Trusted Treatment
You can find modern metal braces at Champlain Orthodontics.
Here's everything you need to know about metal braces, from what they are to how they work to the benefits of modern braces and how long treatment lasts.
What Are Braces Made of?
Metal braces are one of the most common types of braces used in orthodontic treatment. They're made of high-grade stainless steel and consist of brackets, wires, and elastic bands.
These parts work together to move your teeth into the positions Dr. Eaton prescribes. Metal braces apply pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the beautiful positions you hope for.
The brackets are attached to the teeth with a special adhesive, and the archwire is then threaded through the brackets.
The elastic bands are used to hold the archwire in place. As the archwire is adjusted over time, it applies pressure to the teeth, causing them to move into the correct position.
You'll need to come into our office in Williston or St. Albans for regular appointments to adjust your braces and ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
Brackets
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.
Glue
This is what Dr. Eaton will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Eaton 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.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the arch wire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.
Elastics
If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They are 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 backwards 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
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 are not used for everyone.
Spacers
These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They are also referred to as separators.
Metal Braces Reviews
Great experience from start to finish! Amazing staff all the way around. Very happy with everything. They have been great to my child on his experience getting his braces!
We had a great experience with Champlain Orthodontics. I've had two children under their care (one for braces, another with a retainer to adjust teeth positioning). The staff are professional, friendly, good communicators - and they've gone a great job with our kids' teeth!
My experience with Champlain orthodontics was great! They got my braces on and gave me directions that I knew exactly how to follow and my braces journey was so amazing that’s to Champlain orthodontics!
Everyone was so helpful with accepting Jacob as a transfer patient very easy transition and today e got his braces off. He is very happy.Thank you
My daughter got braces and came out happy and excited about them! What more can a parent ask?!
57
Total Reviews
5
Star Average Rating
Metal Braces FAQ
How do braces work?
Before applying the brackets, Dr. Eaton and our team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we'll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.
After the X-Ray and optional scan, the information will be used to help create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.
Dr. Eaton will decide how to place the brackets based on 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.
We will then attach the brackets to your teeth using a special adhesive and thread the archwire through the brackets. Finally, we will place the elastic bands to hold the archwire in place.
The process typically takes 1-2 hours and may cause discomfort or soreness for a few days after the initial placement.
What can I expect from today’s metal braces?
One of the benefits of modern braces is that they are more comfortable and efficient than ever before. The brackets are smaller and less noticeable than in the past, making them more aesthetically pleasing.
Additionally, the archwire technology has improved, allowing for gentler, more efficient tooth movement. Finally, modern braces require fewer adjustments, meaning fewer visits to the Champlain Orthodontics office and less time spent in our chairs.
How long will I be in braces?
The length of braces treatment can vary depending on the person and the severity of their orthodontic problems. On average, at Champlain Orthodontics, we see treatment with metal braces that lasts between 18-24 months.
However, some patients may require more or less time depending on their unique situation. It is important to remember that while treatment may seem lengthy, the end result – a straight, healthy smile – is well worth it.
