Dr Shahnaz Hashim
Orthodontist & Certified Invisalign® Provider
Dr Shahnaz Hashim
Orthodontist & Certified Invisalign® Provider
Metal Braces
A Trusted Path to a Beautiful Smile
Providing Exceptional Outcomes for Decades
THE TIME-TESTED OPTION
Cost-Effective and Reliable Metal Braces
THE TIME-TESTED OPTION
Traditional metal braces are the most widely recognized form of orthodontic treatment and continue to be the most commonly chosen option. Recent innovations have greatly improved their design, making today’s braces smaller, more comfortable, and easier to clean than earlier versions.
Metal Braces
A Trusted Path to a Beautiful Smile
Providing Exceptional Outcomes for Decades
THE TIME-TESTED OPTION
Cost-Effective and Reliable Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely recognized form of orthodontic treatment and continue to be the most commonly chosen option. Recent innovations have greatly improved their design, making today’s braces smaller, more comfortable, and easier to clean than earlier versions.
What Are the Components of Braces?
Brackets
Made from high-quality stainless steel, brackets are strong and designed to last throughout your treatment. They feature small hooks or doors where the arch wire is held in place—either by closing a door or using a small elastic.
Adhesive
A dental adhesive a type of composite bonding material is used to attach each bracket directly to the tooth surface. Some orthodontists may use metal bands that wrap around the tooth, but direct bonding is now more common.
Arch wire
This thin metal wire connects the brackets and applies gentle pressure to guide your teeth into alignment. Your orthodontist will shape and bend the wire to direct tooth movement accurately. The wire may connect all teeth in a arch, or be trimmed to focus on specific teeth, depending on your treatment plan.
Elastics
Elastics are often used to correct bite issues, such as overbites or underbites. They apply additional pressure between the upper and lower jaws, helping to align your bite properly.
Orthodontic Bands
These stainless steel rings are cemented around your teeth to serve as anchors for braces or other appliances. Not every patient requires bands.
Spacers
Small elastic rings placed between teeth to create space, usually before bands are installed. Also called separators
Elastic Ties
These small colored or clear bands hold the arch wire to the brackets. They come in many colors and allow for personalization.
What Are the Components of Braces?
Brackets
Made from high-quality stainless steel, brackets are strong and designed to last throughout your treatment. They feature small hooks or doors where the arch wire is held in place—either by closing a door or using a small elastic.
Adhesive
A dental adhesive a type of composite bonding material is used to attach each bracket directly to the tooth surface. Some orthodontists may use metal bands that wrap around the tooth, but direct bonding is now more common.
Arch wire
This thin metal wire connects the brackets and applies gentle pressure to guide your teeth into alignment. Your orthodontist will shape and bend the wire to direct tooth movement accurately. The wire may connect all teeth in a arch, or be trimmed to focus on specific teeth, depending on your treatment plan.
Elastics
Elastics are often used to correct bite issues, such as overbites or underbites. They apply additional pressure between the upper and lower jaws, helping to align your bite properly.
Orthodontic Bands
These stainless steel rings are cemented around your teeth to serve as anchors for braces or other appliances. Not every patient requires bands.
Spacers
Small elastic rings placed between teeth to create space, usually before bands are installed. Also called separators
Elastic Ties
These small colored or clear bands hold the arch wire to the brackets. They come in many colors and allow for personalization.
How Do Braces Work?
Before beginning treatment, your orthodontist will take X-rays, photographs, and possibly a digital scan of your mouth. This information helps create a customized treatment plan mapping the movement of each tooth.
Brackets are positioned strategically based on how each tooth needs to move. Once attached, the arch wire is inserted. Precise bends in the wire apply controlled pressure to guide teeth into proper alignment.
This process relies on bone remodeling. When light pressure is applied to a tooth, specialized cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts gradually reshape the bone around the root. On the pressure side, bone is absorbed; on the opposite side, new bone forms. This allows the tooth to move slowly into position.
Consistent pressure is essential for this movement. Once braces are removed, teeth may naturally shift back. That’s why retainers are provided—to maintain your new smile.
What Can I Expect from Modern Metal Braces?
Today’s metal braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than in the past. They feature smaller brackets and lighter wires, reducing irritation and improving aesthetics.
Patients can choose colored elastic ties to express their style—whether school colors, team spirit, or a subtle look with clear or tooth-colored options.
Metal braces are highly effective for complex cases and can sometimes work more quickly than other treatments. They are also a cost-effective option, as they do not require the same advanced technology as newer systems.
Thanks to their durability and efficiency, metal braces remain a leading choice for orthodontic patients. Many people begin to see visible progress within a short time, providing encouragement throughout the treatment process.
How Long Will I Wear Braces?
Treatment time varies for each person. The average duration is typically between 18 to 22 months, though simpler cases may take as little as six months, while more complex treatments can extend beyond three years. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized estimate based on your unique needs.
How Do Braces Work?
Before beginning treatment, your orthodontist will take X-rays, photographs, and possibly a digital scan of your mouth. This information helps create a customized treatment plan mapping the movement of each tooth.
Brackets are positioned strategically based on how each tooth needs to move. Once attached, the arch wire is inserted. Precise bends in the wire apply controlled pressure to guide teeth into proper alignment.
This process relies on bone remodeling. When light pressure is applied to a tooth, specialized cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts gradually reshape the bone around the root. On the pressure side, bone is absorbed; on the opposite side, new bone forms. This allows the tooth to move slowly into position.
Consistent pressure is essential for this movement. Once braces are removed, teeth may naturally shift back. That’s why retainers are provided—to maintain your new smile.
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