Traditional Metal Braces
For years, traditional metal braces have been one of the most reliable ways to address alignment issues. People of all ages are wearing braces in Phoenix, Arizona, and our orthodontist, Dr. Rusty Jones, will be happy to see you or any member of your family for an examination.
Braces are an orthodontic treatment option that can help you achieve a smile that is straighter and healthier. One of the most common orthodontic treatments available, braces work to improve your smile by gradually, gently realigning your teeth. Braces consist of a system of metal brackets, wires and bands. The brackets are attached to the front of your teeth and are connected to each other using a metal wire and bands. As we adjust the wire, the braces guide your teeth to their ideal positions in your smile. Ceramic braces are also often available, which are the same color as your teeth for a more discreet orthodontic option.
Straighten Teeth
If you have ever wanted your smile to be straighter and more attractive, braces may be right for you. With braces, we can correct orthodontic issues such as:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Problems with the bite, including crossbite, open bite, underbite and overbite
During your treatment, you will visit our office on a regular basis so we can make sure that your braces are adjusted as needed to continue progressing toward a straighter, healthier smile. Our skilled orthodontist and team will help you reach all your oral health and appearance goals through personalized, high-quality care.
PROS AND CONS OF METAL BRACES
Traditional metal braces have come a long way since their humble beginnings. It is important for every patient to know the advantages and disadvantages before getting metal braces on their teeth.
01 PRO
Effective
Traditional metal braces are still used because of their reliability. They treat the most common orthodontic issues such as overcrowding, overbites, and overcrowding. For a healthy and beautiful smile, metal braces are tried and true.
02 Pro
Affordable
Traditional metal braces tend to be less expensive and will almost always be covered by insurance providers. Rusty Jones Orthodontics offers interest-free payments through our office in order to make metal braces the most viable option for patients working on a tight budget.
03 PRO
Durable
Metal braces are designed to last for the entirety of a treatment. They are strong enough to withstand daily wear from brushing and chewing without interrupting a patient’s daily routine. Although some foods will be off limits, your metal braces will not need replacement.
04 con
Soreness
The tight ligatures on metal braces do require an adjustment period. If you experience a little pain at the beginning of the treatment, it is perfectly normal. Brackets can also rub the inside of your mouth. Our office has orthodontic wax available to help.
05 con
Adjustment
Patients will need to come in for scheduled visits so that Dr. Jones can tighten braces as needed. This can be uncomfortable for patients and cause soreness for two to four days.
06 Pro
Priority Care
Patients coming in to see us on a regular basis will get the most face time with our highly trained staff. We love building relationships and make sure you always look forward to seeing us!
How to Care for Metal Braces
01 Brush
When braces are removed, teeth that have not been brushed regularly will have white spots where the brackets had been placed. It is important to keep teeth clean and avoid any cavities, which may be harder to treat while braces are on your teeth.
02 Floss
Wires and brackets make it easier for food to get caught in and around teeth. Regular flossing is crucial while a patient is wearing braces. Special tools are available to help make sure every piece of food is removed from the many areas they can hide.
03 Avoid
Certain foods will damage braces and prolong treatment. Our practice recommends avoiding hard candies and nuts, as well as gum. All of these are liable to damage the brackets as well as get stuck in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Talk to our staff to learn about the best alternatives.
Braces and Aligners: What’s the Difference?
METAL BRACES
Metal braces are the most common, and what most people think of when they hear the word ‘braces.’ Both metal and ceramic braces are affixed to the teeth, though metal braces are more durable and preferred for more intensive orthodontic treatments.
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces are more comfortable and discreet although they are not as strong as traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces can chip when used for a long period of time and are not always recommended for cases requiring longer treatment durations.
METAL BRACES
Metal braces are still considered a viable option over clear aligners (such as Invisalign) because of their efficiency. Metal braces require more visits to our office; however, patients will be able to see us regularly for adjustments and treatment updates.
CLEAR ALIGNERS
Clear aligners are more discreet and involve less visits to our office. They are a viable alternative though they may not be the best fit for every patient. Aligner trays are replaced every two weeks and patients must wear them 22 hours per day for them to be effective.
Come See Us
When you are considering orthodontics in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Jones is your choice for adult and pediatric orthodontics in the Phoenix AZ area. We look forward to discussing your orthodontic treatment!