The basics
What are traditional braces?
Braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance, meaning they stay on your teeth for the whole of treatment rather than coming in and out. They have three working parts:
- Brackets, bonded to each tooth with a dental adhesive, which act as handles
- An archwire, which runs through every bracket and carries the force that moves the teeth
- Elastic ties or clips, which hold the wire firmly in the bracket slots
Because the appliance is fixed, it works around the clock without you having to remember to wear it. That makes braces a dependable choice for younger patients and for anyone who knows they would struggle to keep removable trays in for most of the day.
Braces are used to treat overcrowding, teeth that overlap or twist, gaps between teeth and bite problems such as overbites, underbites and crossbites.


