Certain dental misalignments cannot be corrected adequately or as desired using removable dental braces. In these cases, fixed dental braces made from metal or ceramics are used. Fixed dental braces include forced stretching or fixed brackets.

Forced stretching stretches the upper jaw if it is too narrow compared to the lower jaw. The upper jaw can be stretched until the age of around 13 years. After this point, the midpalatal suture ossifies in the upper jaw, meaning stretching may only be achieved through orthodontic surgery.

Today, individual tooth positions and the position of teeth in the upper jaw compared to those in the lower jaw can be adjusted highly precisely using fixed brackets. These brackets may also be used with elastics if necessary.

Adults can also opt for white ceramic brackets, the colour of which is adjusted to the teeth.

Fixed dental braces typically have to be worn for around two years. The exact duration depends on the extent of the tooth movements.

When wearing braces, it is particularly important to ensure thorough and regular dental care and hygiene.

To ensure the success of the treatment and stabilise the result achieved, the use of retainers after removing the fixed dental braces is essential. Indeed, removable braces are also sometimes prescribed for a year following treatment.