All About Innovative Orthodontics Braces
At Innovative Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. Traditional metal braces have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues.
They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might, which can potentially shorten your treatment time.
Metal braces are a cost-effective option because they don't require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.
Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive. Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you'll see. Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where your doctor wants them to move.
What Are Braces Made of?
Brackets
The brackets we use at Innovative Orthodontics are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.
Brackets have little hooks or doors where your doctor will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue
This is what Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It's common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Your doctor will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.
The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
Elastics
If your doctor determines that you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They're generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.
This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.
Orthodontic Bands
These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they're not used for everyone. Dr. Waters or Dr. Clayton will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.
Spacers
These small elastic "donuts" or rings can be used by Dr. Waters or Dr. Clayton to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They're also referred to as separators.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They're less rigid than spacers and at Innovative Orthodontics they come in dozens of colors.
Go for the Gold
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. You shouldn't have to give up showing it during your orthodontic treatment.
Innovative Orthodontics offers gold braces so you can share your beautiful smile both during and after your treatment.
These gold-colored brackets are as durable as standard metal braces and discreet as ceramic ones. The unique color helps them blend in with your smile without being prone to breakage like ceramic brackets.
