Tried & Tested

Traditional metal braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment and our orthodontist will recommend them for adults and children alike.

Traditional braces have the unique ability to straighten and align teeth in order to improve function, appearance and maintain oral health.

The Root Cause

Teeth don’t all erupt in the same way, angle and position which can result in deep bites, cross bites, misaligned teeth and even gaps between teeth. Your orthodontist may recommend metal braces to remedy these problems and move the teeth into the correct position. Metal braces can also be used in collaborative treatment to create more space in a gap to enable placement of dental bridges or even implants.

Treatment length will vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and the tooth movement required.

Gentle Forces

Firstly, stainless steel metal brackets are carefully positioned and attached to the teeth using a special form of dental cement by the orthodontist. Following this, wires made from either stainless steel or titanium which fit into the brackets are then attached using specialised metallic and/or elastic rubber band ties. These apply gentle forces to move the teeth into the desired position. On occasion, larger elastic bands are also required for the more complex movement of teeth.

Traditional metal braces are attached to the front of the teeth, making them more visible than some of the other less inconspicuous options such as Invisalign. Traditional braces are less expensive than some of the other orthodontic treatments we offer.

As orthodontic treatment has evolved, modern brackets have become smaller, less obvious and easier to keep clean. There are a number of alternatives to this form of treatment if you are concerned about the appearance of metal braces, including ceramic braces, Invisalign and lingual orthodontic systems.