Braces in Winston-Salem provided by a board-certified orthodontist
Metal braces – the efficient, effective, and affordable option
When you think of orthodontic treatment, you probably picture someone with metal braces. Traditional metal braces are the most commonly used orthodontic treatment, but today’s metal braces are sleeker and more comfortable than ever.
But if you’re looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option, we also offer clear upper braces paired with metal lower braces. This allows for your treatment to be less noticeable to others, while still offering the reliability of traditional bracket and wire braces.
What are the components of traditional braces?
- Brackets are the metal pieces that hold the archwire in place. They are bonded directly onto your teeth using a special glue. They can be metal, clear, or ceramic.
- Archwires are the wires that go in each bracket across all of the teeth. The archwire is what does the heavy lifting of moving your teeth to their new locations.
- Ligature ties (ligature elastics) are the tiny rubber bands that hold the archwire in place in each of the brackets. They can be clear or you can personalize your treatment by choosing ties in your favorite color(s).
How do traditional braces work?
Your brackets and wires work together to place constant yet gentle pressure on your teeth. This pressure guides the teeth through the bone to their new locations.
You may notice that your teeth start to feel a bit loose or wiggly while in treatment. While this may be disconcerting, don’t worry – it’s perfectly natural. In fact, it means your treatment is working exactly as it should. Once your treatment is complete, a retainer will help hold your teeth in their new locations until the bone and ligaments adjust.
What can traditional braces correct?
Traditional braces are the most commonly used treatment option for a reason – because they can correct any malocclusion. That means no matter what your diagnosis, traditional braces can help. And, they are an ideal option for patients of all ages. Whether you are 8 or 68 and whether you have a mild crowding issue or a severe overbite, traditional braces can help.
How much do metal braces cost?
While the exact cost of your treatment is dependent on several factors, the average cost of metal braces is between $3,000 and $7,000. If you have dental insurance, your out-of-pocket costs can be significantly lower.
Are metal braces better than Invisalign?
Both treatments are effective, however, for more severe malocclusions traditional braces may be more efficient. Some issues, such as rotated teeth or closing large spaces, may see shorter treatment times from metal braces.
How do I know if traditional braces are right for me?
At your initial consultation, Dr. Woods will discuss treatment options with you. He will explain which option he believes is the best to meet your needs and recommend the ideal course of action.
