Metal braces are often the first that orthodontists recommend to patients
with treatable oral health issues. While science has advanced orthodontics to the point that braces can be made from ceramic or clear medical-grade plastic, metal braces retain many advantages over newer treatments.
Continue reading for a breakdown of the pros and cons of getting metal braces so that you can make the right treatment decision for yourself or your child.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
How Do Metal Braces Work?
Metal braces work by applying gradual pressure to the arch of teeth being treated. Metal brackets that are fixed to the surface of each tooth are connected by a wire, which uses pressure to loosen the ligaments holding the teeth in place and move them to a healthier position.
The time that braces must be worn varies between patients depending on their age and oral health condition, but the average is between 12 and 24 months. Braces cannot fix every oral health issue, but orthodontists use them to treat a range of conditions.
While ceramic and Invisalign braces are available for certain situations, most patients receive treatment via metal braces due to their numerous benefits.
What are the Benefits of Metal Braces?
Over the years, braces have improved dramatically in their comfort, affordability, and effectiveness. Consider these benefits of metal braces when choosing between the orthodontic treatments available:
Treating oral health problems
Metal braces are often prescribed to straighten crooked teeth or close gaps in unevenly spaced teeth. However, the process of correcting alignment comes with benefits other than fixing overcrowding, including:
- Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Aligning protruding teeth
- Correcting speech impediments
- Improving or eliminating jaw pain
In addition to health adjustments, metal braces can also improve a patient’s long-term oral health. Since crooked and crowded teeth are more difficult to clean, they accumulate pockets of food debris that eventually turn into plaque, tartar, and tooth decay. Braces make it easier for patients to floss and brush as directed.
Obtaining fast results
Modern metal braces can straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites faster than ever before thanks to advances in how they are made. 3D scanning technology allows providers to fit braces more precisely to each patient, improving the comfort and effectiveness of their treatment.
Providing affordable treatments
While braces can be expensive, metal braces represent a cheaper option compared to ceramic braces or Invisalign. Significantly, metal braces are also more likely to be covered by insurance plans. Speak with your insurance provider to learn whether your braces can be covered in part or in full by your plan. If not, many orthodontists offer in-office financing options to get you the treatment you need at a schedule you can afford.
Durability
Many alternative treatments are more fragile than metal braces made of steel and titanium. These braces can take a beating compared to ceramic braces, and they can’t be misplaced or broken like Invisalign can.
An improved sense of confidence
The treatment provided by metal braces makes patients proud of their smiles. This sense of pride, especially in younger patients, can impact their development in a positive way.
What are The Downsides of Metal Braces?
While metal braces are beneficial overall to compatible patients, they are not without their cons. The most obvious is their appearance, which is more obstructive than more expensive alternatives like Invisalign.
Another downside involves the staining that can occur due to uneven cleaning or an improper diet. Metal braces are tough, but they cover parts of the teeth during treatment, which can make cleaning these areas difficult. The diet plan provided by your orthodontist may seem like a downside as well, but following this plan will help your braces remain intact during treatment.
Though these downsides merit consideration, metal braces save patients money in the long run by preventing more expensive oral health problems. At the same time, they can correct or prevent painful issues while giving the wearer newfound confidence in their smile.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.