Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most commonly used type of brackets in orthodontic treatment. When people refer to traditional or conventional orthodontic treatment, they are generally referring to metal braces. These braces can be placed on the front or back surfaces of the teeth and offer excellent durability. They have a low risk of breaking. However, they cannot be removed during the treatment period, which typically lasts between 8 and 30 months. Although metal braces may be considered less aesthetic by many people, they remain an attractive orthodontic treatment option due to their durability and ability to produce faster results. Dentrum Private Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, one of Adana's highly regarded orthodontic clinics, explains everything you need to know about metal braces.

Who Are Metal Braces Suitable For?

Metal braces are an ideal treatment option for individuals who wish to correct crowded teeth at an early age. They can be used for any patient whose dental alignment and jaw structure are suitable for this treatment. In addition, metal braces are appropriate for:

• Individuals with facial and jaw asymmetry
• People experiencing general orthodontic problems
• Patients with misaligned or crowded teeth
• Individuals with missing teeth
• People with chewing or speech difficulties
• Patients with protruding teeth
• Individuals with fractured teeth
• People whose upper or lower jaw is positioned too far forward or backward
• Patients with abnormalities in the upper and lower dental arches
• Individuals dissatisfied with their smile
• People who have difficulty closing their mouth properly
• Children who have lost their primary teeth prematurely
• Individuals with habits such as mouth breathing, nail biting, or thumb sucking
• People experiencing jaw locking
• Patients who hear clicking sounds from their jaw joints
• Individuals with cleft lip or palate
• Patients with missing teeth
• Individuals with large gaps between their teeth
• Patients who have tooth decay or gum disease due to crowded teeth.

Following an orthodontic examination and your orthodontist's evaluation, metal braces are bonded to either the front or back surfaces of the teeth.

How Is Metal Braces Treatment Performed?

Before beginning metal braces treatment for children or adults with orthodontic problems, a comprehensive examination is performed and a personalized treatment plan is created. If cavities are present, root canal treatment may be performed when necessary, and existing gum diseases are treated first. Digital intraoral scans are then taken to create a customized set of metal braces. A cheek retractor is placed to widen the mouth opening, allowing the orthodontist to work comfortably. Since the teeth must remain dry during bracket placement, saliva isolation devices are used. With the conventional method, brackets are bonded individually to each tooth after the enamel surface is prepared. Finally, a special adhesive is used to secure the brackets to the teeth. Excess adhesive is removed, the bonding material is cured, and the procedure is completed.

With the indirect bonding technique, impressions or digital models of the patient's teeth are prepared before treatment. Brackets are first positioned on a custom transfer tray based on these models and then bonded to the teeth simultaneously. This technique shortens chair time and increases patient comfort. The orthodontist determines which bonding method is most suitable for each patient.

Advantages of Metal Braces

Although metal braces may seem less popular in recent years, they continue to be one of the fastest and most reliable orthodontic treatment methods available. Custom-designed according to the patient's oral anatomy, metal braces provide outstanding results, particularly when treatment begins at a young age. They also contribute to proper jaw development in children. The advantages of metal braces include:

• They provide one of the fastest results among orthodontic treatment options.
• They are more affordable than many other types of braces.
• They offer exceptional durability and strength.
• They have the lowest risk of breakage.
• They are suitable for patients of all ages.
• They rarely cause allergic reactions.
• They allow orthodontists to monitor treatment progress more easily.
• They remain the most commonly preferred treatment option among orthodontists.

Metal braces are an ideal choice for patients who want to complete orthodontic treatment as quickly as possible, especially younger individuals.

What Are the Disadvantages of Metal Braces?

The primary disadvantage of metal braces is their appearance. They are easily noticeable, making them less desirable for individuals with aesthetic concerns or professions requiring a highly polished appearance. Another disadvantage is that they cannot be removed until treatment is complete. Patients must also avoid or limit hard fruits, nuts, chocolate, cola, and other foods that may damage the brackets, which can be inconvenient for many people.

How Long Does Metal Braces Treatment Take?

Metal braces generally produce results faster than many other orthodontic treatment methods. Although treatment duration varies from patient to patient, most cases are completed within approximately 8 to 24 months.

Metal Braces or Clear Braces?

When deciding to begin orthodontic treatment, many patients struggle to choose between clear aligners, ceramic braces, and metal braces. Compared to clear braces, metal braces are more economical, produce faster results, and are more durable. On the other hand, clear braces offer a more aesthetic appearance and are preferred by patients with cosmetic concerns. The most suitable treatment option should be determined together with your orthodontist based on your individual needs and expectations.

What Are the First Days with Metal Braces Like?

During the first few days after metal braces are placed, it is normal to feel mild pressure or discomfort in the teeth and jaw. This indicates that the teeth have started moving. During the first few weeks, patients are advised to avoid hard foods as much as possible and carefully follow all instructions provided by their orthodontist.

Some patients may experience irritation on the inner surfaces of the cheeks and lips. Orthodontic wax can help relieve this discomfort. The sensitivity experienced during the first few days usually subsides on its own, and patients quickly adapt to wearing braces.

What Should You Pay Attention to While Wearing Metal Braces?

Proper oral hygiene is essential for successful orthodontic treatment. Patients should follow these recommendations:

• Brush their teeth after every meal.
• Use orthodontic toothbrushes.
• Use dental floss, interdental floss, and interdental brushes.
• Avoid ice, hard nuts, hard candies, and other hard foods.
• Limit sugary and carbonated beverages.
• Attend all scheduled orthodontic appointments.

Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and white spot lesions around the brackets.

Do Metal Braces Cause Pain?

After metal braces are fitted or adjusted during routine monthly appointments, patients may experience mild pain or sensitivity. This is completely normal and usually resolves within three to five days. The discomfort results from the controlled movement of the teeth. However, severe pain that persists for an extended period is not considered normal and should be evaluated by an orthodontist.

What Foods Can Be Eaten with Metal Braces?

During metal braces treatment, patients should choose soft foods that are easy to chew, such as:

• Bananas
• Soup
• Cheese
• Rice
• Pasta
• Boiled vegetables
• Yogurt
• Omelettes and similar soft foods.

Foods to avoid during treatment include:

• Popcorn
• Hard nuts
• Chewing gum
• Chewing ice
• Caramel and sticky candies

These foods may damage the brackets or cause the archwire to become displaced.

Why Is Retention Treatment Important After Metal Braces?

Once orthodontic treatment is completed, retention therapy is essential for maintaining the teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions after treatment. Therefore, fixed retainers or clear retainers are used during the retention phase. Without proper retention, the successful results of orthodontic treatment may gradually be lost.

Metal Braces or Clear Aligners?

Metal braces and clear aligners each offer unique advantages. Metal braces are generally more affordable and can successfully treat even complex orthodontic cases. Patients cannot remove them, ensuring continuous force application and minimizing compliance issues. They are also more durable than clear aligners.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, offer superior aesthetics and are generally preferred for mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Since they can be removed easily, they provide greater convenience, but successful treatment depends heavily on patient compliance. They are also considered a more comfortable treatment option. The most appropriate treatment should always be determined after a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.

What Are the Prices of Metal Braces?

Metal braces are generally more affordable than other orthodontic treatment options. For example, ceramic braces and lingual orthodontic treatments are typically more expensive. The cost of metal braces depends on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, the quality of the appliances used, the orthodontist's expertise and experience, and the clinic's technological infrastructure and quality of care. To receive accurate and up-to-date pricing information about metal braces treatment, you should contact a dental clinic directly.

Which Cities Do We Provide Metal Braces Services In?

Dentrum Private Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic is based in Adana. However, we also provide metal braces treatment to patients from neighboring provinces such as Mersin, Hatay, and Osmaniye, as well as from many other cities throughout Türkiye.