You may wonder about the differences between metal, ceramic, and lingual braces and how they can be compared to Invisalign treatment. All these braces are a bit different, both made and worn differently. It is essential to know that dental braces are made from various materials and are designed specifically for your teeth and mouth.
Do you know that metal braces are more comfortable today than ever before? Moreover, they are made of high-grade stainless steel – these braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. But with these braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics or rubber bands for a more colorful and unique smile.
Traditional braces or the metal ones are still the most popular, quickest, and most cost-effective orthodontic treatment available today. Although you do have many other treatment options available for those in their teens, metal braces are most effective. They will also allow you to show off personality with coloured ligature elastics. To know more on the topic keep reading.
What Are Braces Made Of?
As you may know, braces can be made of many different types of materials. But most commonly, they are made of titanium alloys combined with nickel and chromium.
In addition, chromium-nickel-cobalt alloys are also prevalent. The material used are very different from ceramic braces. Sometimes your dentist may use precious metals to prepare the area. Some companies use gold as the only material for their brackets. Usually, these alloys are developed to have high biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.
Biocompatibility means that the material should not irritate your mouth. Moreover, orthodontics works through having a controlled inflammation of the periodontium. The material should also be so that they do not irritate the mucous membranes. Simply put, they should not tax the patient’s body more than necessary.
Metal Braces – What Are They Made of?
You may have seen people wear metal braces, and you know that they make your teeth straighter. But you may ask how? It takes a bit of science and the right orthodontic appliance – that can make that beautiful smile happen.
With the most common type of braces like the metal braces – you will have a stainless steel material that is shaped into specific orthodontic parts that will all go together in your mouth. Often your dentist and their team will mold those parts and shape them in a particular lab. Finally, they will be shipped to your dentist’s clinic.
Most dental labs do custom-made brackets and wires for individuals when needed. However, most braces have a specific design like metal braces have. Metal braces have different parts that include:
1. Brackets:
These stainless steel pieces or brackets are those little squares that bond to the middle of each tooth. Your dentist will use a special bonding glue that will stay on your teeth for the entire duration of your treatment. Just relax. They will come off quickly with suitable orthodontic material.
These brackets are small anchors that will hold a wire in place. They generally have tiny rubber elastics placed around them. The elastic material helps protect your teeth and prevent stuck food.
2. Archwire:
This metal wire will generally pass through the brackets on each tooth – running to the back of your mouth. Many individuals have a bracket that wraps around the back molar as it stabilizes this archwire.
The wire is designed to follow the curve of your jaws in an elongated circle. If your dentist places a thicker archwire and adjusts it, it can help move your teeth into place because of the force placed on the brackets.
3. Ligature Elastics:
They are the rubber elastics used. These elastics are what keep the archwire sturdy. Thus helping to straighten your teeth over a period of time.These ligatures are the coloured ties – that will hold the archwires to the brackets. Your dentist may change the ligatures at each appointment.
Are the Wire And the Bracket Made of the Same Material?
Usually not. But in some systems, the wires, brackets, and wires are made from the same material. It is essential to understand that the archwire is very often made of a stainless steel alloy. Probably because stainless steel alloy is one of the most flexible metals. But the wires and brackets should be just hard enough that it pulls the teeth in the necessary direction. Meaning the wires and brackets should apply the appropriate amount of force.
The archwire is the key player – it sets the general direction for teeth alignment. Hence the archwire needs to be both flexible and firm. So the best option is steel alloys. The braces’ wire can be made of many different materials, though – and nickel and chromium are also used in the alloy itself.
Do Metal Braces Corrode?
It is a common question you may have. The answer is yes – but the process is extremely slow. It is simply not possible to find metals that will not corrode. It is only a matter of time.
In the case of braces, the corrosion resistance can be raised so high that after one year submerged in food particles and saliva, it will not result in corrosion. You can be assured that these orthodontic appliances will not corrode once placed in your mouth.
Even if you feel some corrosion, these metals will not start to rust, as usually little to absolutely no iron (Fe) is used in these braces. Moreover, maintaining and cleaning your appliance will help the alloy be more resistant and fight corrosion more effectively. Probably because the bacteria and the food debris that aid in corrosion are removed.
How Do Metal Braces Work?
There are two questions commonly asked about metal braces. What are braces made of? The next question is – how do they work? The answer is relatively easy. Probably because braces are generally made up of two main components: brackets and archwires.
These two items, the brackets, and archwires, will work together to apply the proper amount of pressure, force, and tension required to straighten your teeth.
Because your dentist will use many different types of archwires and brackets, it is essential to do your research before selecting an orthodontist. You need to understand that these metal braces are designed such that you are comfortable using them.
Can You Be Allergic to Metal Braces?
In very rare cases, it is seen that patients may be allergic to the metal present in braces. This is rare, but if it happens, it is typically because of a nickel allergy. Nickel is contained in small amounts in the metal alloys used for the brackets or wires in the braces.
The allergic reaction is minimal as it creates a rash or itchy skin on the cheeks or lips. If you have a nickel allergy, you can still get metal braces. Note that your orthodontist will use a nickel-free metal alloy during your treatment.
In such cases, you can also consider different orthodontic treatments. You can look into ceramic braces, which are usually nickel-free. Or you can opt for Invisalign aligners, which are generally made of clear plastic aligners and do not contain any metal.
If you are unsure if you have a nickel allergy, you can consult your dermatologist, who can do an allergy test to determine whether you really have a nickel allergy.
Are Metal Braces Effective?
It is a common question each one of you may have. These braces are the original form of orthodontic treatment used for decades. You would be surprised to know that they are still highly effective, reliable, safe, and comfortable.
Today millions of people, including kids, teens, and adults, get their straight teeth and beautiful smiles using metal braces every year. They are all satisfied with long-lasting results.
With such good stats, it is necessary to understand technology’s important role. The technology used in these braces made of metal has continued to evolve. As it uses state-of-the-art metal alloys and precision 3D modeling to achieve such outstanding results every time.
In addition, it is one of the most cost-effective orthodontic treatments and can straighten even the most complex orthodontic cases.
If you are interested in getting a beautiful smile and straight teeth, these braces can be the tool to help you achieve the results you want.
Are Metal Braces Safe?
Yes. Metal braces are entirely safe. These braces use metal alloys during the treatment that are FDA-approved. The metal is free of any harmful chemicals and easy to clean. It is stain and corrosion-resistant. These braces are a safe, effective treatment option for patients of all age groups.
The only concern with these braces is for those with nickel allergies. Your orthodontist will use a nickel-free metal for your braces to prevent an allergic reaction. However, consult with your orthodontist if you have further questions about the safety.
Final Thoughts
You should choose an expert orthodontist who uses state-of-the-art tools. As you know, today, there are many options for braces treatment. Whichever you choose, it is essential to remember that every orthodontic appliance is a tool in the hands of your dentist. Remember that the most critical part of achieving straight teeth is always your licensed, experienced orthodontic provider.
Make sure to find a dentist who specializes in orthodontia, not a general dentist who might only treat a few cases a year. Try to get your care from the most experienced professionals at a dedicated orthodontic office or clinic.
It is best to look around your neighborhood for the orthodontic provider with the best reviews and experience. After all, your smile is forever, and therefore it deserves the very best dental care.
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