Book your free consultation* Find a practice About Testimonials Teeth straightening Before & after Cost of braces Blog Refer Fixed metal braces You are here: Teeth straightening Fixed metal braces Fixed metal braces have always been a popular option for straightening teeth because of their effective and predictable results. Fixed braces consist of brackets that are bonded to your teeth and joined together using a metal wire, fixing them firmly in place. They can help improve your smile and fix most orthodontic issues, including complex ones. This treatment option is traditionally used in NHS orthodontic care, where patients are eligible, but is also a popular private treatment option for both adults and teenagers. What orthodontic issues can fixed braces correct? Fixed metal braces can treat a range of orthodontic problems, from minor fixes to more complex problems. You’ll usually be recommended fixed braces if you have orthodontic problems including: ­­ Excessive overcrowding: When there are too many teeth in your mouth so your remaining teeth don’t grow correctly or start to overlap Irregular eruption of teeth: When your teeth don’t come through normally A deep overbite or overjet: When your top teeth cover your bottom teeth more than usual, or where your teeth stick outwards more than usual However, you can have fixed braces for any orthodontic problems. Some people choose fixed braces as an option because they can cost less than other forms of orthodontic treatment. How do fixed braces work? A fixed metal brace is made up of wires, attached to metal brackets, that are bonded to each of your teeth. Rubber bands are then attached to each individual bracket to hold the wire in place. This wire creates the force that gradually aligns your teeth into a straighter position. It usually takes between 12 months and two years to straighten your teeth with fixed braces, but it depends on your individual needs and can be longer than two years in adults. Your dentist will advise you how long your teeth straightening treatment will take during your initial consultation. What are the benefits of traditional fixed braces? Fixed: Fixed braces aren’t removable, so you don’t need to worry about taking them in and out. Precise: Traditional fixed braces move your teeth in a precise, gradual manner in order to deliver successful results, so you know you’ll get the treatment outcome you want. Durable: Fixed braces are strong and durable as they’re made from metal. Who can get traditional fixed braces? Traditional fixed-metal braces are used for both adults and teenagers. It’s also the type of brace used under NHS orthodontic care for qualifying patients under the age of 18. You can also get fixed braces privately and we offer them to under 18s at a fixed price with our Orthodontic Essentials treatment. What are the alternative options to fixed braces? Some people are conscious about how fixed metal braces look, so they choose a more discreet type of teeth straightening treatment. Some alternative options include: Invisalign treatment If you’re looking for removable aligners instead of fixed braces, you might be interested in Invisalign treatment, which consists of clear removable aligners. You wear them like retainers and take them out to brush, eat, drink or floss. Ceramic braces Ceramic braces are fixed on the front of the teeth in the same way as metal braces, but they use tooth-coloured, ceramic wires and brackets instead of metal ones. This makes them a more discreet option than metal braces. Lingual braces Lingual braces work in the same way as fixed metal braces, but they’re fitted to the inside of your teeth rather than on the front of them, so they’re a discreet way to straighten your smile. How much do fixed braces cost? Fixed-metal braces usually cost less than other types of braces like near-invisible braces or lingual braces, but the cost of treatment will completely depend on your individual needs. You can compare the average price of treatments in our cost of braces section, or by contacting your local practice to discuss your options. You’ll need to have a consultation to discuss the exact price. NHS orthodontics is free for under 18s who meet NHS eligibility criteria, which is only for those with a severe need for braces. If you’re looking for an NHS assessment, contact your local Total Orthodontics practice who offers NHS care to find out more. Interested in fixed braces? To find out if fixed braces are right for you, or to book a consultation at your nearest local Total Orthodontics practice, give your practice a call today. Book your free consultation* Preferred practice Beckenham Belfast Blackburn Brighton Camberley Cockermouth Colwynbay Cranbrook Crawley Crewe Downpatrick EastbourneUppertonRoad Harrogate HaywardsHeath Hull Kidderminster Lewisham Macclesfield Maidenhead Maidstone Marlow Ormskirk Preston Sevenoaks Sheffield Slough Stockport Tonbridge SuttonColdfield TunbridgeWells Uckfield Warrington Wigan Windsor Wokingham Wrexham Preferred contact method Phone Email How did you hear about us Email Google Other search engine Facebook Website Instagram In practice Leaflet Outdoor advert Newspaper/magazine *Terms and conditions: 1. Consultations over the telephone or a video application are free of professional charges. A consultation in-practice is free of professional charges (excluding consultations at Total Orthodontics Belfast, Ormeau Road where a professional charge will apply) but a COVID-19 safety tariff will apply. 2. Consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. Subsequent clinical examinations and diagnostic tests required, and any associated costs will be discussed prior to treatment commencing. 3. Consultations subject to availability. We recognise that when you give us personal information (which includes health information) you’re trusting us to take good care of it. Please see www.bupa.co.uk/privacy for more information about how we collect, use and protect your data. If you don’t want to receive marketing about Bupa products and services that we think are relevant to you, please contact us at optmeout@bupa.com. Book your free consultation* Take the first step towards a confident smile; send us your details and a member of our friendly team will be in touch to arrange your free*, no-obligation consultation. Preferred practice Beckenham Belfast Blackburn Brighton Camberley Cockermouth Colwynbay Cranbrook Crawley Crewe Downpatrick EastbourneUppertonRoad Harrogate HaywardsHeath Hull Kidderminster Lewisham Macclesfield Maidenhead Maidstone Marlow Ormskirk Preston Sevenoaks Sheffield Slough Stockport SuttonColdfield Tonbridge TunbridgeWells Uckfield Warrington Wigan Windsor Wokingham Wrexham Preferred contact method Phone Email How did you hear about us Email Google Other search engine Facebook Website Instagram In practice Leaflet Outdoor advert Newspaper/magazine *Terms and conditions: 1. Consultations over the telephone or a video application are free of professional charges. A consultation in-practice is free of professional charges (excluding consultations at Total Orthodontics Belfast, Ormeau Road where a professional charge will apply) but a COVID-19 safety tariff will apply. 2. Consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. Subsequent clinical examinations and diagnostic tests required, and any associated costs will be discussed prior to treatment commencing. 3. Consultations subject to availability. We recognise that when you give us personal information (which includes health information) you’re trusting us to take good care of it. Please see www.bupa.co.uk/privacy for more information about how we collect, use and protect your data. If you don’t want to receive marketing about Bupa products and services that we think are relevant to you, please contact us at optmeout@bupa.com. Orthodontic blog The difference between at-home and in-practice teeth straightening You might be familiar with at-home teeth straightening, sometimes known as ‘DIY braces’. In the last couple of years, multiple […] Read more What is considered an orthodontic emergency during COVID-19? We’re delighted that most of our practices across the UK are now open for different levels of face-to-face care. At […] Read more How to look after your braces while self-isolating We’re delighted that most of our practices across the UK are now open for different levels of face-to-face care. At […] Read more © Total Orthodontics Ltd Site Last Updated December 2021 WordPress by loopmill Brighton Terms of use Privacy policy Complaints policy Braces blog Sitemap Contact Cookie settings Cookies help us provide you with the best user experience We use cookies to analyse our website performance, to enhance and customise content and for advertising purposes. To consent to our use of cookies please click “Accept cookies”. To find out more or to object please click “Cookie settings” and use our cookies manager. Accept cookies Cookie settings