Fixed metal braces treat all orthodontic problems such as:

• closing gaps in between teeth
• straighten teeth that are rotated or too high
• improve smiles which are crooked due to overcrowding / overlapping teeth

Fixed metal braces also correct problems with the bite (occlusion) :

Overjet
Commonly referred to as overbite, where the upper front teeth project too far forward of the lower front teeth.
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Underbites
Which are the opposite problem where the lower front teeth are biting too far forward in front of the upper front teeth.
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Deep Bites
Where the lower front teeth close too far vertically towards the gum behind the upper front teeth.
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Open Bites
Where the front teeth do not occlude or bite together at all, even when the back teeth are in contact.
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Crossbites
Where some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.

The use of permanently attached brackets ensures this treatment is very precise for all tooth movements. The benefits of choosing fixed or metal braces is that these braces continuously work to straighten teeth, so from the patient’s perspective, there is no need to change/ care for aligners.

Not everyone wants to wear fixed braces or to show metal when smiling. Some find that fixed braces irritate their cheeks and that the use of wires and elastics is awkward to deal with. In addition cleaning around fixed braces does require dexterity, dedication and additional time.

The actual fitting off the braces does not hurt at all but you may experience some discomfort and even slight toothache for the first few days after they’ve been fitted. Your teeth may feel loose and tender as the teeth begin to move into their new positions. This discomfort should be easily dealt with using painkillers, some prefer to eat softer foods for a few days after fitting. Sometimes parts of the brace can rub on the inside of your lips or cheeks and may require cushioning with special orthodontic wax that we give you here in Newpark Clinic.

The exact length of treatment time can vary according to the extent of each person’s orthodontic issues. Most people will need to wear fixed or metal braces for at least a year and possibly much longer. Some people will need to wear these braces in excess of two years.

It’s important to brush after every meal and to make sure you change your toothbrush regularly. You’ll need to use interdental brushes or floss to clean in between the parts of the brace, and you may be recommended to use fluoride treatments. Going to your regular family dentist for routine check ups and cleanings is very important throughout your time in braces.

If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. if uncomfortable, cover with wax and call for an appointment.

Bend wire back with a spoon or pencil eraser. If unsuccessful, cover with wax and call for an appointment.

Growing patients from the age of ten upwards as they gain most benefit from this technique. Functional appliances are one of the fastest and most effective methods to correct receding jaws or prominent teeth and need to be worn 22 hours per day. Patients very often transition to either fixed or Invisalign braces to individually straighten their teeth once their treatment with the twin block to fix the bite has ended. The treatment duration in the second phase is much shorter and often avoids the need to extract teeth in the upper arch if the bite has been corrected with a functional brace at the optimal age.

A functional brace may be used to correct:

• Very protruding upper front teeth.
•  Improve the way back teeth bite together
•  Improve your facial profile so that the jaws look more aligned with each other when you look at the face in profile.

A Twin Block functional brace is quite common, when you bite together with this brace in your mouth, the blocks on the braces fit together in a certain way that encourage your teeth to move into the correct bite.

Functional appliances, whether fixed or removable, are used to correct the bite. They allow for easier breathing and ultimately result in straighter teeth. Patients who receive this orthodontic treatment can often avoid surgery later in life and may also be able to avoid the need for braces entirely if their teeth are straight. If braces are required after the functional appliance treatment, the treatment time is often shorter.

The main benefits of wearing your retainer are:

‍Protect your smile
‍You invested time, care, and money in your new smile, so now it’s time to protect it. Teenagers who don’t wear their retainers frequently have to come back for re-treatment.

‍Spotless teeth
‍Crowding can return without a retainer which allows plaque and bacteria to more easily build up. Not only does a straight smile look great, it also helps keep cavities and tooth decay at bay.

A fixed retainer is a discreet, thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. It’s a permanent, low-maintenance option. You’ll be able to brush and floss your teeth as usual — make sure to clean around the retainer with floss or an interdental brush.

These are clear removable aligners custom-made to fit your teeth exactly. You won’t have to wear the retainer all the time, but how often depends on your individual case. Some patients wear them overnight, or for just part of the day. Removable retainers need gentle cleaning with a toothbrush and water. You’ll also be given cleaning tablets to keep them sparkling.

Dr. O’Donnell will advise you on which retainer will suit you best.

This is a sign your teeth are moving and you need to wear the retainer more often. Please get in touch for advice.

Please contact us straight away for a replacement.

Yes, we’ll happily make a spare retainer for you.

Our retainers start from €80 each.

This type of Braces can be used to treat all of the same orthodontic problems as traditional metal braces.

The benefits of choosing clear ceramic braces are that the braces will be working continuously to straighten teeth, and there are no aligners to change. The use of invisible brackets ensures this treatment is discreet yet very precise, and can be the best way to get the most perfectly straight smile.

This type of Braces are slightly more expensive than metal braces, due to the variation in materials.They may cause gum sensitivity because ceramic brackets are larger than metal brackets. This can make it harder to clean around your brackets, leading to swollen or receding gums if your toothbrush doesn’t reach the enamel and gum line.

Clear Ceramic Braces are slightly less durable than metal and are more than twice as likely to break off or fracture. They move teeth slower than metal, because they are more fragile, having to repair broken brackets or make incremental adjustments at each appointment can delay the straightening process. The elastic ties holding the wire to the brackets and the ceramic brackets can stain easily and remain stained until they’re replaced.

The actual fitting off the braces will not hurt at all but you may experience some discomfort and even slight toothache for the first few days after they’ve been fitted. Your teeth may feel quite loose and tender as they begin to move into new positions. This discomfort should be easily treated with over-the-counter painkillers, although you may want to eat a soft diet for a few days after fitting. Sometimes parts of the brace can rub on the inside of your lips or cheeks and may require cushioning with orthodontic wax.

The exact length of treatment time will vary according to extent of each persons orthodontic issues. Most people will need to wear clear ceramic braces for at least a year and possibly much longer. Some people will need to wear this type of braces for up to three years.

It’s important to brush after every meal and to make sure you change your toothbrush regularly. You’ll need to use interdental brushes or floss to clean in between the parts of the ceramic brace, our orthodontist and hygienist can help you create a proper cleaning regime. Attending your regular family dentist for routine check ups and cleanings is very important throughout your time in braces.