METAL BRACES

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces are the ideal solution for many patients in need of orthodontic treatment to correct a wide variety of dental issues such as tooth misalignment, bite pattern problems, overbites, under-bites, tooth crowding, and more.

Modern metal braces are more comfortable, faster, and easier to manage than ever before, and provide patients with the fantastic results they want. Getting started with braces is simple for patients of all ages, from teens to mature adults, so contact Georgian Dental today to arrange for your first appointment and learn more.

Benefits of Metal for Braces

Why Choose Metal Braces?

As the most common type of braces that are used by orthodontists all over the world, metal braces are a simple and effective way to achieve the correction of tooth positions that would otherwise adversely affect the dental health and well-being of the patient. This can include such conditions as the misalignment of teeth in the jaw, crowding of teeth, over or under-bites, and other types of tooth alignment problems that may impact the patients’ speech patterns or ability to chew efficiently. If left untreated, these conditions can progress to more serious dental health problems or begin to negatively impact the patients overall health and well-being.

Metal braces have been a standard orthodontic treatment for many years, and their design has been continually improved and refined to provide greater comfort for the patient and faster treatment timelines. Technology has helped orthodontists to deliver a better overall experience for their patients with metal braces, and the results certainly speak for themselves. Patients who receive orthodontics at Georgian Dental consistently report extremely high levels of satisfaction with the results they obtain from metal braces.

Many patients also enjoy how metal braces allow them to add a little personality to their smiles by customizing the colours of their elastics, also known as the ligatures. Patients can select elastics in virtually any colour and any combination. Plus, each time your orthodontist performs an adjustment, you can select a totally new combination if you want to change things up. It can be very fun to coordinate your smile with seasonal trends and holidays, your favourite sports teams, or just your personal favourite colours. For patients who prefer a more subtle look, clear or white elastics are available, too.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE

How Long Do I Have to Wear my Braces?

How Long Do Metal Braces Take?

The exact duration of your orthodontic treatment can be tough to predict before you have your first consultation, but most people achieve their goal of straighter teeth within about 12-24 months. However, if only a minor adjustment is required, it could be a little less than that. In other cases where more significant movement is required, the process could take a little longer. The best way to get an accurate estimate on how long it may take to complete your orthodontic treatment is to arrange for an appointment at Georgian Dental to speak directly with an orthodontist and have all your questions answered.

Remember that everyone’s mouth is unique, so the final number of visits will vary.

Are Metal Braces Faster Than Other Types Of Braces?

The speed of orthodontic treatment is not always determined solely by the braces themselves. In some instances, the duration of treatment is dependent on how the teeth need to move within the jaw rather than what type of braces are used to achieve the objective. Nevertheless, there are situations where metal braces do offer faster results than other types.

Furthermore, because the parts of metal braces can be custom-made, shaped, and formed to precisely accommodate unusual situations, they are able to treat the widest range of orthodontics cases, and for some patients metal braces are the only viable option.

MATERIALS

Types Of Brackets For Metal Braces

When it comes to the appearance of your braces, it may surprise you to learn there are many styles of brackets that can be selected from, each with a different look due to the materials used in their construction. In addition to the standard metal brackets that are the most common type for braces, there are several other types your orthodontist may offer if you prefer a less noticeable appearance. Let’s explore each of these types of brackets in a bit more detail.

Stainless Steel – The standard material used in the brackets, bands, and wires of metal braces, as well as in many other dental tools and equipment, is stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, durable, corrosion-resistant, and affordable, making it an ideal material for a wide array of orthodontic treatment applications. The ability for stainless steel arch wires to be shaped into virtually any configuration, and still retain the inherent strength and stability to perform the necessary function.

Titanium-Nickel & Cobalt-Chromium – In recent years, advanced metal alloys have become increasingly common in place of traditional stainless steel for use in orthodontic appliances such as brackets, bands, and arch wires. Alloys such as titanium-nickel and cobalt-chromium are similar to stainless steel in terms of appearance, however the physical properties of these alloys offer distinct advantages. For example, they have the benefits of higher strength-to-weight ratios and reduced static and kinetic friction properties when compared to stainless steel, which studies have shown to provide higher comfort levels for patients.

Other Types Of Braces Brackets & Materials

Plastic and Resin – In some cases, a specialized plastic or resin material may be used in some braces components, however these materials do not offer the same level of strength or durability as some other materials.

Ceramic – Advanced dental ceramics are a popular option for many patients who need braces. These high-strength composites are often made to mimic natural tooth colour shades, so they provide a less noticeable appearance.

Sapphire – Braces can be made using synthetic sapphire material, which has the advantage of being completely transparent. Sapphire material will not stain or discolour from foods or drinks for the duration of treatment.

Self-Ligating – These specialized metal brackets are different from other types, as they do not rely on elastic ligatures to hold the arch wires. Instead, they utilize a mechanical sliding design to hold the arch wire in place.

Lingual – Unlike other types of braces, lingual brackets are affixed to the inside surfaces of the teeth as opposed to the outside. They are not as visible as typical braces, but can be more expensive and have longer treatment times.

FINANCIALS

How Much Do Metal Braces Cost?

Much in the same way that it can be difficult to estimate exactly how long the treatment time for a particular patient will be without first having an initial consultation, it is hard to say precisely what the total cost of treatment will be for your specific needs.

Nevertheless, most orthodontic treatments using metal braces range from about $3000 to $5000. This value can change depending on the extent of the movement needed to properly align the teeth, and the specific type of braces used in your treatment.

For a more accurate cost estimate, contact Georgian Dental today to arrange for your first visit and evaluation with one of our orthodontists.

OTHER OPTIONS

Metal vs Other Braces

Even though there are several different types of orthodontics to choose from that are less visible than metal braces, there are many excellent reasons why metal braces are still preferred for a diverse range of patient cases.

For instance, as metal braces are the most common style, there are countless valuable resources available to help educate and inform patients on how to properly care for their braces, what to expect from the course of treatment, and provide tips and advice on how to make the most from the experience. This isn’t to say that other types of braces are not excellent choices as well, because they are, but metal braces are every bit as good a choice as any other type.

To truly find out which type of braces are best for you, it’s essential to have an open and honest discussion with your orthodontist so they can recommend the orthodontics that are most suited for your lifestyle, and will provide the optimum outcome for you.