Around 4 million Americans wear traditional braces each year. Most of these are kids and teens, but adults also choose braces.
Braces correct a person’s bite and jaw, and they force teeth into the proper alignment. Traditional braces aren’t the only way to do this, though. You can also choose other options.
In most cases, traditional braces are the best choice for people who want straighter teeth. Are they suitable for you or your teenagers?
Continue reading this guide to learn why these braces might be the best choice for you or your kids.
The Basics of Traditional Braces
Orthodontists often call traditional braces “metal braces,” as they contain metal brackets. The metal brackets are the critical component of these braces.
When you get traditional braces, an orthodontist places a metal bracket on every tooth in your mouth. Next, they place a wire through the brackets, which runs from one side of your mouth to the other.
They do this on both the upper and lower arches in your mouth.
Additionally, metal braces might have a few more components. One of these is rubber bands.
Some people must place small rubber bands on their brackets in specific positions. The wire that runs through the brackets places pressure on the teeth, which causes them to shift.
These small rubber bands assist more with readjusting the person’s bite. The pressure they place on the teeth often pulls the upper or lower jaw out or forces it in.
For you to wear rubber bands, your orthodontist might have to place special hooks on some of your brackets. If this is necessary, they will explain why they are there and how to use them.
They will also show you how to place the rubber bands on the hooks correctly, so they apply pressure to the bite as needed.
These are the main components of metal braces. If you get these braces, people will see them, but they don’t look awkward. They are extremely popular with teenagers and adults.
Braces Are More Effective
When you consider all the teeth straightening options you can choose from, you’ll find that braces are the most effective choice of all. Why are they so effective compared to all the other options?
They are more effective for several reasons, and here are some of the reasons:
They Are Semi-Permanent
Traditional braces are effective for many reasons, but one reason is that they are semi-permanent. You can’t remove metal braces from your teeth to have a break from them.
Once they place them on your teeth, they remain there until the orthodontist takes them off. As a result, you wear them all the time, and this makes them do their job faster.
They Apply Constant Pressure
Secondly, metal braces apply constant pressure to your teeth. This pressure is what forces your teeth into proper alignment, and it also forces your bite to move as needed.
Your Orthodontist Can Easily Adjust Them
Each month you must visit your orthodontist when wearing traditional braces. When you attend these appointments, they will adjust and tighten the wires as needed.
They will also replace any missing or broken brackets, and they will ensure that the braces are doing their job properly.
They Fix More Problems
The other thing to know is that traditional braces can fix more problems than other options. Traditional braces align teeth, even if they are severely out of place.
They also correct bite issues and can force teeth to fill gaps that you have in your mouth.
The bottom line is traditional braces are more versatile. Other options might fix some problems with your teeth, but they might not fix all the issues you have.
These are some of the top reasons to choose metal braces. If you have questions about their effectiveness for your teeth and bite, talk to an orthodontist.
An orthodontist can tell you if they will work well for your situation. They can also tell you how long you must wear them to achieve the results you desire.
You Can’t Remove Them
One of the key differences between traditional braces and other options is the permanence they offer. If you choose invisible aligners to straighten your teeth, you can remove them.
When you remove them, you might be tempted not to wear them for hours or days. They can’t straighten your teeth if you don’t wear them.
Therefore, one of the main benefits of traditional braces is that you can’t remove them. The result is they continue working the entire time you’re wearing them.
You’ll find that metal braces leave you with straighter teeth in a shorter period because you can’t take them off.
An Orthodontist Monitors the Entire Treatment Plan
Another thing to consider when you’re looking at options for straightening your teeth is the monitoring that occurs with the treatment.
For example, if you choose mail-in aligners to straighten your teeth, you won’t have an orthodontist monitoring your treatment plan. You’ll be responsible for this, and you probably aren’t an expert with orthodontics.
One of the top pros of metal braces is that you’ll have an orthodontist monitoring your entire treatment plan. They will check them every month and make the necessary adjustments.
If you’re interested in getting traditional braces in Hyannis, you can start looking for an orthodontist to use. When you meet with an orthodontist for an initial consultation, you can find out if metal braces are right for you.
You can also learn the costs and the approximate timing for wearing braces.
Learn More by Visiting an Orthodontist
After reading this guide, you might decide that traditional braces are the best option for you or your kids. If you would like to learn more about them, you can visit an orthodontist.
If you live in the Hyannis area, contact Arch Orthodontics. We offer traditional braces and other options, and we can help you decide which is the best option for your situation.
