special slots in which the archwires are attached. The exact alignment of these slots is crucial, as it determines how your teeth will eventually stand. At our practice, we offer various types of brackets, including aesthetic ceramic brackets that are barely visible on the teeth.
At moderndentistry, we exclusively use innovative and modern IDB ceramic brackets.
Arches: The wire arches connect the individual IDB brackets to each other and transfer the forces necessary for tooth movement. Your teeth follow their course during treatment. Our dentist, Dr Niels Hoffmann, regularly adjusts and tightens the arches during the course of therapy to continuously achieve the desired tooth movement.
Elastic bands: These elastic elements connect the IDB brackets in the upper jaw and Lower Jaw. They serve to stabilise the achieved position and optimise the bite. The elastic bands are an important part of the treatment and contribute significantly to its success.
At what age is it appropriate to get fixed braces?
There is no general answer to the question of when is the right time for orthodontic treatment, as it depends on individual development and the type of malocclusion.
In principle, orthodontic treatment can be useful from around the age of 6 to 8 if the aim is to positively influence the growth of the upper and lower jaw. However, fixed braces are not usually used at this early stage of tooth replacement.
We usually only fit fixed braces in the second phase of tooth replacement, known as the late mixed dentition phase. For most children and adolescents, this phase begins between the ages of 10 and 13, when most of the permanent teeth have already erupted. At this stage, jaw growth is not yet complete, which makes it easier to move the teeth.
Treatment with fixed braces is also possible in adulthood and can lead to excellent results. Our team in Leipzig treats patients of all ages and will be happy to advise you on the options for orthodontic treatment. After a thorough examination, we will work with you to create an individual treatment plan tailored to your personal situation.