Metal Braces: How They Work, Cost, And The Types

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A beautiful smile can make or break your confidence and self-esteem.

Metal Braces

Unsurprisingly, a record number of adults are now seeking braces treatment or other orthodontic options to get their crooked teeth a makeover. 

More than 4.5 million Americans are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, with more than 25 percent being above the age of 18. That’s more than a whopping 1 million adults actively pursuing the braces lifestyle. 

What are Metal Braces?

Traditional metal braces are a type of fixed appliance that helps move the teeth to their new desired positions. They are made up of high-quality stainless steel or titanium.

The three main parts of metal braces include the metal brackets, archwire, and the ligature elastic. Brackets are small metal pockets that are cemented to your teeth using special glue. 

An archwire is a thin metal wire that connects the teeth together. The brackets help hold the wire in place and together are responsible for putting pressure on the teeth to guide them into their new positions.

Ligature elastic bands, also called rubber bands are ties that hold the archwires to the brackets. At each appointment, your orthodontist replaces the old elastics with new ones. They also come in a variety of colors.

How do these braces work?

The metal braces use brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. Once they are placed, braces put gentle yet constant pressure on your teeth. This pressure helps move the teeth into their proper positions.

At your monthly appointments, your orthodontist will tighten the archwires to adapt them to their predicted positions. Sometimes, you may also need to wear rubber bands between your upper and lower teeth to provide individual tooth alignment.

Benefits of metal braces

Traditional braces can correct a wide range of dental malalignments such as crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and crossbites, or openbites. 

  • They are highly efficient: As they are made up of metal, metal braces offer greater control and more precise tooth movement, especially in severe misalignment cases. Studies found that metal braces, in comparison with plastic aligners are more effective in treating complex movements like rotation. They also offer greater retention after removal.
  • They ensure better dental health: Metal braces also help improve overall oral health. Misaligned teeth like crowding can cause problems when chewing and swallowing. It can also make it harder for one to properly clean their teeth, making plaque buildup more likely.
  • By correcting misalignment, braces ensure that you are rid of gum disease and tooth decay.
  • They are durable: Metal braces are made of strong materials that are highly durable. The chances of wire breakages are low with metal braces. They are also less likely to become discolored as they use darker materials.
  • They offer a variety of colors: With braces, you can decide how you want your smile to look on any given day. Since orthodontists offer a variety of color options for the elastics, you can customize the color to your liking.
  • They give quick results: Orthodontic treatment with metal-supported braces can last anywhere between one and three years. This type of braces offers quick and lasting results. You will be required to use a retainer that holds your teeth in place after the removal of braces.

Disadvantages of metal braces

Disadvantages of metal braces
  • They require diet restrictions: Another disadvantage to this type of braces is that you will be expected to monitor your diet and oral hygiene more closely than usual. This includes certain food restrictions as well. Eating foods high in sugar, gummy or sticky foods should be avoided. As food can accumulate around your braces or get stuck in your braces, it can lead to plaque buildup on the teeth and cause tooth decay around the metal brackets.
  • They require proper care: Food debris can also accumulate in the nooks and crannies of the metal brackets and wires. Braces may indirectly lead to gum issues and tooth decay problems. Therefore, you must brush your teeth properly when wearing braces.
  • They aren’t aesthetically appealing: One of the prominent disadvantages of metal-frame braces is their appearance. Some people may not prefer having chunky wires in their mouths.  A 2019 study found that many participants preferred the aesthetics of invisible braces compared to conventional metal braces.  
  • They may cause initial discomfort: You may experience discomfort immediately after you get metal braces. As the teeth move, you will feel pressure exerted by the metal components of the braces. This can cause pain and discomfort during this time. Additionally, anecdotal records suggest that the metal parts of braces cause nicks and sores in the mouth.
  • They require regular clinic visits: With braces, you will be expected to visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments. These visits ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned. However, many people may find this tiresome and inconvenient

How to take care of your braces treatment?

Good oral hygiene is crucial when you get braces to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease and to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have braces, you should:

  • Brush and floss your teeth regularly, at least twice a day.
  • Avoid sticky foods like sweets as they can get lodged in your braces.
  • Avoid chewy foods like popcorn or chewing gum.
  • Avoid hard foods like raw vegetables and ice to not damage your braces.
  • Cut hard foods into small, bite-sized pieces.
  • Eat only soft foods like yogurt, pasta, or mashed fruits and vegetables during the first few days following a brace fitting.

Getting braces: the orthodontic process

Getting braces: the orthodontic process

Now that you’ve understood how braces work to straighten your teeth, let’s look at the procedure for getting such a treatment.

The process of getting braces fitted is as follows:

  1. Your orthodontist will prepare the teeth before fitting the braces. They make sure that the tooth surfaces are clean and dry.
  2. An adhesive gel is applied to the surfaces of the teeth where the brackets will be attached.
  3. Each metal bracket is individually bonded to each tooth. They are placed on the front surface of each tooth.
  4. Once the brackets are placed, the archwire is inserted through these brackets and secured using ligature elastics.
  5. After these metal braces are secured, the doctor will make adjustments to ensure that the wire applies adequate pressure to the teeth in the right direction.
  6. You will be provided strict instructions on taking care of your braces and teeth during the course of the treatment.

Retainer

Once you’re done with the braces treatment and you’re off to get them removed, your dentist will ask you to wear retainers to preserve the progress your teeth have made.

Retainers are specialized devices that are designed to keep your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. Since the chances for relapse are exceptionally high after braces treatment, these retainers help prevent the teeth from shifting to their original positions.

They can be made up of clear acrylic, plastic, or wires that fit over your teeth.

Other types of braces

If you aren’t a fan of metal braces, there is a wide variety of braces available based on the mode of action, material, and functional needs.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces, as the name suggests, consist of clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets that are bonded to the tooth surfaces. Since they are less noticeable than metal braces, they may be a preferred choice for young adults and teens. 

Ceramic braces may, however, be more expensive than metal braces, costing anywhere between $4,000 to $8,000.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces. However, the metal brackets are attached to the inside surfaces of the teeth rather than the front surfaces. They are also made of metal but are hardly visible.

Lingual braces

But they are difficult to clean as they sit at the back of the teeth. They are much more expensive than other orthodontic options, costing between $8,000 and $10,000.

Self-ligating braces

These braces are similar to traditional braces. The difference is that instead of using rubber bands to straighten teeth, these braces have an in-built mechanism in the brackets to hold the archwire in place.

It is more expensive than conventional metal braces but less expensive than lingual braces.

Clear aligners like Invisalign

Removable aligners, also called clear braces are made of clear plastic that fits over the teeth and gradually moves teeth into their desired positions. Invisalign, unlike braces, is a clear aligner and therefore less noticeable.

They use 3D imaging and mapping software to predict the outcomes of the treatment process. They are also widely preferred due to their discreet appearance. Invisalign treatment can cost between $4,000 and $7,400.

Do you need braces?

Braces are an orthodontic treatment option that can help fix poorly aligned or crowded teeth. Metal braces are the traditional treatment option for teeth straightening but there are many other options for you to choose from.

Consult your dentist to determine the correct braces for you.

FAQs

How long should you wear braces?

You may need to wear metal braces for an average of 1 to 3 years. However, the length of treatment can vary depending on the severity of your misalignment. Mild overbites can even be fixed within a year. 

How much do braces cost?

Metal braces are an investment. The cost of braces can range from $3,000 to $6,000. You may also be able to cover the cost of braces with health insurance. Each U.S. state may offer varying levels of insurance coverage.

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