Fixed metal braces are one of the most common types of braces where a dentist or orthodontist will place small brackets on your teeth and link them up with a wire which will be tightened every visit to shift your teeth position until the ideal position has been reached.

In the initial 1-2 weeks of treatment, there might be some mouth ulcers, soreness and discomfort arising from the braces but most patients adapt well and get used to the braces very quickly. Thereafter, it is expected for you to experience some soreness for 1-2 days when there is tightening done during the monthly review visits.

It depends on the complexity of the case. For most cases, it will take 2-3 years for completion. In some complex cases where there are significant jaw positioning issues, there is a need for joint management with a Specialist Oral Surgeon to do Orthognathic Surgery so that the jaw can be placed in the right position while the braces work to align the teeth.

As with any medical and dental treatment, braces treatment do have their limitations and risks.

• Damage to the nerve of teeth
  Existing damage to the tooth through previous large fillings or trauma can be aggravated through orthodontic tooth movement which can cause damage to the nerve of the tooth. Some of these teeth might start to appear grey or dark. This can be remedied by root canal treatment where necessary.
• Relapse
  Relapse occurs when teeth shift and move back to the original position. Using the retainers as prescribed can help to prevent this
• White spots on teeth after removal of braces
  Braces makes it harder to clean your teeth well, often trapping food debris and allowing plaque to accumulate. Whites spots may form over the long term as an early sign of tooth decay. These spots are mostly visible only upon the removal of braces. In more serious cases, these spots might be brown or there might be active cavities. It is therefore imperative to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing well and avoid sticky food where possible. Despite best efforts, there might still be white spots and we will assess the condition before coming up with a treatment plan to ensure you still have a beautiful smile.
• Shortening of roots
  The roots of the teeth may become shorter during braces treatment in some patients and this usually has no other consequences and side effects. In some cases, severe shortening might occur where the tooth may be affected and we would recommend for treatment to stop
• Continual growth and development
  We grow throughout life and in some cases, there might be abnormal growth or development of either jaw or shifting of the bite or teeth. These occurrences are rare and are often out of the control of the attending dentist or orthodontist. This might affect the final result and there might be a need for co-management with a Specialist Oral Surgeon for surgical correction.