Metal Braces: A Trusted Path to Your Best Smile Ever
Traditional braces have been around for centuries, and they’re probably what most people think about when they hear “orthodontics.” With a long history of successful treatment to correct a wide variety of smile and overall oral health concerns, braces remain a top choice for our patients. And, as we’ve continuously learned about new metal braces technologies and mastered new techniques in smile design, our patients benefit from braces treatment plans that are more comfortable, more effective, and more affordable, too.
Read more about metal braces, and book your free, no-obligation braces consult in Lewisville today!
Keep Your Smile Treatment on Track with Remote Care
Krieger Orthodontics offers a comprehensive remote care option through our Smile Doctors Anywhere app for metal braces treatment, so you can keep treatment on track and still lead your always-on-the-go life — without missing a beat — and at no extra cost.
Traditional Metal Braces Reviews
My son recently began his braces treatment, and the process has been smooth and straightforward from the start. Dr. Krieger and the assistant were highly attentive and professional during the brace application, ensuring a positive experience. I highly recommend Dr. Krieger's office for orthodontic treatment for both kids and adults.
This experience was unmatched. Everything was absolutely fantastic. From the time we walked in until we left. The dentist was amazing and thorough, she was extremely knowledgeable and so careful and polite. The receptionist was friendly and professional. The lobby was beautiful and inviting. The communication from start to finish was even great. They checked in and really just worked with us. My son got braces and he literally hasn’t stopped smiling since the original consultation. He’s so happy with them and excited about going back. I had a traumatic experience with dental offices and orthodontist at an early age and I never had bad teeth but the experience left me feeling uneasy and uncomfortable with dental work and just the overall experience. So, naturally I was hesitant but I knew my son needed to see an orthodontist. This experience has truly been so healing for me. I love how comfortable they made me but definitely how comfortable they made my son. As a parent I always want what’s best for my child but to see him enjoying or excited about it makes it worth more. You and your children are in fantastic hands here. 1000/10 truly.
From my consultation to my appointment to have my braces put on everyone was so kind & informative of my treatment plan. They saw me right away & I was there less than an hour to have my braces on. 10/10 recommend Dr. Choy & her assistants were amazing!
My daughter just got her braces on and she is very happy with them, I’m so glad a friend recommended me Krieger Orthodontics they are very professional and attentive. I highly recommend them!
Loved the atmosphere and Whitney took such great care with me and bonding my braces to my teeth! So quick was out in an hour(and I was on lunch break)
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Total Reviews
5
Star Average Rating
What are Metal Braces?
A lot of components go into creating your unique orthodontic braces (depending on your specific smile and needs, of course). Here’s a look at each part in the system.
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 we 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. Your orthodontist 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.
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 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
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do braces work?
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.
What can I expect from today’s metal braces?
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!
How long will I be in braces?
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.
Will metal braces interfere with my lifestyle, sports, or school activities?
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.
Do metal braces hurt?
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.
How much do metal braces cost in Lewisville?
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!
