Trusted & Effective
Metal braces have been around for a long time and are probably the most recognizable treatment options at Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates.
How Metal Braces Work
Before applying the brackets, our team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we’ll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.
After the X-ray and optional scan, Dr. Livanos, Dr. Giarrusso, or Dr. Kotin will use the information to create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.
Your orthodontist will decide how to place the brackets to move your teeth into alignment. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.
Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth to create precise movements.
For example, a bend can help a tooth twisted to turn and face the right way or align one tooth that is too far forward with one that is too far back. This process of tooth movement involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth.
What to Expect During Treatment
Metal braces used to be known for being a bit awkward and noticeable, but thanks to modern orthodontics, you can enjoy versions that are smaller, less obvious, and more comfortable than ever before.
The new and improved design includes sleeker brackets and lighter wires, making these braces better-looking and more comfortable. This means you'll experience less irritation in your mouth.
There's a fun twist with traditional metal braces, too—you can personalize them with splashes of color. The elastics around your brackets come in tons of colors, allowing you to show off your personality whenever you feel like it.
The Benefits Of Metal Braces
Modern metal braces are excellent at fixing complex tooth issues. They can even work faster than other treatments when closing gaps and aligning your teeth just right. This might even help shorten the time you need to wear braces.
Not only are metal braces effective, but they're also budget-friendly. They don't need all the fancy technology or expensive equipment that some newer treatments do. The strength, toughness, and affordability of traditional metal braces make them a top choice for orthodontic patients, year after year!
Because metal braces get straight to business, you'll start noticing progress in a relatively short amount of time. Even a small improvement in your smile can be encouraging as you go through your orthodontic journey. So, keep an eye out for those positive changes – they're on the way!
Treatment Time
Every mouth is unique, and every patient responds to treatment differently. That means treatment time with metal braces will vary for every case.
The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months, but it could be shorter or longer, depending on your needs. We have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.
What Are Braces Made of?
Brackets
The brackets are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue
Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, and Dr. Kotin use this to attach brackets to your teeth. This holds the bracket in place during treatment and is completely safe for your mouth.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Your orthodontist will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.
In many cases, the wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
Elastics
If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They are generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook. This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.
We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.
Spacers
These small elastic “donuts” or rings create space between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They are also called separators.
Orthodontic Bands
These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they are not used for everyone.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.
Start Your Smile Transformation
Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams? Schedule a consultation in Auburn, Spencer, or Worcester to learn more about metal braces. Our team can’t wait to meet you!
