Are metal braces right for you? It’s an important question to ask when you decide to have your teeth straightened. Today, you can choose from many methods that all deliver fantastic results, however, the best option for someone else might not be the best option for you. At MyOrthodontist we can provide all the information you need to make the right decision.

What Are Metal Braces?

When you hear the word “braces”, you probably picture metal braces in your mind. This system of brackets and wires straightens your teeth by applying gentle pressure. Because of its effectiveness, it has been a cornerstone of orthodontia for decades. Sometimes, people say “traditional braces” when referring to this system. Not only has it stood the test of time and provided straight, healthy teeth to millions of patients worldwide, but it has also benefited from numerous advances throughout the years.

How Do They Work?

When you get traditional braces, we apply the brackets to your teeth using special dental glue. Next, we will attach archwires to the brackets. Over the course of your treatment, the archwires encourage your teeth to move into their correct places. As they shift positions, your bone and gum tissue fill in the spaces that they left behind. After the treatment is finished, the last step for most people is to wear a retainer to set the results. The retainer is usually worn at night and is generally kept for about one year.

What Are the Advantages of Metal Braces?

1. They Are an Effective Treatment for Tough Cases

Traditional braces are still held up as the most effective solution for a variety of orthodontic issues. They allow us to correct the alignment of your teeth by planning the treatment down to the individual shifts of each tooth. The results of this treatment are dramatic and life-changing. Here are some of the issues that can be corrected with traditional braces:

• Misalignment
• Gaps between the teeth
• Overcrowding
• Protruding teeth
• Underbites
• Overbites
• Crossbites

The effectiveness of your orthodontic care is the most important thing you should consider before choosing a type of treatment. At the end of the day, beautiful, healthy teeth are the whole point of getting orthodontic care.

2. They Work Quickly

The sophistication of this system means fast treatment times in addition to effectiveness. Usually, patients who choose traditional braces wear them between one and three years. Considering the fact that they deliver a lifetime of dental health, they are a good investment of your time.

3. They Are Affordable

Traditional braces are less expensive than some other options, and they are often covered by insurance. In the case that they are not covered, we accept a special credit card called CareCredit. It is specifically designed for orthodontic purchases and allows you to finance your treatment with no money down, no annual fees, and no interest. We can even help you apply for CareCredit in our office.

4. They Are Durable

Metal braces are made to last throughout the duration of your treatment. They are incredibly strong and can withstand the daily wear of chewing and brushing. The materials most commonly used to make them are steel and titanium.

Traditional braces shouldn’t interrupt your life at all. As long as you stay away from a few crunchy snacks, hard veggies, and the other prohibited foods, you won’t need to worry about them breaking. Best of all, you can continue all your normal activities, including sports and rigorous exercises.

5. They Provide Constant Care

Traditional braces stay in your mouth until your treatment is finished. This is advantageous because it means your care will never be interrupted. Clear aligners, which are another popular form of treatment, are removed for brushing and meals. While this is an advantage to people who want to avoid food restrictions, it does mean that patients need to be very careful not to lose them. If they aren’t worn 22 hours per day, they stop being effective.

Therefore, traditional braces are a good option for children and people who don’t want to worry about maintaining the effectiveness of their orthodontic care. With this system, once you are home from the orthodontists’ office, the braces do all the work on their own.

6. They Work Quickly

Traditional braces have long been held up as the fastest way to achieve straighter teeth. That is because everything about the technology prioritizes the effectiveness of your treatment. The fact that they cannot be removed and lost or forgotten also helps them work quickly.

Today, there is an exciting new development called self-ligating braces. This version of the traditional system does not use rubber bands to attach the wires to the brackets. Rather, each bracket has a special clip that can open and close for the wire. As a result, there is no elastic to drag against the wire, which creates friction that inhibits the tooth from sliding into position. This allows your teeth to move faster and more freely.

7. You Can Get a Mini Version

Most braces now are made smaller than they were in the past. This means that you don’t have to feel a lot of cumbersome metal in your mouth. It also has aesthetic benefits because the brackets are less noticeable. If you want to maximize these advantages, you can opt for mini braces, which are even smaller and more subtle.

8. They Provide a Healthier Mouth for Life

Like all means of straightening your teeth, having metal braces can safeguard you against chronic conditions and injuries. Straighter teeth are more hygienic because they are easier to brush, helping you avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. When your teeth are straight, you will have less of a chance of getting hurt in the event that something hits your mouth against a protruding tooth.

Headaches, speech impediments, and even trouble sleeping can all result from misaligned teeth. Straightening them will alleviate all of these problems.

9. They Can Help Avoid More Complicated Procedures

Orthodontic problems tend to get worse if they are not treated. However, with the right care, your teeth can stay strong and healthy throughout your life. Braces relieve pressure in your mouth and help you care for your teeth. Having them can even eliminate the need for extractions and dentures later in life.

10. They Give You a Smile You Will Love

Having straight teeth is an enormous source of pride for most people. After having braces, you will never feel that you have to hide your teeth for photographs or when you meet people for the first time. A beautiful smile will make you feel great when you go to formal events such as weddings, graduations, and important business functions. Overall, it’s a tremendous confidence-boost that everyone deserves.

11. They Work for Almost Everyone

If you are wondering whether or not you are a candidate for traditional braces, the answer is probably yes. This system is universally beneficial to almost all people who need orthodontic care. It is appropriate for children and adults alike. When it comes to the level of care, braces can tackle the most complicated cases as well as more mild problems.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to learn more about the advantages of traditional braces and how they compare to other methods, come in for a consultation with us. You can see our facilities and ask all of your questions in person. When we assess the current condition of your mouth, we will be able to make individualized recommendations for you. Together, we can go over all

Metal Braces Are a Treatment You Can Smile About

Not only does this treatment offer many reasons to smile: it will make that smile look stunning. Braces are effective, fast, strong and beneficial to almost anyone who needs orthodontic care. The benefits of having them will change your whole life, giving you confidence and keeping your mouth healthy. When you choose to get braces, you can feel great about investing in your well-being.

Contact any of our locations for more information about metal braces. We look forward to giving you the outstanding results you deserve.