For years, we’re talking decades, people have relied on metal braces to sort out wonky teeth and bite problems. They’ve still got the edge when it comes to getting the job done and are still the no-brainer choice for a lot of people, especially those with more complex orthodontic issues that need a bit more finesse. Once patients get a handle on how metal braces work and the benefits they bring, a lot of them become pretty sold on them as a tried-and-true treatment option. Invisalign Teen gives younger patients a flexible and comfortable way to straighten their teeth. The aligners are nearly invisible, easy to wear, and perfect for active teens. Invisalign Teen also includes wear indicators that help track progress throughout treatment.
So, how do metal braces work? Essentially they consist of small stainless steel brackets which are bonded to the front of each tooth held in place with a special adhesive. Each bracket has slots for a thin metal wire called an archwire to run through. This wire then joins up all the teeth. For an extra personal touch, patients can choose from a range of colours for the tiny rubber bands that keep the wire in place on each bracket. At regular adjustment appointments, we tweak the wire to apply gentle pressure on the teeth and gradually nudge them into line. After years of refinement, this technique has earned a solid reputation for sorting a whole range of orthodontic problems. Early orthodontic treatment identifies bite or spacing issues before they become more complex. By starting early, we can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. Early treatment promotes a healthy, balanced smile that lasts.
A fair bit has changed since the days when parents were sporting metal braces as teenagers. Modern brackets are a heck of a lot slimmer and less noticeable than their chunky predecessors. They’re also a lot more comfortable. And it’s not just the aesthetics that have improved, the materials we use have gotten a lot better too. The surfaces are now super smooth which makes them less of a bother for your lips and cheeks. The wires are also a lot more flexible and apply forces that are a lot softer and more even. As a result, treatment is often a lot less painful than it used to be. With all these advances, wearing metal braces has become a whole lot more bearable than it was in the past.
Metal braces are definitely up to the job when it comes to fixing nearly any orthodontic problem that comes your way. They can help kids and adults alike tackle all sorts of bite issues, from severely crowded teeth to teeth that are way too far apart, and all the spaces in between. With metal braces, we’ve got the ability to control tooth movement in all three dimensions with a level of precision that just isn’t possible with other treatments. This makes them a great choice for the really complicated cases that need some serious work.
At Marrecau Orthodontics, a lot of kids and teens choose metal braces because they get to pick out their own coloured elastic bands at each appointment. We’ve got all sorts of cool colours to choose from, so it’s a great way for kids to express themselves and have a bit of fun with their braces. Some kids choose colours that match their favourite sports team or school colours, while others like to go with holiday themes or make a pattern out of different colours. Whatever they choose, it makes the process way more enjoyable and gives them a bit of ownership over their treatment.
Metal braces have another big advantage, they last a long, long time. The stainless steel frames can handle all the normal wear and tear, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking or needing to be replaced too often. Of course, if you’re eating foods that are way too hard or hitting your mouth with your elbow, you might end up with a loose bracket or a broken wire. But generally speaking, metal braces are super strong and can handle just about anything life throws at them.
The length of time it takes to get metal braces to work usually follows a pretty predictable schedule, based on how complicated your case is. For simple to moderate problems, it’s usually around 12 to 18 months. More serious problems can take two years or more to sort out. But the good news is that we check in on you regularly, every 4 to 8 weeks or so, to see how things are going and make any necessary adjustments. We check on your progress, swap out the elastic bands, replace the wire, and make any other changes that need to be made to keep your treatment on track.
Of course, cost is a big factor for most families, and metal braces are usually one of the more affordable options we offer. That makes them more accessible to more people, which is a great thing. We accept most insurance plans that cover orthodontics, and we’ve got flexible payment plans that allow you to pay for your treatment over time.
Taking care of your metal braces is just a matter of changing up a few of your daily habits, and most people find they get used to it pretty quickly. It’s super important to brush and floss like normal, but with a bit of extra attention to around the brackets and wires. We show you how to do it properly, and we give you some special flossers and interdental brushes to help make the job a bit easier. And don’t forget to keep going to the dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy while you’re wearing braces. Oh, and just to be on the safe side, you might want to steer clear of hard foods like ice and nuts, sticky foods like caramel and taffy, and chewy foods like bagels. Most people can handle these limits, and it’s just a temporary thing.
If you’re a bit of a sports star, you’re still good to go with metal braces, just make sure to wear a mouthguard during contact sports. We can even custom-make one for you that’s specifically designed for people with braces. And if you’re a musician, you might take a few weeks to get used to playing with metal braces, especially if you play a wind instrument, but most people are fine after a bit of practice.
Lastly, you can be pretty sure that this treatment is going to work for you. We’ve treated thousands of cases with metal braces over the years, and we’ve always gotten great results. So if you’re a Parkland resident looking for a reliable and effective orthodontic treatment that won’t break the bank, metal braces are definitely worth a shot.
Here at Marrecau Orthodontics, we’ve got loads of experience with metal braces, and we love seeing the impact they have on people’s smiles. So if you’re thinking of getting treatment for yourself, your child or your teen, we invite you to come on in for a consultation. We can assess your specific orthodontic needs, show you the modern look of metal braces, answer all your questions, and help you decide if this is the right way to go for you.