Traditional Metal Braces
Everything You Need to Know About Metal Braces
For all of the advances in braces technology, traditional metal braces are still the most common type of braces to date. This popularity stems from a combination of factors that make metal braces a reliable treatment for both adults and teens.
Traditional braces are versatile and can be easily customized to your individual needs, so they work for any type of dental condition. In addition, metal braces are often the strongest, most durable and least expensive way to achieve proper tooth alignment.
Read on to find out if braces might be the right orthodontic treatment for you.
How do metal braces work?
Metal braces are composed of 3 main parts:
- Brackets: Brackets are small rectangular devices that bond directly to the exterior of each tooth.
- Archwire: Once the brackets are attached to the teeth, a metal wire called an archwire is threaded from one bracket to another. The archwrire fits right into a groove on the outside of each bracket.
- Elastics: Elastics are rubber bands used to secure the archwire to the brackets.
Throughout your braces treatment the archwire will be gradually tightened and adjusted to slowly guide the teeth into proper alignment.
How long will I have to wear metal braces?
The treatment time for braces depends on every individual, but most cases range from a 12 – 18 months. Some patients won’t see major changes until the last few months, while others may notice a big difference just 3 months in.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that certain activities and foods can damage your braces, which can ultimately prolong your treatment time. Taking good care of your braces will help keep your treatment time to a minimum.
Do metal braces hurt?
Because braces apply pressure to the teeth and gums, it’s normal for patients to experience some degree of soreness during their treatment. This is especially common when the braces are initially affixed to the teeth.
The good news is that this pain is often mild and subsides quickly as the teeth adjust to treatment. The other bit of good news is that there are several ways to relieve any aches and pains that come along with braces. Ice packs, heating pads and salt water rinses can help reduce inflamation, improve circulation and alleviate discomfort.
Sometimes metal brackets or archwire can poke or scrape the inside of a patient’s lips or cheeks. If this occurs, your orthodontist can trim and adjust the braces to make them more comfortable. Dental wax can also be applied to any part of the braces causing irritation to create a barrier between the appliance and the mouth.
How do metal braces compare to clear braces and Invisalign?
Each type of braces has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Below are a few reasons why you might choose metal braces over other types of braces and aligners.
Benefits of Metal Braces
Metal braces are an excellent choice because they require little maintenance and they do an extraordinarily effective job. They’re also one of the most affordable orthodontic options available, compared to clear aligners, lingual braces, or self-ligating braces. Metal braces are a great option for children and adolescents because they are bonded to the teeth 24/7, allowing the appliance to straighten the teeth without disturbance.
Your orthodontist may also recommend metal braces over other options because they are the only appliance that can fix serious dental issues like overbites, underbites, crowding, etc. They may need to be used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances, such as palatal expanders or headgear.
If you are interested in getting traditional/metal braces, give us a call! Omar Orthodontics provides a suite of orthodontic options for patients and our doctor will personally advise you on the best options for your individual needs. Our Chantilly orthodontist is one of the best braces providers in the area and she will make sure to answer all your questions at your consultation. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all mentality when it comes to braces, so it’s important to see a professional about the right appliance for you and your lifestyle.
Absolutely Fantastic experience. Dr. Omar is patient, engaging and friendly. Arielle G., Treatment Coordinator is fantastic. She is warm, inviting and explained each step of the treatment plan in detail making the process seamless. My little one didn't want braces but after meeting Arielle she is very excited. She is looking forward to getting her braces put on in August. The entire team displays a very welcoming and friendly attitude. Just what we were looking for in our search for an Orthodontist.
Update: I want to reiterate what an enjoyable (yes enjoyable) experience, it was at every appointment with my daughter. Her braces are off and her teeth are gorgeous and perfectly straight. She had such a great relationship with the staff that she looked forward to going to her appointments. They took care of her as if she were their own family. It was truly an incredible experience. Thank you again to Dr. Omar and staff. I will be referring all of my friends and family to you guys. So far, so good! Working with Omar Orthodontics has been impeccably seamless and she and her staff are so kind! I had my initial consultation with Dr Omar back in September and was in my angel aligners by mid-October. I loved how honest and matter-of-fact she was during the consult and how she approaches the choice between braces/Invisalign/Angel aligners made it very easy to say yes to working with her. Her personality and the way she truly cared about providing the best care plan that fit my needs absolutely sold me to her practice.
I just had my first check in since then, and things are progressing very well! I really love the technology that they use. I was provided with a scanner app used together with my phone for my weekly scans so I don't have to go into the office often for adjustments. I can already see the teeth shifting and I'm hopeful for more steady progress. Will report back after I'm done with my aligner journey! Mel did an excellent consult on my son's teeth and gave a great recommendation for how to proceed with his orthodontics in the future. Waiting for his baby teeth to finally fall out and we will be back. She was so great with him and I hope the experience is better than my 2007 wire braces!!
SET UP AN APPOINTMENT
Dr. Anisa Omar and our team are ready to join you on your journey to a healthier smile! Give us a call at (703) 542-6336.
25401 Eastern Marketplace Plaza Suite 100 Chantilly, VA 20152
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