Metal Braces
Traditional metal dental braces are typically used in cases with extreme overcrowding because they move your teeth in small increments at a time and give your dentist or orthodontist more control.
Dental Braces in Auckland
All kinds of braces are dental tools that help correct problems with your teeth like crowding, crooked teeth, or misalignment. Metal braces include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth with flexible wires or archwires that hold the bands together.
Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help straighten and align your teeth.
Sometimes clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires can help hide the hardware. Our doctors will help you explore the options and discuss if braces fit your treatment scenario.
While orthodontics can solve many tooth alignment problems, successful treatment relies on good patient compliance. Wearing elastic bands consistently, keeping follow-up appointments for adjustments, and practicing outstanding home care can all help lead to a positive outcome. This commitment involves frequent preventive visits with your hygienist. The Alpers Dental team are experts in helping our orthodontic patients through this process so they can enjoy a gorgeous, healthy smile.
Orthodontics with braces involves teeth straightening and jaw alignment, combining beauty and function. Identifying potential problems as a child may allow for easier treatment, but it’s never too late to discuss ways to enhance a smile.
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How do I take care of my braces?
There are a few things to keep in mind when maintaining metal dental braces.
- Avoid foods that aren’t braces-friendly such as chewy foods or soft lollies that get stuck in the braces and will be hard to clean out of the hardware. Depending on the food, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to keep it from getting stuck in the braces.
- Brush and floss on a regular basis. This is always important but becomes more important with braces because there are more spaces, crevices, and surfaces for food to get stuck.
- Ensure you keep your regular appointments with your dentist to adjust, manage, and maintain your metal braces.
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What are the different types of braces?
- Metal/traditional braces: Traditional braces are made of metal. They include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth, as well as flexible wires or archwires that hold the brackets or bands together. Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help straighten and align your teeth.
- Ceramic braces: The brackets in traditional braces are now also made in tooth-coloured ceramic, so you don’t notice them as much.
- Lingual braces: The brackets on these braces are attached to the backs of your teeth, facing your tongue. Lingual braces are harder to see.
- Clear aligners: You might also hear them called invisible braces. These are clear plastic trays that fit snugly onto your teeth. They use pressure to gently move your teeth into the correct positions and straighten your smile. You remove the aligners to eat, brush, or floss, but you should keep them in at least 22 hours each day for them to work. The dentist may also place tooth-coloured attachments onto your teeth to hold the aligners in place.
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How much do braces cost?
The cost for braces and aligners usually depends on the severity of the problem and the treatment options discussed between you and your dentist.
More Questions?
If you have any questions about metal braces or for a consultation—contact us today.
