Traditional Braces

Metal

Traditional Braces

The most common type of braces at Glendale Orthodontic Group are metal braces. These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successfully straightening smiles for patients of all ages.

What are metal braces made of?

Brackets

The brackets used by the team at Glendale Orthodontic Group are made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.

Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. We will secure the brackets by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

The team at Glendale Orthodontic Group uses glue to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the metal bracket directly to the tooth with glue.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs between each bracket. Your orthodontist will change the wire’s shape and curvature to move your teeth in the right direction.

In many cases, the wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth. Our team might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Orthodontic Bands

Your orthodontist will cement the stainless steel rings to your back teeth using dental bonding agents. The bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Our team uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers, and you can get them in dozens of colors.

Elastics

If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. Your orthodontist typically strings elastics between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.

This method pulls your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. We use rubber bands when putting extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Spacers

If we need to create space between your teeth, we put spacers on the job. We use these small elastic spacers commonly before placing your bands.

Metal Braces FAQ

How do metal braces work?

Before applying your brackets, the team at Glendale Orthodontic Group will collect photos and x-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we’ll use a digital 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 a highly accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After x-rays and the optional scans, we will use this information to create your personalized treatment plan. Your plan will include how each tooth needs to move to get it in the straightest position.

Our team will decide how to place the brackets based on the information we gather. 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.

After attaching your brackets, we will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on other teeth. Your orthodontist will create precise movements using this bend in the wire.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

We are proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages at Glendale Orthodontic Group!

Traditional metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, because of advances in orthodontics, you will benefit from smaller, less noticeable, and more comfortable braces than ever before.

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces, which means you’ll have less irritation in your mouth.

Metal braces at Glendale Orthodontic Group also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost - you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in various colors, letting you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Choose your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, or even your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might potentially shorten your treatment time.

Metal braces are cost-effective because they don’t require the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients!

How long will I have braces?

Every mouth is different, and every individual responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment time with traditional metal braces at Glendale Orthodontic Group will differ for each patient.

The average time in traditional metal braces is roughly 18 to 22 months. Still, depending on the patient and the personalized treatment plan your orthodontist designs, it may be shorter or longer.

We have some patients at Glendale Orthodontic Group in braces for as few as six months, but it can take over three years to complete the process for more complex issues.

With metal braces from Glendale Orthodontic Group, you will notice improvements in your smile quickly, giving you confidence during the treatment process.

Traditional Braces

Metal