MetalBraces
Modern, High-tech braces designed for you
How are braces made?
A thin metal wire spans from one bracket to another, guiding your teeth into their desired positions. Dr. Roth adjusts the curvature and shape of this wire throughout your treatment. Sometimes, the wire spans across all upper or lower teeth, but adjustments may involve connecting only specific teeth by cutting the wire.
Elastics, also known as rubber bands, serve to correct bites by connecting hooks on upper and lower brackets. They can pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw backward to address an underbite.
Orthodontic bands, made of stainless steel, are cemented to your teeth with dental bonding agents, serving as anchors for braces and other orthodontic devices, although they are not necessary for everyone.
Spacers, also called separators, are small elastic rings or “donuts” placed between teeth to create necessary space.
Lastly, elastic ties or ligatures are tiny rubber bands that secure the archwire to the brackets. Available in a variety of colors, they are more flexible than spacers.
Metal Braces FAQ’s
How Do Braces Work?
Before applying the brackets, Dr. Roth and our team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we’ll use our scanner to scan each of your teeth, gums, and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth. After the X-Ray and optional scan, the information will be used to help create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position. We will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned. Once the brackets have been attached, we will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements. For example, a bend can help a tooth that is twisted to turn and face the right way or align one tooth that is too far forward with one that is too far back. This process of tooth movement is called remodeling, and it involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth.
What can I expect from today’s metal braces?
Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and less conspicuous than their predecessors. They are sleeker with lighter wires and brackets, which reduces irritation in your mouth. You can also customize them with colored elastics that showcase your personality or match your favorite sports team, school colors, or just your favorite color combination. Metal braces are excellent at fixing complex tooth issues and can work faster than other treatments to close gaps and align teeth, potentially shortening treatment time.
How long will I be in braces?
The length of treatment with metal braces depends on individual circumstances, and every mouth is different. Treatment time can be as short as six months or as long as three years for complex issues, with an average of 18 to 22 months. You can expect to see signs of improvement in your teeth in a short time, which will boost your confidence during the treatment process.
REQUEST YOUR FREE CONSULT