Metal Braces
Strong and Reliable
Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics. These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues.
These aren’t your daddy’s braces! Looking to bring the bling? We’ve got you covered! At All Star Family Orthodontics you may choose metal braces, which are the most popular type of braces! Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using cutting-edge, space aged technology, brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you also have the option of adding colors for a more unique smile that showcases your true personality.
What are braces made of?
Brackets
Glue
The brackets are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.
Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
This is what Dr. Vives will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Wire
Elastics
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Vives will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.
The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
f you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook. This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.
We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.
Orthodontic Bands
Spacers
These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they’re not used for everyone.
These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They’re also referred to as separators.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.