Metal Braces

Before applying the brackets, we 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.

Your orthodontist 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.

Once the brackets have been attached, your orthodontist will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

For example, a bend can help a tooth that is twisted to turn and face the right way, or aligning one tooth that is too far forward with one that is too far back. This process of tooth movement is called remodeling, and it involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth.

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious, but because of modern orthodontics, you will benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before.

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you will have less irritation in your mouth.

Traditional metal braces also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost - you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in a wide variety of colors that let you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, even your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can close gaps and align teeth faster than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.

Metal braces are a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!

This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every smile is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment time with metal braces will be different for every case.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual. We have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.

While it takes some adjustment, metal braces generally become part of your day-to-day life, and most people quickly adapt to having braces. So, it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s advice about some minor lifestyle changes to ensure your metal braces keep doing their job and your treatment stays on track:

• Sports: Wear a mouthguard, particularly for contact sports. Good news: We’ll custom-make you one for free.
• Playing Musical Instruments: Some of our musical patients find that using the orthodontic wax we supply can help ease discomfort while playing.
• Eating: Sticky, hard, or overly chewy foods can damage your braces, so avoid them.
• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more crucial with braces.
• Speaking:You may notice a slight difference in your speech when your braces are first bonded, but this is temporary.

Generally, no, braces do not hurt. You may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately after you first get them, which is completely normal and easily managed.

Use a saltwater rinse to help relieve the temporary soreness by dissolving a single teaspoon of salt in a full cup of lukewarm water and swishing it around your mouth for a few minutes. If the soreness persists, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you experience lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, the wax we provide you can alleviate the problem quickly.

As members of families who work hard to manage expenses, we’re very aware of how important it is to answer this question. Unfortunately, in Lewisville or anywhere else, there really isn’t a definitive answer about how much metal braces cost because it depends so much on the individual patient’s needs.

That’s partly why your initial consult is free — so we can talk through your unique situation, optimize your insurance benefits (we’re in-network for most every plan), apply any special discounts you may be eligible for, and find a payment plan that works for your budget.

In other words, our goal is to make treatment affordable for everyone who needs it. You can count on us to provide a detailed plan that includes all costs, whether they’re included as part of treatment or optional. There are no “bait and switch” tactics here. We work hard to earn your trust, and that’s simply no way to start a trusting relationship!

Absolutely! Explore our ceramic (clear) braces page here, and learn more about Invisalign® Aligners as well. Many of our patients love the added flexibility you get with clear aligners, and the cost is roughly equivalent to braces, too.