Fixed Braces for Adults

Fixed braces remain one of the most precise and versatile orthodontic treatments available. Despite the popularity of clear aligners, fixed braces are the gold standard for many cases — offering continuous, controlled force that can achieve results difficult or impossible with removable appliances alone.

For adults seeking reliable, thorough treatment — or those with more complex tooth movements or bite correction needs — fixed braces are often the most appropriate choice.

European Board-Certified Orthodontic Care

Lusk Orthodontics is led by founder and Clinical Director Dr Erfan Salloum, who is one of only three orthodontists in Ireland to have passed the rigorous assessment process of the European Board of Orthodontics (EBO).

EBO certification represents the highest formal standard of specialist orthodontic competence in Europe. Candidates must pass a demanding multi-stage examination — submitting and defending complex treated cases before a panel of European examiners — demonstrating clinical knowledge and real-world outcomes that meet the continent’s most exacting standards. It is a genuine measure of clinical quality. Being among only three EBO-certified orthodontists in Ireland means that patients at Lusk Orthodontics are in the care of one of the country’s most rigorously assessed specialists — for every case, from the routine to the complex.

Metal and Ceramic Options

Two types of fixed braces are commonly used for adult patients.

Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires. They are robust, highly effective, and in many cases the most efficient route to achieving the planned result. While highly visible, they are the preferred option for complex tooth movements.

Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces use brackets made from a material that closely matches the natural colour of the teeth. They are significantly less noticeable than metal brackets while offering a similar level of clinical precision. For adults who want fixed treatment with less visual impact, ceramic braces are a popular choice.

The most suitable option for your case will be discussed at your consultation, based on the complexity of your tooth movements, your lifestyle, and your preferences.

What Fixed Braces Can Achieve

Fixed braces are highly effective across a wide spectrum of cases, including:

• Moderate to severe crowding and spacing
• Significant bite correction — overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
• Complex tooth movements requiring rotation, root torque, or vertical repositioning
• Cases where aligner therapy is not suitable or has not achieved the desired result
• Pre-surgical orthodontics ahead of orthognathic (jaw) surgery
• Adjunctive treatment in cases involving gum disease or periodontal bone loss
• Cases requiring precise control of individual tooth roots

The Treatment Journey

Assessment and planning
A full clinical examination, radiographs, photographs, and digital or physical models are taken. Your treatment plan is explained in detail, including the type of brace recommended, the expected treatment duration, and the sequence of tooth movements planned.

Fitting
Brackets are bonded to the surfaces of your teeth and an initial wire is placed. Fitting is comfortable and takes approximately one hour. Some mild soreness is normal in the first few days as teeth begin to move.

Active treatment
You attend regular appointments — typically every six to eight weeks — for wire changes and adjustments. At each visit, progress is assessed and the forces applied are modified according to the treatment plan.

Debond
When treatment is complete, brackets are removed and the teeth are cleaned and polished. This is a straightforward appointment.

Retention
Retainers are fitted immediately following debond. These may be fixed (bonded to the back of the teeth), removable, or both. Retention is a lifelong commitment and is essential to maintaining the results achieved.

Managing Braces as an Adult

Most adults adapt quickly to fixed braces. A few practical points:

Diet: Hard, sticky, and chewy foods should be avoided to prevent bracket breakage. Your clinical team will provide a full list at the outset.

Oral hygiene: Meticulous cleaning around brackets and along the gumline is essential. This is particularly important for adults who may have a history of gum problems. Specialist cleaning aids — including interproximal brushes, water flossers, and fluoride rinses — will be recommended.

Appointments: Emergency appointments for loose brackets or broken wires are accommodated as promptly as possible.

Fees

Fixed brace treatment at Lusk Orthodontics starts from €3,000 for single arch treatment using metal braces. Fees vary depending on the complexity of your case, the type of brace selected (metal or ceramic), and whether single or dual arch treatment is required. A detailed, itemised fee breakdown is provided at your consultation. Payment plan options are available.

Book a Consultation

To find out whether fixed braces are the right option for your case, book a consultation for a full assessment and personalised treatment recommendation.