KNOW YOUR BRACES!!! METAL BRACES/ TRADITIONAL BRACES
Metal braces are combination of metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word “braces.” However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces than many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.
Metal braces are the traditional braces commonly worn by most people seeking orthodontic treatment. These braces tend to work best, but they are visible. A good Orthodontist with good quality Metal brackets can treat all orthodontic problems, including issues with misaligned bites or jaws and crooked teeth. Today, metal braces are sleeker and more comfortable than they have been in the past. You can have fun with these braces by switching up the colors of the ligatures. Metal braces, or metal brackets, are generally faster and less expensive than other treatment options.
How Metal Brackets Work
Your orthodontist will first clean the surface of your teeth. Afterward, the doctor will place a special solution on the surface of your teeth to make the enamel more susceptible to the orthodontic glue. After this, the orthodontist will place some glue on the metal bracket base and place the bracket on your teeth. That’s it! An assistant will shine a special blue light to make the glue set quicker and your teeth are ready for the placement of the wires and colored ties.
Depending on the unique situation of your teeth, the formation of these brackets may be customized specifically to your mouth. Over time, the wires become slightly loosened, that is why you need periodic appointments for adjustments and to track your progress.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Although these are the most common and widely used type of braces, there are other options available as well, such as Invisible Aligners, ceramic braces and lingual braces (braces on the inside of the teeth.)
Metal brackets have some advantages over other types of braces. For one, they generally cost less than other types, and insurance is generally more helpful with covering costs. In addition, the amount of time you have to wear them is usually shorter than other types of braces or Invisalign. Metal braces typically break less than other types as well. Finally, you can have fun with metal braces by choosing different colors for them.
Disadvantages
On the other hand, disadvantages to metal braces also exist. For people deciding which braces to get, these minor disadvantages may be enough to sway them to choose an alternative. Unlike ceramic braces or Invisalign, metal braces are more noticeable. In addition, your teeth may be sore for up to a week after getting metal braces on or after each periodic appointment to get them tightened. Some people never feel any discomfort, while some people feel more; it depends on the individual. Compared to Invisalign, some patients find traditional braces harder to clean. Again, this depends on the patient and his or her preferences.
Something to keep in mind is that accidents do happen and braces may break, though that is uncommon. The best way to prevent a potential break is to avoid playing rough contact sports (or to wear an orthodontic mouthguard when you do) and to avoid eating certain foods. Most people wear metal braces with no problems whatsoever and eventually even get used to them.
Our patients are delighted to see that their smile looks perfect once the braces come off at the end of their treatment. So if you want to get a perfect smile in the shortest period of time for the lowest price, metal braces are the treatment for you. Make sure to choose a qualified, experienced orthodontic specialist for treatment.