Braces and Twin Block
Fixed braces, removable braces and Twin Block appliances – what they are and how they work. Looking for clear aligners? See our clear aligners page.
Fixed braces
A fixed brace is stuck to your teeth and cannot be taken out. It is made up of:
- Brackets – small metal squares glued to each tooth.
- A wire – this joins the brackets together and gently moves your teeth.
- Small elastic rings (modules) – these hold the wire in the brackets. They may be coloured or clear.
Your brace will be adjusted at your appointments to keep your teeth moving into the right place.
Thinking about metal braces? Read metal braces: what to expect, from fitting day to braces off. There is also advice on braces for children and teenagers and braces for adults.
At a glance
- Appointments: usually every 8 to 10 weeks.
- Treatment usually takes around 18 to 24 months, but this varies from person to person.
- Afterwards, you will be given retainers. Retainers are essential.
The first few days
- Aching: your teeth will probably ache for about 3 to 5 days, and may do so again after each adjustment. You can take simple painkillers (always check with a parent and follow the instructions on the packet).
- Sore spots: the brace may rub your cheeks and lips and cause ulcers at first. This usually settles. 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.
- Your teeth may feel slightly loose while they are moving. This is normal.
Elastics (only if we have asked you to wear them)
Some people 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, your treatment may take longer or you may not get the best result.
Eating, cleaning and problems with fixed braces
Removable braces
A removable brace (also called a removable appliance) is a plastic plate that clips onto your teeth with wire clasps. Some braces also have a small screw that is turned to gently move teeth into a better position. You can take it out, but it only works when it is in your mouth.
Wearing your brace
- Wear it for 20 to 22 hours a day, including while you sleep, unless your orthodontist tells you otherwise.
- We recommend the 30-minute rule: never have it out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Take it out only to eat and drink, to brush your teeth and for any sport (including swimming). Then put it straight back in.
- Wear a gumshield for contact sports if we advise it.
- Do not click it in and out with your tongue. This can break the wires.
Turning the screw (if your brace has one)
- If your brace has a screw, we will tell you how often to turn it – usually once or twice a week. Use the key we gave you and turn it in the direction of the arrow.
- The brace may feel tight for a day or so afterwards. This is normal. If it stops fitting, stop turning the screw and contact us.
Removable or Twin Block appliances typically take 4 to 12 months, depending on severity and how many hours a day the brace is worn.
The brace only works when you wear it. If you do not wear it enough, your teeth will not move and treatment will take longer.
The first few days
- It will feel strange and big. This is normal. You will soon get used to it.
- Speech: you may lisp at first. This usually improves within a few days. Reading aloud can help.
- Extra saliva (spit): this is common at first and settles down.
- Aching: your teeth may feel 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, care and what to do if it breaks or gets lost
Twin Block appliance
A Twin Block is a removable brace made of two plastic plates: one for your upper teeth and one for your lower teeth. Each plate has a raised block. When you bite together, the blocks guide your lower jaw into a more forward position.
Worn while you are still growing, this helps to reduce the gap between your upper and lower front teeth (called an overjet) and makes prominent upper front teeth stick out less.
Wearing your Twin Block
- Wear it for 20 to 22 hours a day, including while you sleep.
- We recommend the 30-minute rule: never have it out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Take it out only to eat and drink, to brush your teeth and for any sport (including swimming). Then put it straight back in.
- Wear a gumshield for contact sports if we advise it.
At a glance
- You will usually be seen every few weeks so we can check your progress and adjust the brace.
- Removable or Twin Block appliances typically take 4 to 12 months, depending on severity and how many hours a day the brace is worn.
- Afterwards, you will usually go on to have fixed braces to line up your teeth.
The more you wear it, the better and faster it works. Aim for 20 to 22 hours every day. If you do not wear it enough, your teeth will not improve, treatment will take longer, and we may not achieve the best result possible.
What to expect at first
- It will feel big. This is normal. You will get used to it, usually within a week or two.
- Speech: you may lisp at first. This usually improves within a few days.
- Extra saliva (spit): this is common at first and settles down.
- Aching: your teeth and jaw muscles may ache for a few days. Simple painkillers (always check with a parent and follow the instructions on the packet) can help.
- Your bite may feel strange when the brace is out, and your back teeth may not meet. This is expected and is part of how the brace works.
Cleaning, care and what to do if it breaks or gets lost
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Questions about your treatment?
Our friendly team is happy to help. Call us on 028 9045 1303 or send us an email.