Traditional metal braces are by far the most common type of braces for orthodontic patients. Today the brackets are much smaller and flatter and more comfortable now than in past years. Metal braces are very efficient, and all ages choose them to help achieve straight, beautiful, healthy smiles.
In addition, traditional braces are more effective at treating extreme cases of overcrowding than other options like clear braces or Invisalign aligners. They give the orthodontist the control he needs to move the teeth bit by bit in small increments.
The most significant disadvantage of wearing braces is having a mouth full of wire and metal brackets. While less noticeable options like Invisalign may seem like a better choice for those conscious of their appearance, metal braces today are much more attractive than in past years. Today there is also a range of color options to choose from for both the brackets and the elastics.
Wearing metal braces also means that you don't have to worry about ever misplacing your aligners.
What are braces made of?
Today's braces are made of high-quality stainless steel or titanium. The three main parts are:
- Brackets — are attached to clean teeth using special glue that bonds them in place.
- Archwire — is a thin metal wire that connects each bracket and puts constant pressure on the teeth to guide them into place.
- Ligature Elastic — mini-colored rubber bands hold the archwires to the brackets. Dr. Bruno changes the elastics at each appointment
How do Braces Work?
Braces work by constantly putting pressure on your teeth, slowly encouraging them to move into the correct position. The archwire puts most of the strain on your teeth, while the brackets work to hold it in place. Dr. Bruno will attach the wire to the brackets and tighten the arch wires to move the teeth closer to the desired position at each appointment.
This constant pressure on the teeth over a period of time gradually reshapes your jaw and slowly adapts to conform to the pressure.
Most people think our teeth are connected directly to our jawbone, making it hard to imagine how possible our teeth can even move at all. But under your gums is a membrane surrounded by your bones that connects your teeth to your jaw. This membrane is what controls the position of your teeth and responds to the pressure of orthodontics.
Some patients may need to wear rubber bands or headgear along with orthodontics to correct their bite.
Getting braces is not painful during the appointment, and it takes between one to two hours for them to install them. Patients may notice their teeth feeling a little loose. This feeling is entirely regular and temporary and goes away as soon as the teeth have finished shifting.
You may experience soreness for the first week as your teeth adjust. But this is good news, as it means the orthodontics is working.
Are Metal Braces for all Ages?
Metal braces are still the most popular, quickest, and most reasonably priced orthodontic treatment available. Dr. Bruno can help you determine what treatment is best for your unique case.
Treatment with dental braces begins when a child has lost most of their baby teeth, with most permanent teeth grown in — usually between the ages of 8 and 14.
Am I too old for Orthodontic Treatment?
Of course not. You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Bruno considers many options when developing a treatment plan, but age is never a deciding factor. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for adolescents. In fact, one out of three orthodontic patients is an adult. Don't let your age keep you from getting the smile of your dreams.
The most significant difference in orthodontics for adults vs. children/teens is that adults are no longer growing. The treatment may take slightly longer in adults than treatment for children/teens with similar problems due to the maturity and density of the bone adults have.
There may be fillings, missing teeth, misshapen or worn teeth, or other oral health issues. Some medications, and less desirable habits like smoking, clenching, or grinding teeth can affect treatment outcomes. In short, there may be considerable work to be done before the orthodontic treatment can start.
In addition to metal braces, we offer ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign. If you are considering orthodontics for you or a loved one, please contact us at Robert W. Bruno DDS, your best choice for braces in Woodside, NY.
