Your Vestavia Hills, AL metal braces specialist can help you restore your smile and provide you with up-to-date orthodontic care. The team at Backus Smiles Orthodontics can help you choose the best orthodontic solution for your needs, and with over 125 years of collective experience, we can walk you through all of your possible solutions.
There are many different orthodontic options you may want to consider, but metal braces have stood the test of time as a reliable method (and a method that’s getting more and more comfortable with every advancement). If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with us today to schedule your first appointment. But if you need a bit more time or information, read on to learn more about our metal braces:
About The Damon System
Traditional braces rely on elastic bands to apply pressure and keep the braces in contact with your teeth. It’s an effective system, and it’s a tried-and-true method. But these elastic bands can actually cause friction, which in turn makes it take a little longer for your braces to give you the final smile you really want.
At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we’re happy to provide Damon System braces. Rather than using elastic bands, the Damon System relies on a slide mechanism to keep the wire closer to your teeth. This means no elastic, and a more comfortable fit. It also means that since those elastic bands aren’t applying the brakes, your teeth can gradually move with much less resistance. Less friction, less resistance, less time required for your orthodontic adjustment.
Lingual Braces
You’re probably familiar with the common image of braces: wire-work that sits on your teeth, and slowly pulls them into place. On the other hand, you’ve probably never seen lingual braces before. That’s because unlike traditional braces, lingual braces sit on the inside of your teeth. They function just like traditional braces: They pull your teeth into place over time and give you a straighter smile. But since they’re behind your teeth, they’re also much harder to see.
Lingual braces are a great option if you’re looking for something a little low-profile. Depending on your end goal and your current orthodontic situation, they may be the option for you. But it’s always important to consult with a Vestavia Hills, AL metal braces specialist so you can determine what orthodontic solution will work best for your needs. Fortunately, at Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we’re always happy to help.
Get In Touch With Us Today
It’s time to get the smile you deserve. At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we offer a range of orthodontic solutions, and we’ll help you choose the best option for your needs. Metal braces, invisible braces, retainers, and more – we have the tools to build a brighter smile, and we’ll take the time to explain the pros and cons of each. Curious about our Damon System Brackets? Just want to smile freely in those family photos? Contact us today to get started, and see how a Vestavia Hills metal braces specialist from our office can help.
What Are Braces Made Of?
While many people are familiar with how braces look, fewer know what they are actually made of and how each component plays a role in straightening teeth. Understanding these elements can help you know what to expect during the process and feel more comfortable making decisions regarding your treatment. Our Vestavia Hills, AL metal braces specialist will happily walk you through these details and answer any questions you may have during your consultation.
Brackets
The brackets are one of the most recognizable parts of metal braces. These small square pieces are bonded directly to the surface of each tooth and serve as the anchor points for the entire system.
Traditional brackets are made from stainless steel, which provides durability and strength. Stainless steel is commonly used in orthodontics because it is resistant to corrosion and strong enough to withstand the forces needed to shift teeth.
For patients who prefer a more discreet option, the brackets in lingual braces work the same way as those in traditional braces, applying pressure to move the teeth over time, but their placement requires specialized expertise for fitting and adjustments.
Archwire
The archwire is the thin, flexible wire that runs across your teeth and connects all the brackets together. It plays a critical role in the treatment process by applying pressure to the teeth, encouraging them to move into the correct position over time.
Archwires are typically made from stainless steel, nickel-titanium, or a combination of both. Nickel-titanium wires are especially popular because they are flexible and can maintain their shape even after being bent, which makes them ideal for the early stages of treatment when more movement is needed.
As treatment progresses, your orthodontist may switch to stainless steel archwires, which are more rigid and can apply stronger forces to the teeth. The archwire is adjusted periodically throughout treatment to continue guiding the teeth into their proper positions.
Bands
Bands are small metal rings that fit around the back molars and help anchor the brackets and archwire in place. These are usually made of stainless steel, providing a sturdy base for the rest of the braces. Some patients may not need bands on their molars, but when used, they provide extra stability. Our Vestavia Hills metal braces specialist’s ultimate goal is to match you with the treatment method that will best serve you and your health goals.
Ligatures
Ligatures, commonly known as elastic bands, are used to hold the archwire in place within the brackets. These small rubber bands are stretched around each bracket, ensuring that the wire stays securely in the correct position. Ligatures come in a variety of colors, allowing patients to customize the look of their braces. For patients with ceramic braces, clear or tooth-colored ligatures are available to keep the treatment as discreet as possible.
Some braces, like the Damon System, use a slide mechanism instead of elastic ligatures to reduce friction and provide a more comfortable treatment experience.
Our team at Backus Smiles Orthodontics will gladly explain the different components for the different metal braces options we offer and help you decide which type of system is best suited for your orthodontic needs
Ready To Learn More?
Whether you choose traditional metal braces or another option, our Vestavia Hills metal braces specialist can guide you through the process and provide the care you need. We have over one hundred years of experience serving the orthodontic needs of our community, and we’re ready to put our knowledge and personalized service to work for you. Contact us today to take the first step toward a brighter, stronger smile!