What are Traditional Metal Braces?

Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment used to align teeth and improve your smile. With small metal brackets carefully attached to each tooth and connected by a thin wire, they gently guide and move your teeth into their correct positions.

Metal braces are durable and highly reliable, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of orthodontic issues—overcrowding, gaps, underbites, overbites, crossbites, and more. These types of braces have been used successfully for many decades to help countless people achieve beautiful, more confident smiles.

And while they’ve been an orthodontic stand-by for a long time, a number of advancements in orthodontic technology have made traditional metal braces more comfortable and less noticeable than ever! Whether you want to go “all out” by adding a fun, personalized touch via colorful elastic bands, or you want to keep things a bit more subdued, your Lakeside Orthodontics treatment coordinators will help keep treatment on track with regular orthodontist check-ups.

How Do Traditional Metal Braces Work?

Traditional metal braces apply gentle, consistent pressure on your teeth over time, strategically shifting them into their correct positions. No two smiles are the same, so your orthodontist installs and adjusts your braces to achieve results based on the unique features of your smile, jaw, and overall facial structure.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Brackets: These are small metal squares that serve as stable anchor points.
  2. Arch wire: A thin metal wire that we thread through all the brackets. Using this wire, your orthodontist adjusts the amount of applied force to gradually move your teeth.
  3. Elastic Bands: In order to maintain the right level of force, we use elastic bands attached to each bracket. They come in a variety of colors, adding a fun and customized element to the treatment.
  4. Adjustments: Over time, as your teeth shift toward their intended positions, your orthodontist will fine-tune your braces’ tension, typically during your regular orthodontic appointments every 4-6 weeks.

 
This process continues until your teeth have moved to their desired positions, and you have a beautiful, confident smile with a balanced, well-aligned bite. The length of the treatment can vary depending on your unique needs, and the average treatment time is around 1-3 years. Then we’ll create a retainer to keep your smile in place for a lifetime.

6 Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been a reliable orthodontic treatment for many decades and continue to be popular due to their numerous benefits:

  1. Effectiveness: Metal braces are incredibly effective, whether you need simple straightening or have a more severe, complex set of bite issues like an under- or overbite.
  2. Durability: Made from high-grade stainless steel, metal braces are strong, resilient, and can withstand the rigors of daily life. For that reason, metal braces are a great choice for children and teenagers, who may be more likely to break or damage more delicate appliances.
  3. Adjustability: Traditional braces allow for precise control over tooth movement. Your orthodontist can make small adjustments during your visits to ensure treatment stays on track.
  4. Cost: Metal braces are generally the most affordable type of orthodontic treatment, making them accessible to a larger number of patients. While the actual cost varies depending on your unique needs, braces can often be more budget-friendly than other types of braces.
  5. Personalization: Metal braces allow for a bit of fun with personalization. The elastic bands come in a wide range of colors. Choose your favorite color, match them to a holiday, or show off your school or favorite team’s colors.
  6. Improved Technology: Today’s metal braces are more comfortable and sleeker than ever before. They’re smaller, more efficient, and designed with your comfort in mind.

 
While wearing traditional metal braces does require commitment, it’s a proven path to achieving a healthier smile that can boost your self-confidence for a lifetime.

Book a Consultation for Metal Braces in Eagan, MN

In the skilled hands of your Lakeside Orthodontics doctor, traditional metal braces deliver reliable, safe results at an affordable price. We invite you to take a look at a few of the before and after results we’ve achieved, and when you’re ready, please schedule a free consultation for braces with an orthodontist near you to get started on your smile journey!

Which Type of Braces Should I Choose?

Let us help you when you book a free consult.

Traditional Metal Braces FAQs

How long will I have braces?

Treatment time varies, depending on several variables, such as:

  • The severity of your bite problem, if applicable.
  • Your age and growth stage
  • Your overall oral health, and more.

Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, which may be shorter or longer depending on your case. Initially, your orthodontist will discuss this with you and give you an idea of what you can expect, and then after you’ve been in treatment for a while, we’ll have an even better idea of how long treatment will last.

Will metal braces interfere with my lifestyle, sports, or school activities?

Metal braces are designed to be a part of your day-to-day life and most people adjust quickly to having them. That said, there might be a few changes you’ll need to make to ensure your braces stay in good shape and your treatment progresses smoothly.

  • Sports: A mouthguard is highly recommended, particularly for contact sports. Good news: We’ll custom-make you one for free.
  • Playing Musical Instruments: Some musicians find that using special orthodontic wax over the braces helps ease discomfort.
  • Eating: Sticky, hard, or overly chewy foods can damage your braces and should be avoided.
  • Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more crucial with braces.
  • Speaking: Some people might notice a slight difference in their speech when they first get their braces, but this is temporary.
Do braces hurt?

Generally, braces do not hurt. However, you may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately after you first get them. This soreness is normal, and it will not last long. A saltwater rinse can help relieve soreness and inflammation. Dissolve a single teaspoon of salt in a full cup of lukewarm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes. If soreness persists, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. If you experience lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly.

How often will I need to visit the orthodontist during treatment?

Regular visits to your orthodontist are an important part of your treatment when you have braces. These check-ups allow your orthodontist to monitor treatment progress and make necessary adjustments to keep treatment on track.

You can expect to visit your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks. However, this can vary depending on your individual treatment plan and how your unique smile responds to treatment.

How much do braces cost in Minnesota?

The cost of braces depends on which type of braces you choose, how long you will need treatment, and any other factors that might be unique to your treatment plan. Our treatment coordinators offer payment plans that can work with your budget and get you the orthodontic care that you need.

SERVING MINNEAPOLIS, EAGAN, MENDOTA HEIGHTS, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, BURNSVILLE, APPLE VALLEY, AND ST. PAUL

Your Local Twin Cities Orthodontists

Lakeside Orthodontics – Eagan by Dr. Jennifer

3340 Sherman Ct, Ste 200, Eagan, MN, 55121-5013

Lakeside Orthodontics – St. Paul

1696 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55105-1806