Traditional Metal Braces

Metal braces have been in use since 400 to 300 BC! Modern orthodontics were developed and improved in the 1600 and 1700s. Not much changed with traditional metal braces until the 20th century. The metal braces available today are not the same as the braces your parents had to wear.

How Traditional Metal Braces Work

Metal braces use a principle of physics known as tension to create the force necessary to shift teeth. Let’s break that down.

The process begins with the doctor affixing small brackets to each tooth with dental bonding. The archwire threads through each bracket. As the doctor tightens the archwire, they lock it into the bracket to maintain the tension. Over time, the tension created by the archwire pulls your teeth into alignment. Each time the doctor adjusts your braces, your teeth shift closer to that dream smile you want.

Types of Metal Braces and Other Options

Most metal braces are made with stainless steel and titanium. However, some orthodontists also offer gold brackets. One of the other options available is colored elastics for your braces. Elastics are used to hold the archwire in place on each bracket. You can dress up your brackets with your favorite team colors, unique holiday colors, or even match your Homecoming outfit!

Dr. Albert Lucas also offers InBrace®, the only genuinely invisible bracket-and-wire-style braces. These unique custom brackets attach to the backs of your teeth. The archwire, or Smartwire™, is locked into the self-ligating brackets. With placement behind your teeth, no one will be able to see your braces. The uniquely shaped Smartwire means that you don’t have to thread dental floss through the wire, making oral hygiene easier.

Cost of Metal Braces

The average cost of braces ranges from $3,000 to $7,500, with most cases falling in the $4,500 to $5,000 area. The reason for the variance is that the cost is the result of several factors:

• Degree of correction needed
• Length of the treatment plan
• Location (braces are less expensive in rural areas)
• Age of the patient (older patients tend to require more extended treatment periods)
• Type of braces (InBrace are more costly than traditional metal braces)

Other factors that may help lower or offset some of the costs associated with braces are insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Although insurance probably won’t cover the entire cost, it may offer a significant amount to defray the total cost. HSAs all have different rules, but some allow the funds for orthodontic work.

How Long Do You Wear Braces?

You may wear braces for as little as three to six months for minor alignment corrections. Unfortunately, that is not the norm for most patients. Treatment typically lasts for 12 to 18 months for most patients with traditional metal braces.

Every treatment plan is different. Treatment duration depends on how severe the original alignment issues are. Braces correct minor problems quicker than complex issues. Other factors that may extend the treatment period are not performing oral hygiene correctly and not following the list of foods to avoid.

Advantages of Metal Braces

When it comes to orthodontic appliances, braces have the longest track record. There are centuries of documented cases where braces have effectively and efficiently corrected misaligned smiles. Some other advantages include:

• Lower cost than Invisalign and different treatment types
• Effective on almost every alignment problem
• Work to help you chew and swallow correctly
• Avoid trauma to teeth due to misalignment
• Allow the doctor to make minor adjustments for significant results
• Bonded to your teeth — no lost trays
• Improve confidence and self-esteem

The smaller brackets and colored elastics braces mean we no longer hear “Metal Mouth!” taunts in school hallways. Now, when a student has braces, the schoolyard voices rise in a chorus of, “What colors did you get?”

Disadvantages of Metal Braces

There is also a downside or a list of disadvantages. For metal braces that includes:

• Very noticeable
• Include dietary restrictions
• Periodic adjustments are necessary
• Oral hygiene is difficult

Even with the drawbacks, the benefits of having braces treatment can be life-changing.

Contact Lucas Orthodontics to Discuss Braces

Lucas Orthodontics is your local authority for braces, InBRACE, and Invisalign. If you want to discover your dream smile, contact our scheduling coordinator at:

Pembroke Pines — (954) 787-3052
Plantation — (954) 787-3849

New patients may use the online forms to schedule appointments at either Pembroke Pines or Plantation.