How Do Metal Braces Work?

April 23, 2019 Austin Orthodontics

Out of all of the different types of orthodontic treatment, none is as well-known or widely used as traditional metal braces. This type of treatment has been used for decades, and is still the most effective way to take care of tough corrections in tooth alignment.

How Metal Braces Work

With metal braces, brackets and wires are placed on and around your teeth to create targeted points of pressure. Throughout the course of your treatment, this pressure will move your teeth in specific directions, correcting the alignment of your teeth. Slowly adjusting the pressure over time allows your teeth to acclimate to their new positions and helps to reduce discomfort.

Parts of Metal Braces

To better understand just how your braces are able to give you a straighter, healthier smile, it helps to take a look at each part of metal braces.

  • Brackets: Acting as the base for your braces, these small metal pieces are the most visible parts of metal braces. Brackets are adhered to the middle of the front surface of each tooth using a special dental bonding agent. With self-ligating braces, which is what we use at Austin Orthodontics, each bracket has a little door or gate that holds the archwire in place, eliminating the need for elastic bands around the brackets.
  • Archwire: The archwire connects to each bracket and gets adjusted or replaced as you progress to the next phase in your orthodontic treatment. The slight tension in this wire creates the pressure needed to straighten the teeth.
  • Elastics: Not every set of braces will use this type of elastic band, but they are quite common. Elastic bands run from the upper jaw to the lower jaw and create pressure to fix jaw alignment issues such as overbites and underbites. These elastics are replaced fairly frequently by the patient during the course of their treatment.

Clear Braces

Clear, or ceramic braces, work the same way as metal braces, but are different in a couple respects. Instead of silver brackets, which are quite noticeable, these braces have ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth. Wires are often lighter in color as well, making your treatment less visible, but not any less effective. This treatment option works great for teens and adults who are self-conscious about having braces but need the treatment power they provide.

Are Metal Braces Right for You or Your Child?

With all of these parts working together, metal braces are a very effective way to get a straight smile, and with smaller brackets and updated technology, they are more comfortable than ever. Or for a less visible treatment, ceramic braces are also a great option. To learn more about metal braces, clear braces, or other treatments available, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Briggs and his team at Austin Orthodontics.

 

Posted in BracesTagged , , ,

Invisalign vs. Braces: Deciding Which Is Best for You

Austin Orthodontics

When you visit Austin Orthodontics for your free assessment, Dr. Briggs and his team will gladly go over which orthodontic treatment will achieve you or your child’s desired result. Two of the most common types of orthodontic treatment are Invisalign and braces.

Braces

Still the most effective method of straightening teeth, braces have the capacity to correct some of the most severe orthodontic problems. Braces are made up of brackets adhered to your teeth using dental adhesive. In self-ligating braces, which are used at Austin Orthodontics, archwires are attached to the brackets with little gates and apply corrective pressure to the teeth.

Many patients immediately think of silver, square brackets when they hear the word “braces,” but there are more options today. If patients want their treatment to be less noticeable, they can choose clear, ceramic braces, which work the same as metal braces and can tackle the same issues. Kids and teens can express their personality and sense of style with WildSmiles braces, which offer brackets in several fun shapes.

When it comes to braces, even with the technological advances that have been made, there are still some drawbacks. Your smile will look different over the course of your treatment and you will need to get used to some mild discomfort. You will also need to be careful when choosing what foods to eat and during brushing and flossing.

However, braces are hands down the most affordable option for getting a straight smile and they are the most effective way to treat tough orthodontic issues.

Invisalign

The Invisalign clear aligner system stands out among other types of orthodontic treatment because they don’t stand out when placed on your teeth. The aligners are invisible and removable, allowing you to have an uncluttered smile and zero restrictions on the types of food you can eat during your treatment. Just remember to take your aligners out and put them in a safe place if you are eating or drinking anything other than cold water.

Many people who want to maintain a mature, professional appearance prefer this option since the aligners are undetectable unless inspected up close. Couples approaching their wedding day may prefer this option since they can look at their best on their big day and look back at photos of themselves with clear smiles. Teens can also take advantage of this type of treatment with Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate types of orthodontic adjustments, including some malocclusions. More severe crossbites, overbites, or underbites, along with large gaps and significant rotations, may require braces.

Some patients prefer the consistency and security of having braces on their teeth, while others may value the freedom Invisalign offers and feel confident in their ability to keep track of their aligners. The experts at Austin Orthodontics can discuss the options available and help you choose the best solution for you or your child.  

Posted in Braces, InvisalignTagged , , , ,