The Ultimate Guide to Metal Braces

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A smile is a powerful thing. In fact, people who smile more tend to live longer lives, have less stress and get promoted more at work.

Most people aren’t born with perfect smiles. If you are looking for straighter teeth, there are orthodontic tools and cosmetic dental work that can help.

One standard tool to achieve a straighter smile is metal braces. Read the handy guide below to learn how metal braces can give you a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth.

Who Benefits From Braces?

Braces can treat many common teeth issues. If you have a crowded mouth or crooked teeth, braces may be a good option for you.

Braces aren’t only used for a straighter smile. Braces help align your upper and lower jaw if they are not in alignment. An aligned jaw and bite can keep your mouth and teeth healthy and strong.

If your jaw is out of alignment, you could be at risk for more serious dental problems. A misaligned jaw can lead to complications like insomnia, infections, and gum disease, to name a few.

Braces can help with more than just mouth health. A crooked smile can create confidence issues, which can impact self-esteem.

Types of Braces

You have several braces options to choose from if you have decided that it is time to straighten your smile.

Metal braces are the most common form of braces. Brackets, wire, and elastics work together to move the teeth and jaw into place gradually.

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but have a different appearance. These brackets match your tooth color and are less noticeable than metal braces.

Lingual braces get cemented behind your teeth instead of on top of them. Although they are invisible, these types of braces can impact your speech.

Plastic aligners are an alternative to braces. An orthodontist will make plastic molds of your teeth. These molds are then changed out until you have an aligned smile.

Although all these choices have their benefits, metal braces can’t be beaten when it comes to popularity.

How Do Metal Braces Work?

Traditional metal braces are not a complex orthodontic procedure.

You will first have metal brackets bonded to each tooth. These brackets are then connected by wires held in place by small colored bands.

Your orthodontist will adjust the wires to put pressure on your teeth. Over time, this pressure will shift your teeth into alignment until you have a straight smile.

Length of Treatment

The length of your treatment can depend on several factors. The average time to wear braces is between one and three years.

This estimate can change if you have a more complex set of problems that your braces address. You can also expect to wear your braces for a longer time if you aren’t following your orthodontist’s instructions.

An orthodontist has to tighten the wire incrementally for metal braces to work. This means that you will be making regular trips to your orthodontist.

Cost of Braces

Metal braces are the most cost-effective and affordable orthodontic option.

There is a wide range of costs for a full braces treatment. A typical set of braces can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000, depending on the complexity of the treatment. If you need more orthodontic work to get your smile straight, your cost will be on the higher end of this scale.

Many dental insurances help cover some or much of the cost of metal braces. Some orthodontists also have payment plans available to help make the cost more manageable.

Advantages of Metal Braces

It is hard to find a better option than metal braces when it comes to tried and true methods. This orthodontic choice does the best job at straightening your teeth, beating out other popular methods.

Braces can be very effective in younger jaws to help correct a bite as they grow. Metal braces are popular among kids ages 8 to 14 years old. Although many younger people have braces, they are an excellent choice for adults, too.

One fun element of braces comes from the bands that hold the wires into place. These bands come in various colors and get changed at each appointment. Changing the color of the bands can be an appealing part of the braces process.

Things to Consider About Braces

When you have metal braces, you’ll have to make sure that you are paying attention to the food that you are eating. Sticky or chewy food can pull the brackets off of your teeth. Wait until your braces come off to eat food like popcorn, gum, or corn on the cob.

Because you will be wearing these braces for many years, you will need to keep up with your dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing each night will help keep your braces in excellent condition.

There can be some discomfort when you first get your braces on. This is because your lips and tongue have to get used to the new hardware in your mouth. Thankfully, there are many remedies to help with the temporary pain.

When you have finished your braces treatment, the next step will be wearing a retainer for a while. This will keep your teeth from moving back to their original position.

Get the Smile You’ve Been Dreaming Of

Even though metal braces are a long commitment, your straight smile and aligned jaw will be worth it.

If you are ready for a straight smile, Castle Pines Orthodontics is here to help. Our friendly team are ready to answer any questions you may have about metal braces.

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