Metal braces are the most popular and widely used type due to their simplicity and design. They contain stainless steel bands, brackets, elastics, and wires that shift teeth over time.
Take this online diagnosis and identify the issue with your teeth
Bite:
Can achieve perfect results
Treatment:
Orthodontist in complete control of tooth movement
Visibility:
Visible
Movement:
Can move teeth with no limitations
Eating:
Minor restrictions like no hard candy
Speech:
Minor interference but gets better with time.
Colour:
Stainless steel but you can colour your braces by using different coloured elastics that fit around the brackets.
More about metal braces
Metal braces are universally recognised as a tried and tested solution for orthodontic treatments and have maintained their status as a go-to solution for common dental issues.
Metal braces used to be bulky and uncomfortable. However, orthodontic improvements have transformed them, making them more comfortable and less noticeable.
They are made from high-grade stainless steel. During installation, they are attached to each tooth with a glue substance. Each bracket is then linked to the next bracket using an archwire. The wires are fastened to the brackets using elastics.
The treatment typically involves checkups every 4 weeks with an orthodontist who may replace the wire with a new one to gradually move the teeth. Each time the wire is replaced, a thicker wire is used so that the teeth shift into the shape of the archwire. These gradual changes ensure the teeth become more aligned over time.
Metal braces are not removable and remain fixed to the teeth throughout the treatment. This has the benefit that the patient cannot remove them. Therefore, the treatment period is often shorter when compared to removable braces like clear aligners which are removable.
Oral health must be maintained during treatment to ensure the teeth remain healthy and that no cavities are introduced throughout the treatment. Flossing is highly recommended for maintaining a clean mouth during the treatment.
Advantages
- Metal braces are good at fixing many orthodontic issues.
- They do not interfere with speech.
- Patients can choose from a variety of elastic colours to personalise their braces.
- Metal braces remain fixed on the teeth and thus ensure the patient cannot remove them during the treatment - This ensures that teeth are under consistent gentle pressure and this shortens the treatment period.
- Metal braces are the most affordable option.
Disadvantages
- Brushing and flossing are more challenging because you cannot remove the braces. Flossing is tricky because you must floss below and above the archwire for every tooth.
- Metal braces are more visible when smiling and talking.