Traditional metal braces are what most people envision when they think of braces and are still by far the most popular option. In recent years, there have been significant technological advancements in these types of braces. These advancements help to decrease their size and thickness while providing for better comfort and hygiene.

Natural

We utilize advanced wide and natural archwires that best develop the smile.

Effective

Can't be removed, which means an uninterrupted and predictable treatment.

FUN

Create new looks by changing the color elastics!

At our practice, patients often decide to use traditional metal braces to improve the appearance of their smile or to solve a health issue related to misaligned teeth — or both! Whether you are considering straightening your teeth for cosmetic or health-related reasons, they are both equally important to your overall well-being. And in both cases, metal braces can be a great option.

Traditional metal braces are one of the most effective treatments for orthodontic issues like biting problems and crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth. Left untreated, these can not only affect your confidence, but also cause functional problems and lead to other health issues, such as cavities, gum disease, migraines, and TMJ.

Metal braces are one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to align teeth and develop a better bite. That is why they are a great alternative for kids, teens, and adults.

How Do Braces Work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr.Ravina will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we will use our iTero scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 5-10 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and digital scan, the information will help create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to move in order to get it in the best possible position.

Dr.Ravina will decide how to place the brackets using this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Brackets Attached

Once the brackets are on, Dr.Ravina will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

For example, a bend can help a tooth that is twisted to turn and face the right way, or aligning one tooth that is too far forward with one that is too far back. This process of tooth movement uses remodelling, and it involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth.

Want to know more about the science behind remodelling? When pressure is put on the tooth, cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts form around the tooth’s root. The pressure of the wire and the osteoblasts and osteoclasts together create a negative pressure on one side of your tooth.

At this site, bone is removed. On the other side of the tooth, bone is reformed. The tooth will then slowly move into the correct position as pressure is put on the tooth and the bone of the tooth and the jaw is remodelled.

This process is only able to occur if constant pressure is put on your tooth. As bone is absorbed on one side and then replaced on the other side, the tooth can move. Once the pressure stops - like when we remove your braces - the tooth will begin to settle into its new position.

However, most teeth will start to drift back to their old positions over time. This is why you will be given a retainer. When worn properly, a retainer will help keep your teeth in their new, improved positions and prevent natural drifting.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.