Fixed Braces

Fixed braces consist of brackets bonded directly to your teeth connected by a wire that is gently tightened over time to move your teeth into alignment. Unlike clear aligners such as Invisalign, fixed braces are not removable, which means you cannot lose them or forget to wear them. They are particularly effective for complex cases involving severe crowding, rotation, or bite problems.

The cost depends on the complexity of your case and the type of fixed braces used. Traditional metal fixed braces typically range from [Insert Price, e.g., £1,800 to £3,500]. Clear ceramic fixed braces, which are less visible, range from [Insert Price, e.g., £2,500 to £4,500]. This includes initial records, fitting all appointments, adjustments every four to eight weeks, retainers after removal, and follow-up care. We provide a fixed written quote before treatment begins.

Yes. You will need a comprehensive orthodontic assessment, which includes digital X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions or a digital scan. This allows us to determine whether fixed braces are right for you or if an alternative like aligners or removable appliances would be better. You can book this assessment directly with us without a referral from another dentist.

Treatment time varies depending on your specific orthodontic issues. Most adults and teenagers wear fixed braces for 12 to 24 months. Simple cases such as mild crowding may take as little as 12 months. More complex cases involving impacted teeth or significant bite correction can take 24 to 30 months. We give you a realistic estimate during your initial consultation.

The day braces are fitted, you will feel pressure but not sharp pain. For the first three to five days after fitting and after each adjustment appointment, your teeth will feel sore and tender, similar to having eaten something very hard. Soft foods like soup, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes are recommended during this time. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol helps most patients. The discomfort is a sign the braces are working.

You can eat most foods, but you must avoid hard, sticky, or chewy items that can break brackets or bend wires. Avoid toffees, caramels, chewing gum, popcorn, nuts, hard crusty bread, and biting directly into apples or corn on the cob. Cut these foods into small pieces instead. Broken brackets prolong your treatment time and may incur additional repair fees.

Cleaning takes more time and effort. You will need to brush after every meal using an orthodontic toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental brushes and superfloss or a water flosser are essential for cleaning around brackets and under wires. Failure to keep your teeth clean during treatment can lead to white spots, decay, and gum inflammation. We provide a full home-care demonstration when your braces are fitted.

Traditional metal braces are visible but much smaller and more comfortable than those from decades ago. For patients who want a less visible option, we offer ceramic fixed braces, which use tooth-coloured or clear brackets and a white or tooth-coloured wire. Ceramic braces are popular among adult private patients in Liverpool who need the power of fixed braces but want a more aesthetic appearance.

Absolutely. Around one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. Fixed braces work at any age because teeth move in response to gentle pressure regardless of age. Adult treatment may take slightly longer due to denser bone, but the results are equally successful. Many of our Liverpool private patients in their thirties, forties, and fifties choose fixed braces to straighten teeth they were never able to correct as teenagers.

Retainers are essential. When braces come off, your teeth will try to move back to their original positions. We will fit you with removable retainers, usually clear plastic or a wire and acrylic Hawley retainer. You must wear your retainers full-time for the first three to six months, then nightly indefinitely. Without retainers, months or years of treatment can be lost. Replacement retainers incur an additional fee.

Yes. We understand orthodontic treatment is a significant financial commitment. We require an upfront payment of 50% of the treatment. The rest of the fee can be split over remaining treatment visits. We also offer finance through Tabeo Finance. No deposit options subject to approval. Speak to our reception team for a no-obligation breakdown of costs and monthly options.

You can book online via the ‘Book Now’ button, call us at 0151 707 4950, or email patientliaison@duthie.dental.. Orthodontic consultations are longer appointments, typically 45 to 60 minutes, and include a full assessment with digital records. We aim to see new orthodontic patients within two to three weeks of registering interest.