Braces and Twin Block
What fixed braces, removable braces and Twin Block appliances are, and how each one works. Interested in clear aligners? See our clear aligners page.
Fixed braces
A fixed brace is attached to your teeth and cannot be removed. It has:
- Brackets – small metal squares stuck to each tooth.
- A wire – this links the brackets and moves your teeth gently.
- Modules (small elastic rings) – these keep the wire in the brackets, and can be coloured or clear.
We adjust your brace at your appointments so your teeth keep moving into the right place.
Thinking about metal braces? Read metal braces: what to expect, from fitting day through to braces off. You will also find advice on braces for children and teenagers and braces for adults.
At a glance
- Appointments: usually every 8 to 10 weeks.
- Treatment normally takes around 18 to 24 months, although this varies between patients.
- When treatment ends, you will be given retainers. Retainers are a must.
The first few days
- Aching: expect your teeth to ache for around 3 to 5 days, and perhaps again after each adjustment. You can take simple painkillers (always check with a parent and follow the instructions on the packet).
- Sore spots: at first the brace may rub your cheeks and lips and cause ulcers. This normally settles, and rinsing with warm salt water can help.
- Orthodontic wax: press a small piece of wax over any part of the brace that is rubbing. This should give you relief for a few hours. Keep applying it until you come to the practice to get it fixed, so you are not in pain. We will show you how.
- While they are moving, your teeth may feel a little loose. This is normal.
Elastics (only if we have asked you to wear them)
Some patients need small elastic bands that hook onto the brace to help move teeth or correct the bite. Wear them exactly as we have shown you, and always carry spares. If you forget to wear them, treatment may take longer or you may not get the best result.
Fixed braces: eating, cleaning and problems
Removable braces
A removable brace (or removable appliance) is a plastic plate held onto your teeth with wire clasps. Some also have a small screw that is turned to move teeth gently into a better position. It can be taken out, but it only works while it is in your mouth.
Wearing your brace
- Wear it for 20 to 22 hours a day, including at night, unless your orthodontist advises otherwise.
- We recommend the 30-minute rule: never have it out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Only take it out to eat and drink, to brush your teeth and for sport (swimming included), then put it straight back in.
- If we advise it, wear a gumshield for contact sports.
- Avoid clicking it in and out with your tongue, as this can break the wires.
Turning the screw (if your brace has one)
- If your brace has a screw, we will let you know how often to turn it – normally once or twice a week. Turn it with the key we gave you, in the direction of the arrow.
- For a day or so afterwards the brace may feel tight, which is normal. If it no longer fits, stop turning the screw and get in touch.
Treatment with removable or Twin Block appliances typically takes 4 to 12 months, depending on severity and how many hours a day the brace is worn.
Your brace only works while you are wearing it. Not wearing it enough means your teeth will not move and treatment will take longer.
The first few days
- At first it will feel big and strange. That is normal, and you will soon get used to it.
- Speech: you may lisp at first. This normally gets better within a few days, and reading aloud can help.
- Extra saliva (spit): this is common to begin with and settles.
- Aching: your teeth may be tender for a few days, and again after each adjustment. Simple painkillers (always check with a parent and follow the instructions on the packet) can help.
Cleaning and care, and what to do if it breaks or goes missing
Twin Block appliance
A Twin Block is a removable brace made up of two plastic plates, one for the upper teeth and one for the lower. Each has a raised block, and when you bite together the blocks guide your lower jaw forward.
Worn while you are still growing, it helps reduce the gap between your upper and lower front teeth (known as an overjet) so prominent upper front teeth stick out less.
How to wear your Twin Block
- Wear it for 20 to 22 hours a day, including at night.
- We recommend the 30-minute rule: never have it out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Only take it out to eat and drink, to brush your teeth and for sport (swimming included), then put it straight back in.
- If we advise it, wear a gumshield for contact sports.
At a glance
- We normally see you every few weeks to check your progress and adjust the brace.
- Removable or Twin Block appliances typically take 4 to 12 months, depending on how severe the problem is and how many hours a day the brace is worn.
- After that, you will usually have fixed braces to line up your teeth.
The more you wear it, the better and quicker it works. Aim for 20 to 22 hours each day. If it is not worn enough, your teeth will not improve, treatment will take longer, and we may not get the best result possible.
The first few days
- It will feel bulky at first. That is normal. You will get used to it, normally within a week or two.
- Speech: you may lisp at first. This normally gets better within a few days.
- Extra saliva (spit): this is common to begin with and settles.
- Aching: for a few days your teeth and jaw muscles may ache. Simple painkillers (always check with a parent and follow the instructions on the packet) can help.
- Your bite may feel odd when the brace is out, and your back teeth may not meet. This is expected – it is part of how the brace works.
Cleaning and care, and what to do if it breaks or goes missing
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Questions about your treatment?
Our team in Portadown is always happy to help. Ring us on 028 3870 2623 or drop us an email.