Metal Braces

Metal or Traditional Braces

Metal braces are temporary fixtures that an orthodontist puts in place to improve teeth and bite alignment. Dental braces are the appliance that an orthodontist puts in place to improve the alignment of teeth and bite. 

Dental braces are recommended:

1. To correct dental crowding and straighten teeth.
2. Correct bite so that front and back teeth touch uniformly. 
3. To lessen the possibility of any harm to the prominent teeth.

Other medical conditions, such as cleft lip and palate, can also be treated with orthodontics.

The metal braces are bonded or cemented by an orthodontist to the teeth. The braces are joined and kept together by a flexible wire that slips through openings in the brackets. The orthodontist will then secure the wire using tiny bands called ligatures.

Advantages Vs. Disadvantages of Metal Braces

Before deciding on metal braces as your treatment, there are several benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages Include-

• Efficacy

Metal braces, which are metallic fixtures, enable more accurate and controlled tooth movement, especially in difficult and complex scenarios.

According to a study conducted in 2012, Trusted Source observed that metal braces were more successful at treating malocclusions, retention after brace removal, and rotation of the teeth than clear aligners.

• Dental Health

Overall oral health can be improved by braces, which is another advantage.

The issues with swallowing or chewing might result from misaligned teeth. Additionally, the misaligned teeth make them difficult to clean, which increases the likelihood of plaque development and the danger of gum disease.

• Materials

Most braces are made of sturdy materials, and metal braces are particularly long-lasting. Additionally, because the metal braces are made of darker materials, they are less likely to get stains.

• Variety

People undergoing orthodontic treatment can also choose the color or shades of their braces. This option can make patients feel more at ease so they can grin during the procedure.

Drawbacks – 

• Duration

Metal braces treatment can take one to three years. After this period, a retainer that retains the teeth in their new places is typically required. However, this particular brace might not provide the expected outcome in the quickest time frame.

• Diet

It is important to control your diet closely, and oral hygiene is a downside of metal braces.

Consuming sugary foods may cause plaque to accumulate around the metal brackets. The accumulation could eventually result in permanently stained or damaged teeth.

• Appearance

Some people might not like their look with metal braces.

According to research conducted by Trusted Source, several participants picked transparent aligners over traditional braces because of their visual appeal.

• Insurance Coverage

Braces may be covered by health insurance; however, this will vary depending on the insurance companies.

How To Care for Metal Braces

While taking care of braces, good oral hygiene and a balanced diet are essential.

To avoid plaque accumulation and dental disorders like gingivitis, it’s essential to brush your teeth thoroughly when wearing braces.

If you have braces, you should perform the following:

1. Brush at least three times per day, an hour after eating, and on, over, and beneath braces.
2. A person wearing braces should also clean in between their teeth using other appropriate instruments, such as an interdental brush or floss threader. In addition, an orthodontist may offer a specific toothbrush or cleaning instrument to clean the teeth properly.
3. Additionally, patient should avoid chewy, sticky, or hard meals because they can easily harm the braces. Such as chewing gum, popcorn & corn, hard and chewy sweets, nuts, ice, fruits such as apples, raw vegetables, hard bread, or ribs.
4. Any hard meals should be broken up into small, bite-sized pieces in the initial days. Following the brace fitting, the implantee might also discover that soft food is more comfortable. These foods consist of soft bread, yogurt, cooked or canned fruit, pasta, mashed fruits, and vegetables or scrambled eggs.

Metal Braces Vs. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are made of ceramic and come in translucent or tooth-colored varieties. Because they are less noticeable than metal braces, many people may prefer ceramic braces.

Ceramic brackets are less likely to become loose than metal brackets. In addition, ceramic braces are less likely to interfere with MRI scans than metal ones, such as image distortion and signal loss.

Ceramic braces, however, could be more expensive than metal braces.

Additionally, participants with ceramic brackets showed higher enamel demineralization than those with metal brackets.

Metal Braces vs. Invisalign

Contrary to braces, Invisalign uses transparent aligners that are less apparent.

Orthodontists use detachable appliances that resemble mouthguards and do not attach them to the teeth.

Invisalign uses 3D mapping and imaging software to calculate the force needed to shift teeth. The manufacturer then creates customized aligners that look like plastic. 

Treatment with this method typically takes up to 6 months, but in some complicated situations, it may take longer. However, the treatment is often far shorter than the 1-3 years, as with conventional metal braces.

Invisalign treatment was helpful in correcting malocclusions, but according to a 2019 study, the results lagged behind the fixed appliance choices, i.e., metal braces. 

Metal Braces vs. lingual Braces

Lingual braces resemble conventional metal braces in appearance. However, an orthodontist will also place the metal brackets on the back of the teeth.

Lingual braces are rarely perceptible, making them an option for those who prefer invisible braces.

However, they are challenging to clean, as they are located on the back of the teeth. Additionally, because of this positioning, any adjustment during checks takes longer.

Lingual braces may also impact speech and make chewing more difficult, according to research. In addition, because the brackets and wires are placed so close to the tongue, they are sometimes uncomfortable too.

Metal Braces vs. Self-ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are another alternative for orthodontic therapy. These don’t require elastic rubber bands to hold the brackets compared to metal braces.

After every adjustment with metal braces, most patients feel pain or discomfort. Self-ligating braces, on the other hand, adjust continuously and considerably more steadily.

On average, this technique costs more than metal braces but less than lingual braces.

These devices can also provide speedier treatments than metal braces, move teeth more effectively, and necessitate fewer orthodontist visits.

Self-ligating braces are not always appropriate for all forms of orthodontic treatment, so a patient should speak with his/her dentist before considering this treatment.

Braces are an option for orthodontic treatment, which helps align crowded or crooked teeth. The typical method of helping to align such teeth is, using metal braces.

Alternative orthodontic treatments include lingual braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign.

Anyone using braces should make sure they brush their teeth frequently and take care to clean the brackets, wires, and each tooth separately. Plaque and gingivitis are dental disorders that are prevented by regular and careful brushing.

People should also monitor their nutrition to avoid plaque development and brace damage.

The degree of malocclusion and cost are two major elements determining which braces a person should prefer. Make an appointment with an orthodontist at SmileMint Studio, that should be taken to identify the best course of action.