Traditional Braces
Silver-colored metal braces are the most common type of dental braces used in orthodontic therapy. These brackets are made up of a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. This makes the brackets very durable to help prevent breakage.
How Do They Work?
With traditional braces, silver brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth. The brackets can come in different shapes and sizes depending on the company that makes them. One thing they all have in common is how they are used. Each bracket has edges known as “wings.” Metal or elastic bands are tied around these wings to hold the orthodontic wire in place. The wire is what actually causes the teeth to move, with the bracket serving as an anchor site on each of your teeth. As you move along in your treatment, the wires will be changed out to straighten teeth to your desired result.
Adults may remember the metal bands of the past that went around every tooth. Nowadays, bands are only worn on the back four teeth. On a band, the wire slides into a tube that provides extra support for tooth movement and support against breakage.
Who Is Eligible for Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are a good, cost-effective option for kids, teens and adults. Because of their durability and cost-effectiveness, they are the most popular braces for kids. If you are worried that the metal will tear up your child’s mouth, there is no need for concern. There will likely be some mild irritation at the start of your child’s treatment, but the inside of his or her mouth will “toughen up” and soon they will hardly notice the braces are there. The metal brackets and wires used in therapy today are small and sleek, making irritation inside the mouth much less problematic than braces of the past.
Why Choose Traditional Braces?
In addition to their durability, traditional braces remain popular because the average cost for braces is more affordable when you choose metal braces over some of the newer forms of treatment. Metal braces are more common and widely used, while other dental braces like clear braces and lingual braces require advanced technology and equipment that is more expensive.
Traditional braces also have a new, fun twist without any extra cost – color! The elastics that fit around the brackets enable you to alter the color of the braces at each appointment. This makes getting braces more exciting for kids because they can show their personality by picking their favorite colors or the colors of their sports team. Silver, gray, and white colored elastics are also available for adults that want a more neutral look.