braces

Straight talk: when life hands you braces, make it a smiley adventure.

 
OVERVIEW
BRACES
ALIGNERS/CLEAR ALIGNERS
RETAINERS
 

What are traditional braces?

Metal braces, also known as traditional or metallic braces, are effective orthodontic treatment designed to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. These braces consist of brackets, wires, and elastic bands that are affixed to your teeth and gently guide them into their optimal positions. Beyond enhancing appearance, this trusted method tackles concerns like overbites, underbites, and misalignment, offering comprehensive dental benefits.

Dentist with patient in chair looking in a hand mirror
 

The Benefits of Metal Braces

 

Metal braces are a popular option due to the durability of stainless steel. This material allows a wider range for tooth adjustments and expedites the realignment of misaligned teeth. And added bonus: they’re cost-effective.

 

Speed

a single running shoe

Strength

a medium sized dumbbell

Cost

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Flexibility

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Woman with braces smiling with eyes closed lifestyle photo
 

Adults Can Benefit From Braces Too

Adults getting braces are more common than you think. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published the following:
 

The number of adult patients undergoing orthodontic therapy has constantly been rising in the last two (2) to three (3) decades. 20-25% of orthodontic patients are adults. There is an increasing trend in the number of adult patients due to their increased awareness of the importance of their oral health and their need for a better aesthetic appearance. The main driving factor in adults is to improve their dental and facial appearance. This trend stems from a growing recognition of the vital role optimal oral health plays in overall well-being.

 

A woman with braces winking
 
 

How Metal Braces Fix Your Teeth

Metal braces consist of three key components: brackets, archwires, and ligatures. Together, they enable your orthodontists to finely tune your tooth alignment. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial. During these visits, your progress is tracked, wires are replaced as required, and adjustments are made to ensure each tooth moves according to the plan.

Brackets

Brackets are affixed to teeth and serve as anchors for orthodontic adjustments that guide teeth to their desired position.

Archwire

An archwire threads through each bracket across your dental arch, connecting both upper and lower teeth.

Ligatures

Ligatures are the small elastic bands that secure the wire to the reinforcements.

 
 

Metal Braces Work Fast

Metal braces work faster than other teeth-straightening options. Traditional metal gives orthodontists the most control over teeth movement. The use of wires and ligatures to adjust the pressure on specific teeth results is constant and accurate. As a result, you complete treatment quicker and may have a better outcome than alternative orthodontia.

A tooth winning a race
 
 
Toothpaste
 
individual with beautiful teeth flossing in front of the mirror
 

Find Out if You’re a Candidate for Braces

 

Now that you've read through this page, are you considering metal braces? Do you think you're a candidate for orthodontic treatment? If you're asking where you can find a trusted dentist nearby, Smile Generation connects you with trusted, experienced, and qualified dentists and pediatric and adult orthodontists. Smile Generation strives to be your trusted resource for all your dental health needs.

 

 
 

How much do traditional braces cost?

According to Healthline, in its 2018 annual survey, the American Dental Association listed the average price of comprehensive orthodontic treatment, which includes braces, as $5,000 to $6,000. Keep in mind prices vary significantly based on your treatment's complexity, provider's rates, and dental insurance benefits. Compared to other braces — self-ligating ceramic braces and clear aligners — traditional or regular braces cost less than the alternatives. Many dentists offer financing options for the cost of braces beyond what your dental insurance will pay. To further offset the price, you may be able to apply FSA/HSA funds to purchase braces.

Illustration of a hand holding dollar bills with a green background
 
 

Got questions?

 

Brace yourself, we’ve got answers!

You can get braces at any age, as long as your teeth are healthy. If you are interested in braces for your child, starting at a younger age — when their body is still growing — may help you achieve optimal results. Orthodontic treatment often starts when children are between seven and 14 years old. These are the years when most of the baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth.

 

As an adult, you may be self-conscious about getting braces. Traditional braces are made of metal, but if your dentist recommends them, there are also clear braces or aligners, so you do not feel like everyone is staring at your mouth.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Braces for Kids: When to Get Them?"

The short answer is no; braces do not make you feel any more uncomfortable as an adult. On the other hand, braces are uncomfortable when you initially acquire them or when they need to be adjusted.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Adult Braces: Pros & Cons."

Neglecting to take care of your braces can lead to permanent damage to your teeth and gums. For instance, not taking the time to do proper braces cleaning can cause gum disease and tooth decay.

 

While it can be treated, another consequence of neglecting your braces care is yellowing teeth. Because there are brackets on your teeth, it is more difficult to clean your teeth. If you do not take the extra time to clean your braces, you might see plaque buildup turning to tarter.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Braces Cleaning: Tips and Care Routine."

The best type of braces for your child will vary based on their unique dental situation. For some kids, traditional metal braces may be the right choice. Other kids may be good candidates for clear teeth aligners. Talk to your child’s orthodontist to learn more about the best braces for their needs.

 

Learn more in our blog article, "Metal Braces."

 

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Sources

Colgate. (n.d.). What to Know About Metal Braces. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-to-know-about-metal-braces

Dr. Nasser Orthodontics. (n.d.). What Should You Expect When Getting Metal Braces? https://drnasser.com/what-should-you-expect-when-getting-metal-braces/

iSmile Specialists. (n.d.). Metal Braces: What You Need to Know. https://www.ismilespecialists.com/metal-braces