For more than a century, orthodontists have relied on metal braces to effectively straighten teeth and restore smiles. The traditional use of metal materials has consistently delivered excellent results in moving teeth into their proper positions and addressing minor bite problems. Despite the emergence of various alternative options in recent years, metal braces remain a reliable and effective choice for patients seeking orthodontic correction. If your child requires treatment for teeth misalignments or bite issues, exploring the benefits of metal braces may be worthwhile.
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and archwires that work together to apply consistent pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions. The brackets are securely attached to the enamel on the front surface of each tooth using a strong adhesive. The archwire is then threaded through the brackets, creating the framework for guiding tooth movement.
Orthodontists may also incorporate colored bands as part of the treatment. These bands are used to apply additional pressure to the mouth, assisting in the correction of minor bite issues. The combination of metal brackets, archwires, and bands allows for precise and controlled tooth alignment and bite correction.
The process of getting metal braces begins with a comprehensive consultation appointment. During this appointment, your child will undergo an examination to assess their teeth and bite issues. Dr. Nia will determine if metal braces are a suitable treatment option and may provide you with various treatment options to consider.
If you decide to proceed with metal braces, your child will return to have the braces placed. The placement process begins with the attachment of metal brackets to the teeth using a strong adhesive. To ensure that the adhesive adheres properly, Dr. Nia may use air spray to keep the teeth dry throughout the process.
Once the adhesive has dried, the archwire is threaded through the brackets. Dr. Nia will secure the archwire in place and make slight adjustments to apply gentle pressure on the teeth. Subsequent tightening appointments will allow for the application of increased pressure to gradually move the teeth into their optimal positions.
The initial placement process usually takes a few hours to complete. Your child may experience some swelling and discomfort initially, but our team will provide guidance on how to offer support during this adjustment period. Within a few days, your child should become accustomed to the look and feel of the braces and continue the treatment process with greater ease.
Throughout the treatment journey, regular appointments will be scheduled for adjustments and monitoring the progress of tooth movement. Dr. Nia and our team will guide you and your child through each step of the process to ensure a successful outcome.
During the treatment process with clear aligner trays, pediatric patients typically wear each tray for a period of three weeks before advancing to the next phase. The gradual and comfortable movement of the teeth provided by the trays makes them more comfortable compared to traditional metal braces, which can have wires that may cause discomfort or irritation to sensitive oral tissues.
It is necessary to remove the trays while eating and when performing oral care routines in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Promptly reinserting the tray after these activities helps maintain the treatment progress on schedule. To achieve the desired effect, the trays should be worn for approximately 22 hours per day.
Patients will need to visit the office for checkups approximately once a month, or as determined by Dr. Nia, throughout the treatment process. During these appointments, Dr. Nia will assess the progress of the treatment and ensure the current tray fits properly. The clear aligner appointments are generally shorter compared to checkups for metal braces, as there is no need for manual adjustments or repairs.
Upon completing the treatment process, most pediatric patients will need to wear a retainer, typically during nighttime, to maintain the results and protect their smile. Fortunately, the final clear aligner tray can often serve as the retainer, reducing fitment issues commonly associated with traditional retainer solutions.
If your child requires orthodontic care, including metal braces, we encourage you to contact our team at Nia Dentistry. You can reach us by calling (770) 479-9999 or by filling out our contact form. We will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive examination to assess your child’s orthodontic needs. If your child meets the eligibility requirements for metal braces, we can then schedule an appointment to initiate the orthodontic treatment process. We look forward to providing your child with the necessary care to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
