Metal Braces

Metal braces are a traditional orthodontic treatment used to correct a wide range of dental issues, such as misaligned teeth, overcrowding, gaps, and bite irregularities. They consist of metal brackets that are glued to the front of each tooth and connected by a thin wire, known as the archwire. This wire is periodically tightened by our Dunn orthodontist, Dr. Barnes, to gradually move the teeth into the desired position.

Metal braces are known for their durability and effectiveness in treating complex orthodontic cases. Despite being more visible than clear aligners, they remain a popular choice due to their reliability and the precision with which they can correct severe dental misalignments. Modern advancements have made metal braces more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, with options for colored bands to personalize the appearance.

Individuals with complex orthodontic issues are often better candidates for braces over aligners. This includes those with severe overcrowding, large gaps, high canines, significant bite issues (such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite), or those requiring more substantial tooth movements or rotations.

Braces offer a level of precision and control that is sometimes necessary for correcting these complex dental problems. Dr. Barnes can provide a thorough examination and determine the most effective treatment plan for your smile.

For patients who participate in contact sports, have lower compliance rates, or have specific dental conditions that aligners cannot address, opting for braces in Dunn, NC, might be the preferred option. Braces are also beneficial for younger patients who might not have the discipline to wear aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day.

Metal braces are primarily made of high-grade stainless steel, which provides strength and durability to withstand the forces needed to move teeth into alignment. The brackets, which attach to the front of each tooth, and the archwire, which connects all the brackets, are the main components made from this material.

Modern braces may also incorporate other materials; for example, the ties that hold the wire to the brackets can be made of metal or colored elastic bands, adding a personal touch to the treatment.

Some braces have nickel-titanium wires, which are known for their ability to maintain constant pressure on the teeth over a longer period, reducing the need for frequent adjustments. This combination of materials ensures that metal braces are both effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues and durable enough to last throughout the treatment period.

It's a common concern, but generally, metal braces do not set off metal detectors! The amount of metal used in braces is quite small and is typically not enough to trigger the sensitivity thresholds of most metal detectors used in airport security, courthouses, or other security checkpoints. These devices are calibrated to detect larger amounts of metal, such as weapons or large metal objects.

However, on rare occasions, highly sensitive metal detectors might pick up on the metal in braces, but this is not common. If you are ever stopped at a security checkpoint because of your braces, simply explain the situation. We can provide a note or card confirming the presence of dental braces if you anticipate needing to pass through highly sensitive detectors frequently.

Invisalign and similar clear aligner systems are often grouped under the broader category of orthodontic treatments but are not considered to be braces. Unlike metal braces that use brackets and wires, clear aligners use a series of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit over the teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. While both Invisalign and traditional braces aim to achieve the same outcome - correcting misaligned teeth and improving oral health - they do so through different mechanisms. Aligners are particularly popular among adults and teens looking for a less noticeable alternative to metal braces.

The speed of treatment with braces vs Invisalign can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case. Traditional metal braces are often perceived as being faster for complex orthodontic issues due to the constant force they apply and their ability to perform more complex tooth movements.

Aligners, while effective for many cases, may take longer for certain alignments due to the nature of the removable aligners and the need for patient compliance in wearing them for the recommended 22 hours per day. However, for mild to moderate cases, Invisalign can be just as efficient as braces.

The exact duration of treatment with either method depends on individual factors, so Dr. Barnes can provide the most accurate treatment timeline based on your specific case.

Generally, traditional metal braces can be more cost-effective than Invisalign and other clear aligner brands. The price difference stems from the manufacturing and material costs associated with clear aligners, as well as the proprietary technology used to plan and monitor treatment.

However, the total cost of any orthodontic treatment, including braces or clear aligners, varies widely depending on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment.

Braces can cause discomfort, especially following the initial placement and during adjustments when the wires are tightened. This discomfort is typically described as a feeling of pressure or soreness and usually subsides within a few days as the mouth adjusts to the braces.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and oral anesthetics can help manage any pain. The discomfort experienced with braces is a normal part of the orthodontic movement process and is an indication that the braces are working to align the teeth properly. Dr. Barnes can offer tips and strategies to minimize discomfort and ensure that the treatment process is as comfortable as possible for patients.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. With braces, it's important to brush after every meal and snack to remove food particles and plaque from around the brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with a special orthodontic head designed to clean around braces. Flossing daily with a floss threader or using an interdental brush to get between the braces and under the wires is also essential. Additionally, a fluoride mouthwash can help prevent cavities and white spots on the teeth.

It's advisable to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage the brackets and wires or become stuck. This includes foods like popcorn, nuts, hard candies, gum, and chewy candy. It's also best to avoid biting directly into hard foods like apples or carrots; instead, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.

Sugary and acidic drinks, such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice, should be consumed in moderation to prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion.

It's highly recommended to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth from injury during contact sports or activities that pose a risk of impact to the face. For musicians who play wind or brass instruments, there may be an initial adjustment period to playing comfortably with braces, but this typically improves with practice.

Does getting braces hurt?

The initial process is painless, but you may feel pressure or mild soreness after adjustments. Don’t worry, it fades quickly! People often compare it to “sore muscles after gym class.”