Metal braces are devices that are used to straighten and align teeth. They are made of different types of metal alloys and shaped individually for each patient’s teeth. Metal braces apply gentle pressure over time to slowly move teeth into their proper position.
Different Kinds Of Metal Braces can transform your smile. Whether you need minor adjustments or a complete overhaul, the right metal braces will get your teeth where they need to be. Discreet wires and brackets are customized for the specific movements required to achieve your orthodontic goals.
The most common types include Traditional metal braces and self-ligating braces. Traditional metal braces use elastic bands to hold the archwire in place, requiring periodic adjustments. Self-ligating braces feature specialized clips to secure the wire, reducing friction and potentially shortening treatment time. Both types are effective in aligning teeth, but self-ligating braces offer a more comfortable and efficient alternative.
What Are Stainless Steel Braces?
Stainless steel braces are clear or tooth colored braces made of metal alloys. The most common metal used is stainless steel blended with other metals like chromium for strength and corrosion resistance. They are custom fitted to the patient’s teeth by an orthodontist.
Stainless steel braces use fine wire and brackets to apply pressure and slowly move the teeth into proper alignment. Small rubber bands or wires connect each bracket to shift teeth bit by bit. An orthodontist tightens the braces every 4-6 weeks with tiny adjustments to the wire that add up to straightened teeth over months of treatment.
How Do Stainless Steel Braces Work?
Stainless steel braces work through a process called orthodontic tooth movement. The orthodontist attaches brackets and wires to the front and sometimes back teeth. As the wire is tightened and replaced periodically, it applies controlled pressure on the teeth through the brackets.
This pressure stimulates the body’s natural tooth movement process. The bones and tissues that hold the teeth in place gradually break down on the pressure side and build up on the opposite side. Over frequent office visits, this process reshapes the jaw and slowly shifts each tooth into the right position.
With stainless steel braces, Different Types Of Braces Brackets the light constant pressure yields gradual tooth movement for effective but comfortable treatment. Patients see improvements each month as the wire is adjusted.
Benefits Of Stainless Steel Braces
5 benefits of stainless steel braces in short 2-3 sentence paragraphs
- They are durable. Stainless steel braces can withstand the constant wear and pressure inside the mouth for the duration of treatment without cracking or breaking.
- Treatment is effective. Using controlled force over regular visits, stainless steel braces can properly align both arches at once for a healthy bite with beautiful straight teeth.
- They are affordable. Stainless steel is a cost-effective option that most insurance plans will cover partially, making them a reasonable choice price-wise.
- Adjustments are simple. With standard wire and brackets, orthodontists can easily tighten and tweak stainless steel braces every 4-6 weeks to gradually shift teeth into place.
- Long lasting results. Once treatment is complete, patients enjoy their beautiful straightened smile for years thanks to the durable correction achieved through wearing quality steel braces.
What Is The Cost Of Stainless Steel Braces?
The national average cost of stainless steel braces in the United States ranges between $3,000-$7,000 depending on your location and individual dental care needs. Braces with additional treatments or services may cost more.
Orthodontists usually offer payment plans that break up the costs over the duration of treatment, which typically lasts 12-24 months. Upfront full payments may get a small discount. Keeping appointments on schedule helps avoid extra fees from extending treatment time.
Insurance coverage for orthodontic work varies greatly between plans. Some provide partial coverage for metal braces, which can take a sizable chunk off large bills. Others may only cover children or limit lifetime orthodontic dollar amounts per person. It’s best to check coverage details before braces.
While costly initially, stainless steel braces generally prove an affordable way to perfect a smile in the long run versus alternatives. Their benefits often continue for years after treatment ends.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Stainless Steel Braces?
Most people between the ages of early teens to early adulthood are good candidates for stainless steel braces. This includes those with minor to moderate teeth crowding or spacing issues.
As long as a patient has healthy gums and teeth without severe underlying problems like jaw abnormalities, metal braces can effectively align their smile. Older patients seeking refinement of braces from their youth may also benefit.
An orthodontist will examine dental health, jaw structure, bite, and how teeth came together after losing baby teeth during an initial examination. They assess if braces will meet individual treatment goals within the timeframes needed.
Are Aesthetic Metal Braces Better Than Traditional Braces?
Aesthetic metal braces, also known as lingual or hidden braces, are placed behind the teeth rather than in front. They aim to be more discreet than conventional braces.
Because they are less visible from the front, aesthetic metal braces may be preferable for older patients self-conscious about appearances. Adults in public-facing jobs could benefit from their subtlety.
However, lingual braces can pose more challenges for orthodontists to install. They are more expensive initially and adjustments may take longer visits. Comfort can be an issue as braces exert pressure inside the mouth.
While less noticeable from the front, the brackets still present somewhat behind the teeth. Some brackets or wires may occasionally be seen depending on an individual’s bite. Traditional braces remain the most direct treatment option.
Do Aesthetic Metal Braces Use Different Materials?
Most aesthetic metal braces still rely predominantly on standard orthodontic materials like stainless steel and nickel titanium alloys. Stainless steel wires apply the necessary pressure for tooth movement.
However, lingual orthodontics may use special brackets and tubes designed to fit conveniently behind the teeth. These attachments have tiny holes and bezels custom made during CAD/CAM 3D printing for maximum comfort and effectiveness out of view.
Other materials occasionally added include beta titanium for archwires and color alterations like tooth-colored ceramics added to bracket mesh screens. Overall though, the underlying functioning of aesthetic braces comes down to strategic placement of traditional metals behind the smile.
Are Aesthetic Metal Braces More Comfortable Than Stainless Steel?
The verdict is still mixed on whether aesthetic metal braces feel better than traditional braces. As the brackets and wires are situated behind the teeth, they avoid direct contact with the tongue and inner lips.
But the tight spaces inside the mouth mean lingual braces require much more precise adjustments. They can potentially irritate gum tissues more during the initial alignment phase. Wires may still occasionally poke fingers or cheeks too during eating.
Many orthodontists say patients adapt to the subtle feelings within a few weeks with both options. Slight disadvantages of one may be offset by motivations like discretion. Overall comfort resembles more individual tolerance for orthodontic pressure than bracket location alone.
Can Aesthetic Metal Braces Be Less Visible Than Traditional Braces?
Yes, aesthetic metal braces aim to be noticeably less visible than conventional braces up front. With brackets and wires maneuvered to the back of the teeth, the white glittering brackets are hidden from view face-on.
Some orthodontists claim lingual braces can be up to 75% undisclosed depending on a person’s bite, smile, and teeth sizes. Their subtlety allows confidence without obvious metal mouth appliances showing constantly.
However, experts say the modesty advantage depends on individual tooth and jaw anatomy. Wires may still be somewhat discerned for some. The A-B difference closes with bigger smiles exposing brackets partially. Overall lingual braces provide discreetness, just not total invisibility.
Are Aesthetic Metal Braces More Expensive Than Traditional Braces?
Generally, yes – aesthetic metal braces carry a higher price tag than standard metal braces which are displayed in front. Average costs for lingual orthodontics can range from $5,000 to $8,000 compared to $3,000 to $5,000 for conventional braces.
Their added expense comes from requiring more planning, customized brackets, and difficulty of installation. Adjustment sessions may take orthodontists longer to access the hidden wires and brackets too.
However, insurance coverage and dental plans may reimburse similar amounts for both options if they cover orthodontics. Some argue hidden braces are ultimately more affordable than spending even more on veneers or gum lifts after conventional treatment.
The higher up-front investment could eventually balance out for those self-conscious about visible braces. Overall cost-benefit depends on budgets, treatment complexity, and importance of discretion to individual patients.
Braces Beyond Steel And Aesthetics
While stainless steel remains a standard material, braces now come in various materials like titanium and ceramic too. Titanium is very strong yet light, meaning braces can be less noticeable. Ceramic is tooth colored for maximum aesthetics.
New 3D printing even allows for customized clear plastic aligners made from a molds of patients’ teeth shapes. Materials continue expanding options beyond just metal.
Are There Braces Made Of Titanium Or Ceramic?
Yes, orthodontists now use titanium and ceramic based braces more often. Titanium has a silvery chrome color but is non-allergenic and four times stronger than steel. It uses thinner, less visible wires than stainless steel.
Ceramic braces are popular for aesthetics with a natural tooth look. Though more brittle than metal, improvements made them suitable for most patients. Both titanium and ceramic ease anxiety about less than perfect white smiles during treatment.
Do Lingual Braces Place The Wires Behind The Teeth?
Exactly. Lingual or hidden braces rearrange the standard brace system to position tiny brackets and archwires on the backsides of teeth instead of front. This placements aims to disguise braces from view for comfort and professionalism.
The wires connect bracket slots behind each tooth in both arches. Installation requires skillfully maneuvering attachments into extremely tight inner mouth spaces. Adjustments also take longer with limited access. But their reserve greatly pleases self-conscious patients.
What Clear Aligner Therapy Is An Alternative To Metal Braces?
Clear aligners provide discrete straightening through customized plastic molds that discreetly shift teeth without wires or brackets. The Invisalign system pioneered this treatment approach.
An orthodontist takes dental impressions to create a series of nearly invisible aligners. Patients swap out one set for the next every 1-2 weeks over months as their teeth slowly move. Compliance matters, but aligners prove effective for minor misalignments.
They boast convenience without daily metal apparatus in the mouth. However, more substantial tooth movement typically still requires traditional braces first for best results.
Can Braces Be Used To Treat Underbite Or Overbite Issues?
Yes, orthodontists regularly use braces not just to close gaps but correct under or overbites which impact proper chewing and jaw joint health long term. Metal braces strategically pull teeth and bite into optimal alignment.
Headgear or other appliances paired with braces Treat underbites through low-pull forces. Overbites often employ an expander to widen the palate first. Corrected bites not only enhance appearance but ensure pain free eating and speaking for a lifetime.
Choosing The Right Braces For You
With modern options, orthodontists work with patients’ individual desires and needs for comfortable, discrete or lasting results to pick the right appliance approach and target completion timeframe. They balance factors like…
How Do Orthodontists Determine The Best Braces?
Orthodontists thoroughly examine the mouth, teeth, bite, jaw growth and structure to determine the severity and specifics of any misalignment. They also consider a patient’s functional, aesthetic and longevity desires to select the treatment best fitting individual goals and lifestyle within a reasonable timeframe.
Factors Do They Consider For Treatment Plans And Braces Selection
| Factor | Consideration |
| Extent of misalignment | How severe is the crowding, spacing or jaw issues? This impacts treatment approach. |
| Required force | How much pressure will be needed to properly move the teeth into place? |
| Dental health status | Any cavities or issues must be addressed before starting braces. |
| Patient compliance | Will they reliably wear rubber bands and follow the orthodontist’s instructions? |
| Aesthetic preferences | Will traditional or lingual braces provide the desired discreteness? |
| Cost and coverage | What does treatment cost and how much is covered by insurance? Payment plans can spread costs. |
| Timeline | Based on the case, how long will it take to achieve the ideal smile? 12-24 months is typical. |
Do They Assess Bite, Jaw Alignment And Crowding Issues?
Careful analysis of a patient’s unique oral issues drives orthodontic treatment planning. Doctors observe existing overbites, underbites or crossbites that impact function and may develop health issues if left uncorrected. They evaluate tooth crowding severity and jaw alignment, such as retrognathic or protrusive profiles affecting aesthetics and stability.
Do They Evaluate The Budget And Expected Treatment Length?
Financial considerations along with the projected duration of treatment help determine practical orthodontic solutions. Doctors estimate budget impacts like insurance coverage amounts versus total projected costs. They formulate a timeline factoring in the degree of correction and realistic rate of movement for each patient’s case towards the best outcome within approximated 12-24 month windows on average.
How Do Orthodontists Get Patient Input On Braces Aesthetics?
During consultations, orthodontists involve patients in choosing options by discussing visibility preferences. Do they desire conventional braces, lingual braces behind teeth or even clear aligners? Doctors can demonstrate mini-braces and provide before/after examples so motivation matches appliance selection for treatment satisfaction and completion.
Questions To Ask Your Orthodontist About Braces
When considering braces, people have questions. Will they be conspicuous or subtle? How comfortable – will eating pose difficulty? Exactly how long until straight, healthy smiles? Cost implications matter too – does insurance cover procedures? The following questions help patients decide.
Will The Braces Be Visible Or Discreet?
This guides options like traditional versus lingual placement. Doctors frankly discuss any constraints anatomy may place on discretion. Understanding visibility gives informed choice and expectations.
How Comfortable Will They Be To Eat And Speak With?
Comfort level impacts quality of life during treatment. Doctors prepare patients on factors like self-consciousness easing over time with adaptability. Potential early wire adjustments or bite turbances aim for support.
What Is The Expected Treatment Duration?
Realistic timeframes help commitment, especially if noncompliant wear hinders. Doctors accurately estimate 12-24 month durations on average barring unforeseen complications. Marking progress keeps patients motivated throughout.
How Much Will The Specific Type Of Braces Cost?
Transparency about fees factoring insurance coverage helps decision making. Payment plans spread costs fairly to most budgets over the anticipated treatment term.
What Are The Long Term Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatment?
Straight, well-aligned teeth not only enhance self-esteem but protect dental health into maturity and later years through a balanced bite, lack of trapping areas for plaque and easier professional cleaning. Patients gain perspective on lifetime advantages beyond initial aesthetics.
Term Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatment
5 short term benefits of orthodontic treatment
- Improves appearance. Straight teeth bring confidence with an aligned smile showing during treatment.
- Prevents further issues. Braces halt worsening problems like overbites that could lead to dental or jaw problems later on if unaddressed.
- Easier cleaning. As teeth shift, flossing and brushing become more effective at removing plaque and preventing cavities from forming.
- Relief from discomfort. Misaligned bites that caused headaches, jaw pain or tooth sensitivity find relief as teeth are corrected into their proper positions.
- Bite gets optimized. Over time, braces realign the upper and lower teeth so they meet together smoothly for comfortable, efficient chewing and biting of all food textures.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the different types of metal braces?
There are traditional metal braces, self-ligating metal braces, and lingual braces made of metal.
Which type of braces are best?
The best type of braces depends on individual needs and preferences, but traditional metal braces are often recommended for their effectiveness and affordability.
What type of braces are faster?
Generally, self-ligating metal braces tend to provide faster results compared to traditional ones due to their design allowing for quicker adjustments.
Which type of braces are most common today?
Traditional metal braces remain the most common type due to their reliability, effectiveness, and affordability.
When Do Orthodontists Recommend Each Kind?
They consider clinical needs, budget and whether visibility concerns outweigh potential extra cost or inconvenience of certain materials.
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way from only using basic stainless steel wiring. There are now several excellent options available to patients that are made from different materials. Metal braces effectively straighten teeth but exploring alternatives provides greater choice.
While stainless steel remains the gold standard, titanium and ceramic have grown in popularity. Lingual braces offer discreteness behind the smile. Considering one’s specific preferences, needs and budget helps orthodontists recommend the very best solution. In the end, the various kinds of metal braces all aim to deliver healthy, beautiful smiles.
