What Do I Need to Know About Metal Braces?

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Braces are used to correct crooked teeth and can also help with complex cases with your teeth and jaws. There are many types of braces such as ceramic braces and clear braces.

Traditional metal braces are usually what comes to mind when you think about braces. These are the original braces that were invented over 100 years ago. They are very strong and durable. Dr. Kanaan uses them all the time to build beautiful smiles and he recommends using them specifically on children.

Usually, they are made of a very tough stainless steel alloy. To make these braces look fabulous, kids usually pick different colored rubber bands to make them look cool. These braces work great and are a popular option when thinking about an orthodontic treatment plan.

What are the Advantages of Having Metal Braces?

It's good to know how metal braces can benefit you as a patient. Metal braces have more advantages than disadvantages.

Metal braces are really sturdy. Depending on your daily activities you might prefer to have something that is sure to stay in place. Some patients prefer this because of the fear of losing their trays when receiving Invisalign treatment. Metal braces can also have a quicker treatment time depending on the patients' needs.

Metal Braces are less expensive than clear braces or Invisalign treatment. They also work better at treating severe overcrowding of teeth. The only real disadvantage is that they are less visually appealing than Invisalign or incognito braces that help in hiding the braces.

This is more of personal preference and some people do not mind showing off their braces. Braces are very common now and we hardly run the risk of being called a metal mouth in this day in age.

Some patients also lack the self-control needed to not remove their trays when getting treated Invisalign. Patients with complex dental issues may want to consider metal braces as an option. 

How Can I Know if Metal Braces Are The Best Option For Me?

When choosing any orthodontic treatment it is best to consult with your local dentist or orthodontist. Each patient is unique, especially in the field of dentistry. It is important to get your individual dental problems assessed by licensed specialists. Free Consultations are always available at iSmile Specialists and Dr. Kanaan offers the best advice diagnosis or treatment plan.

After the doctor examines you he will be able to give you the best possible options for your individual case. Considering all the different types of braces is best to see which one will work for you.

Are Metal Braces Painful?

Braces are generally more uncomfortable in the beginning than painful. Initially, braces do apply pressure as it is needed to straighten your teeth. As your mouth gets used to the braces the discomfort goes away fairly quickly.

In your follow-up appointments that will be used to check your progress and tightened to move your teeth, you will also feel a bit of discomfort just for a few days then it goes away. Braces are not as painful as they are made out to be.

How Are Metal Braces Put On?

Metal braces consist of brackets and wires that are placed on your teeth. The process is a fairly simple one.

  • First, your teeth are air-dried completely.
  • Then, the teeth are covered in a bluish liquid called an etchant to help dry the teeth even more.
  • Next, a strong bonding liquid is placed on the teeth then cured with a special blue light.
  • Fourthly, cement is then placed directly in the middle of the tooth.
  • The metal brackets are then placed directly on top of the cement.
  • After, the special blue light is used again to solidify the cement and to hold the brackets in place.
  • Lastly, the wires that will help align your teeth are placed to clip on over the brackets and rubber bands are placed over each bracket to help hold the wires in place.

How Do I take care of My Metal Braces?

Dental hygiene should be practiced according to your orthodontist's recommendations. You are required to brush and floss your teeth every day and you are also asked to refrain from certain foods and drinks that can be bad for you when having braces. If proper care is not taken then you can develop cavities around the braces that start out as a white tooth-colored spot around the brackets.

We have more information on proper care for teeth in our article on "How to brush your teeth with braces?".

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