Sturdy and Reliable
Traditional metal braces are probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics. They have a long history of successful treatment and are proven to correct oral issues ranging from mild to complex.
More Comfortable Than Ever
In the past, metal braces had a reputation for being a bit awkward and obvious, but modern orthodontics has produced versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and far more comfortable than ever before.
Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces and help keep irritation in the mouth to a minimum.
A Great Treatment Choice
Braces are incredibly efficient at fixing complex tooth issues and can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might, potentially shortening your treatment time.
They don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments might, often making metal braces a cost-effective option.
The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year.
The Different Parts of Your Braces
Brackets
Our Hanover, PA and Lutherville-Timonium, MD metal braces are typically made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals, and are very durable and long-lasting.
Brackets have little hooks or doors, over which the wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by applying an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue
This is what we will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. Although some orthodontists may attach the brackets to a metal band which is then crimped around the tooth to hold it in place, it’s much more common these days to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue. In cases that require more serious treatment, metal bands may be used together with glue to give the braces more leverage and stability.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. We’ll change the shape and curvature of the wire in order to move your teeth in the desired direction. Today’s braces are much more comfortable than the past, thanks to shape-memory NiTi wires.
Using the same technology as NASA, NiTi wires exert a continuous force against the teeth to move them in the right direction, eliminating the need for wire tightening, thus reducing a patient’s overall time in braces -and much of the discomfort.
Elastics
For patients who need bite correction, elastics are essential. Most often, they’re strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook, pulling the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw backward to correct an underbite.
You may also need rubber bands to help bring your front teeth together or to increase the number of teeth you show when you smile.
