Traditional Braces
Sherman Oaks, CA
At Dougherty Orthodontics, we offer several orthodontic solutions that can fix problems such as crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, jaw problems, a misaligned bite, and others.
Among the solutions, you can choose from us are traditional braces.
These braces, which are comprised of metal brackets are one of the most popular orthodontic solutions.
It is also a solution that has been allowed for a long time, and despite the emergence of other types of orthodontic appliances, they are still very effective.
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
The metal brackets that are found in traditional braces are bonded to the teeth and connected using an archwire.
When the archwire is tightened, it (in combination with the brackets) applies pressure to the teeth, causing them to start shifting towards the desired position.
As the teeth continue to shift, the tension applied by the brackets and the archwire lessens, which brings about the need for adjustment (tightening of the archwire) to increase the tension and the shifting effect.
Traditional braces can also feature interarch rubber bands, which connect the upper teeth brackets with the lower teeth brackets.
The rubber bands help to adjust the position of the teeth on the jaw, thus fixing bite and jaw malposition problems.
Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Metal Braces?
Traditional braces can be used by anyone suffering from orthodontic problems.
However, the braces are ideal for patients suffering from more complex problems – for example, severe misalignment, several bite problems, and crowded teeth. This is because they are strong and durable – thanks to the metal brackets.
Traditional braces are also a great option if you are looking for something affordable. Also, since they are very noticeable and not very aesthetically pleasing, they are best suited for patients who do not mind displaying them.
Advantages And Drawbacks Of Metal Braces
Metal braces have several advantages, which make them a great choice in treating orthodontic problems. These advantages include:
- They are strong and durable and thus are capable of applying greater force to the teeth. As a result, they tend to produce faster results.
- Their strength, durability, and design structure allow them to treat complex orthodontic problems, or even more than one problem at a time. For example, they can treat teeth malposition and bite misalignment at the same time.
- They are more affordable compared to other treatment options such as clear braces and Invisalign® braces, which are expensive due to their cosmetic purposes.
However, even with these several advantages, traditional braces also come with some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you choose them. Some of the top drawbacks include:
- They are very noticeable, and thus wearing them will most likely broadcast your problem to other people. They might also not be very pleasing to look at, which can cause a few self-confidence issues.
- The pressure applied by the metal brackets and the archwire can cause some discomfort.
Expected Results
The results of traditional braces vary depending on your problem, as well as other factors such as your age, your oral health, and your overall health.
Noticeable results appear after a few months, but desirable ones come after several months – 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months.
Desired results can take longer – even a few years – if the condition is too complex, and if there are other underlying dental problems that affect the effectiveness of the braces.
At Dougherty Orthodontics, we provide you with the best orthodontic solutions to help fix your problem and restore your vibrant smile. Call us today at (818) 986-6223 for more information about traditional braces.