Fixed braces in Barcelona
Fixed braces can correct the position of your teeth and your bite. An orthodontic assessment establishes which treatment is suitable for you.
What are braces and how do they work?
Brackets are small attachments bonded to the outer surfaces of the teeth and connected by an archwire. They apply controlled, gradual forces to move teeth. Fixed braces stay in place throughout treatment. Your participation remains essential for cleaning, attending appointments and wearing elastics when prescribed.
Beyond appearance, straighter teeth can be easier to clean and may improve how biting forces are distributed. At CHC, we assess mild and complex alignment problems in children, teenagers and adults.
Problems braces can treat
- Crowded or overlapping teeth.
- Gaps between teeth.
- Crossbite, open bite or deep bite.
- Selected mild bite discrepancies, after assessing the relationship between the jaws.
- One or more teeth in an unfavourable position.
The first consultation helps determine whether braces or another approach would be appropriate.
Your treatment, step by step
1. Consultation and diagnosis
We examine your mouth and use photographs, X-rays and, where needed, a cephalometric assessment. We explain the findings, treatment options and an itemised estimate so you can make an informed choice.
2. Individual treatment plan
We agree on the goals, type of braces and estimated duration. Any care needed beforehand, such as cleaning, an extraction or gum treatment, is planned first.
3. Fitting the braces
We clean and prepare the tooth surfaces, bond the brackets with a dental adhesive and fit the archwire. The appointment may take around 60–90 minutes, depending on the case.
4. Reviews and adjustments
Appointments are often scheduled every four to six weeks, according to your plan. The team checks tooth movement, adjusts or replaces components when needed and answers your questions.
5. Removing the braces
Once the agreed treatment goals have been reached, we remove the brackets, clean away the remaining adhesive and check the enamel.
6. Retention
Teeth can move again after treatment. To reduce this risk, we prescribe a fixed retainer behind the teeth and/or a removable retainer with an individual wearing schedule. Retainers and follow-up checks are an essential part of treatment.
Braces are not just for teenagers
Children: a first assessment around age six or seven
The arrival of the first permanent teeth is a useful time to assess development. An assessment does not mean braces must be fitted immediately: it helps decide whether to intervene or monitor growth.
Teenagers
We consider growth and tooth eruption when deciding when to start. Treatment length depends on the problem and the response to treatment. Retainers help maintain the final tooth positions.
Adults
Adults can also have orthodontic treatment. We first check the gums, supporting bone and teeth to establish which movements are appropriate. Age alone does not determine the timescale.
Common questions about braces
Do braces hurt?
Pressure and tenderness can occur during the first few days after fitting or adjustments. These often settle within a few days, although this varies. Contact us about severe or persistent pain; the team will advise you on managing it.
How long does treatment take?
This depends on complexity. Some cases may take 12–18 months; others may require two to three years. These are estimates, not guarantees, and are reviewed as treatment progresses.
Can I eat normally?
Avoid very hard or sticky foods that could loosen brackets, such as ice, whole nuts and sticky sweets. We explain how to adapt your diet.
How do I clean my braces?
Use a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and interdental brushes. A water flosser may be a useful addition. Cleaning takes extra time, and we show you how to reach every area.
Will braces affect my speech?
There may be a short adjustment period. Changes in pronunciation are usually temporary; we will review any persistent difficulty.
Will my teeth move afterwards?
Retention reduces the risk of movement but cannot guarantee that teeth will remain completely still. Follow your retainer instructions and attend the recommended checks.