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, our 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:
- Brackets: These are small metal squares that serve as stable anchor points.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Improved Technology: The braces technologies we’ve curated 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.
Traditional Metal Braces Reviews
I've had quite the journey in the dental world over the past year, and this summer I finally made it to getting Invisalign at 39 years old. Never had braces as a kid so this was all new to me and very important to get right. I've yet to meet Dr. Bhagia, but the operation he has set up is truly impressive. Each person who works at Space City Orthodontics is highly trained and experienced in this field, able to answer all of my questions and remove doubts.I must mention everyone who deserves recognition for their expertise. Dr. Kamal, Rheanna, Paige, Joanna, Jenna, Andy, and Sylvia. Each one of them knows what they're talking about and have helped me with all my questions about Invisalign.I also need to give personal shout outs to:Joanna for seeing me several times in office and keeping up with my Smile Doctors app for my weekly scans, letting me know when to move to the next Invisalign tray. Thanks Joanna!Jenna for my whitening and starting me off with my first tray when I had no idea what I was doing. She works hard!Rheanna for my consultation and with Dr. Kamal's help, helping me choose what plan was right for me.Dr. Kamal for seeing me on my check ups and giving me the reassurance of a DDS orthodontist who clearly has done this many times and knows what you can expect.Paige for her friendly customer service and also helping me with my Invisalign questions via phone and person.Everyone at Space City Orthodontics knows what they're doing, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in the northwest side of Houston who wants Invisalign or braces for themselves or their children. These guys make it look easy, but they were obviously carefully chosen. Still on my Invisalign journey, but thank you to Space City Orthodontics for making me start to feel like I'll one day soon at last have normal looking straight white teeth.
Dr. B is the best in town. I absolutely love his team and the care that I have received. Joanna always makes me feel like family. Paige in the front is always very welcoming. The whole team is amazing, professional and knowledgeable. Words can NOT express my gratitude. I have regained my confidence and I don’t have jaw pain anymore!! This office is top tier and I highly recommend to all who seek orthodontic treatment. You will NOT be disappointed. 🫶🏻Update: I just got my braces off and wanted to share my after picture! I’m beyond happy with the final results. I love my new smile. Thank you Dr. B and team. Y’all are really out here changing lives. 👏🏼🫶🏻
Best service, amazing bed side manner from all persons. The lady at the front desk has a wonderful smile, her story is amazing of her dental work and inspired me to get my braces as an adult. Highly recommend for your orthodontic needs!
Love this place- always friendly and professional- highly recommend- we are on our 3 family member getting braces here- we love them
Super happy to be going through with Invisalign at Space City Ortho!!! Everyone here is so kind and helpful. The process thus far has been incredibly easy and convenient. Truly would recommend this office to anyone looking for Invisalign or braces!
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Book a Free Consultation for Affordable Metal Braces Near Houston
In the skilled, highly experienced hands of our orthodontists, traditional metal braces deliver reliable, safe results at an affordable price. But don’t take our word for it—just look at some of the remarkable results we’ve achieved!
When you’re ready, please schedule a free consultation for braces with an orthodontist near you to get started on your smile journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 metal 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 acetaminophen. 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 metal braces cost in Houston?
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.
Can I get braces that are less noticeable?
Absolutely! One popular option for less noticeable braces is ceramic braces. Very similar to the traditional metal braces in that brackets and wires guide your teeth into the correct position, they’re more discreet. Instead of stainless steel, ceramic brackets are white or clear ceramic that blend in with your teeth. You can also consider Invisalign® aligners if you’re looking for a completely wire-free experience.
