Fixed brace: the fitting and the removal
Two appointments many people dread – and both are less dramatic than expected.
Fitting and removing the fixed brace are the two appointments most people dread most. Neither hurts – they just take time.
The fitting
The teeth are cleaned and dried, then the surface is roughened with a gel – it tastes sour, nothing more. Each bracket is placed individually, aligned and cured with light. Finally comes the archwire. Expect one to one and a half hours. The mouth is kept open all the while – that is the truly tiring part.
The first days afterwards
After two to four hours the pressure sets in, strongest on the first evening and the second day. Soft food helps. At first the brackets chafe against cheek and lip; protective wax covers them until the mucosa has adapted. After about a week, neither is an issue any more.
The removal
The brackets are carefully loosened with pliers – a brief press per tooth, unpleasant but not painful. Then the adhesive residue is removed and the teeth are polished. That takes longer than the loosening itself. At the end the teeth feel unusually smooth and large.
And straight afterwards
On the same day the retainer is fitted or an impression is taken for the aligner. That is not an extra but the conclusion of the treatment – the drift back begins immediately. So do not expect an ordinary appointment, but a longer one.
The essentials at a glance
- The fitting takes one to one and a half hours and does not hurt. What is tiring is keeping the mouth open for so long.
- The pressure sets in after a few hours and is strongest on the second day. After about a week it is over.
- At removal each bracket is briefly loosened; removing the adhesive takes longer than the loosening.
- The retainer comes on the same day. The drift back begins immediately – that is why there is no waiting.
Answered briefly
Frequently asked questions
No. Nothing is drilled and nothing is injured; the brackets are bonded to the tooth surface. Anaesthesia would serve no purpose.
It is a short, firm push per tooth – unpleasant, but over before you really notice it. The teeth are sensitive for a day or two afterwards.
Usually yes – unless white spots have formed. These only come to light now. The gum line also needs a few weeks to settle down.
With polishing and retainer, one to two hours. Do not schedule it into a lunch break.