Fixed Braces

Fixed braces are orthodontic appliances that are bonded directly onto the front surface of your teeth and remain in place throughout treatment. Each tooth receives a small bracket, which is connected by a thin archwire. Your dentist makes careful, incremental adjustments over time, applying gentle and consistent pressure designed to gradually guide teeth toward a more aligned position.

Because they are fixed rather than removable, braces work continuously — which may make them appropriate for a broader range of alignment concerns compared to some other orthodontic options. Your dentist will advise on suitability following a full assessment.

Metal braces
The most widely used type worldwide. Made from stainless steel, they are durable and well-suited to a wide range of alignment concerns — including complex cases.

Ceramic (clear) braces
Structurally similar to metal braces, but with tooth-coloured or clear brackets that tend to be less noticeable against the teeth. May be considered for patients with cosmetic preferences, where clinically appropriate.

Self-ligating braces
A variation that uses a built-in sliding mechanism rather than elastic ties to hold the archwire. Some patients find these easier to keep clean, though suitability depends on individual clinical needs.

Each type has different clinical applications, maintenance requirements, and cost considerations. Your dentist will outline the options relevant to your case.

Fixed braces may be considered where a patient presents with concerns related to:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth that are difficult to clean properly
• Spacing or gaps between teeth
• An overbite (upper teeth protrude over lower teeth)
• An underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
• A crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly)
• Rotated or tipped teeth affecting bite function
• Misalignment contributing to uneven wear on teeth

These are clinical concerns — not purely cosmetic ones. Crowding and bite problems can make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene, which is relevant to long-term dental health. Treatment suitability is always assessed individually; a consultation is the first and most important step.

Fixed braces may be considered where a patient presents with concerns related to:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth that are difficult to clean properly
• Spacing or gaps between teeth
• An overbite (upper teeth protrude over lower teeth)
• An underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
• A crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly)
• Rotated or tipped teeth affecting bite function
• Misalignment contributing to uneven wear on teeth

These are clinical concerns — not purely cosmetic ones. Crowding and bite problems can make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene, which is relevant to long-term dental health. Treatment suitability is always assessed individually; a consultation is the first and most important step.

The cost of fixed braces varies between patients depending on the complexity of your case, the type of braces recommended, and estimated treatment duration. At Sunbury Dental Group, we provide a full, transparent cost breakdown during your consultation — before any treatment begins.

We work with patients to explore available options including health fund entitlements and payment plan arrangements, where applicable. We encourage you to contact us on (03) 9717-7311 to discuss current fee information, or ask at your consultation.

Fees at Sunbury Dental Group range from $5000 to $9,500 depending on the treatment type and scope. Orthodontic treatment fees are assessed and quoted individually.

• Patients often ask about the difference between fixed braces and clear aligners (such as Invisalign). Both are used to address tooth misalignment, but they are not interchangeable — each has different clinical applications.
  

  Feature	Fixed Braces	Clear Aligners
  Removable?	No — bonded in place	Yes — removed for meals and cleaning
  Visibility	More visible (metal or ceramic options)	Near-invisible when worn
  Case complexity	Suitable for mild to complex cases	Typically suited to mild–moderate cases
  Patient compliance	Consistent treatment regardless	Outcome depends on consistent wear
  Oral hygiene	Requires careful cleaning around brackets	Easier to clean teeth (aligner removed)
  Typical cost range	Variable — assessed per case	Variable — assessed per case

  The right choice depends on your clinical needs, not personal preference alone. Your dentist will present options appropriate to your situation.

• Patients often ask about the difference between fixed braces and clear aligners (such as Invisalign). Both are used to address tooth misalignment, but they are not interchangeable — each has different clinical applications.
  

  Feature	Fixed Braces	Clear Aligners
  Removable?	No — bonded in place	Yes — removed for meals and cleaning
  Visibility	More visible (metal or ceramic options)	Near-invisible when worn
  Case complexity	Suitable for mild to complex cases	Typically suited to mild–moderate cases
  Patient compliance	Consistent treatment regardless	Outcome depends on consistent wear
  Oral hygiene	Requires careful cleaning around brackets	Easier to clean teeth (aligner removed)
  Typical cost range	Variable — assessed per case	Variable — assessed per case

  The right choice depends on your clinical needs, not personal preference alone. Your dentist will present options appropriate to your situation.

• Here is a general overview of what the fixed braces process may involve. Every treatment plan is tailored individually, so timelines and steps may differ.

• Like all dental procedures, orthodontic treatment with fixed braces carries risks that are important to understand before proceeding. Your dentist will discuss these in full during your consultation. General considerations include:
  • Discomfort — Tenderness for a few days following placement or adjustment is common and usually temporary
  • Oral hygiene challenges — Brackets and wires create additional surfaces where plaque can accumulate; diligent cleaning is essential throughout treatment
  • Decalcification — If oral hygiene is inadequate during treatment, white spot lesions may form on tooth enamel
  • Root resorption — In some cases, minor shortening of tooth roots can occur; this is monitored throughout treatment
  • Relapse — Teeth may gradually return toward their original position if retainers are not worn as directed after treatment

  Your individual risk profile will be discussed openly as part of your informed consent process.

• Like all dental procedures, orthodontic treatment with fixed braces carries risks that are important to understand before proceeding. Your dentist will discuss these in full during your consultation. General considerations include:
  • Discomfort — Tenderness for a few days following placement or adjustment is common and usually temporary
  • Oral hygiene challenges — Brackets and wires create additional surfaces where plaque can accumulate; diligent cleaning is essential throughout treatment
  • Decalcification — If oral hygiene is inadequate during treatment, white spot lesions may form on tooth enamel
  • Root resorption — In some cases, minor shortening of tooth roots can occur; this is monitored throughout treatment
  • Relapse — Teeth may gradually return toward their original position if retainers are not worn as directed after treatment

  Your individual risk profile will be discussed openly as part of your informed consent process.