Holders and braces are two different things. Although they are all used for orthodontic treatment, people often confuse their use and definition.
Braces are used to straighten teeth. The concept is to put a bracket on each tooth and connect all the brackets with wire. As time passes, the braces will become straight because they will follow the shape of the line.
Fixators are usually used after orthodontic treatment is finished. When all the teeth are straight, the stent is removed. However, these teeth tend to return to their original positions. This is why it is important to wear retainers to keep them in a new place after treatment. Fixers cannot straighten teeth; they just keep them in the right place.
Orthodontic appliances look like anchors, and people sometimes confuse them and call them fixators. These instruments can be used to correct orthopedic problems such as narrow constrictions, poorly aligned jaws, or space when the teeth are very congested. These appliances do not really straighten teeth. When there are major problems, they just prepare teeth for braces.
