At Sohn Orthodontics, we’re all about keeping you informed. When it comes to your orthodontic treatment, you deserve to know what’s going on with your smile! Dr. Sohn and the team are about more than just fixing your smile; we’re about patient empowerment. So, let’s take a minute and learn a little more about how braces work!
Metal Braces – What Are They?
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, traditional metal braces are, without a doubt, the most recognized tools in the arsenal. Their strong and sturdy nature makes them the perfect tool for treating a range of dental misalignments, making them a favorite at Sohn Orthodontics.
So what are they made of? Well, let’s take a look at the materials:
Primarily, metal braces consist of brackets made from a robust mixture of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. These brackets have specialized hooks or doors that secure a wire in place. They can be fastened either by closing a tiny door or with the assistance of an elastic over the wire.
Wondering how the brackets stay affixed to your teeth? Dr. Sohn makes use of a special adhesive to bond the brackets directly to each tooth.
Connecting all of this is the wire. That’s a slender metal piece that connects the brackets. Dr. Sohn uses her understanding of your treatment plan and adjusts the wire’s shape and curvature, ensuring your teeth move precisely as planned. Depending on your needs, the wire might span across all of your teeth or, in special cases, only a select few.
Elastics: These are a vital part of the process if it turns out that you could use bite correction. Typically anchored between upper and lower bracket hooks, these elastics can exert extra pressure where needed, helping correct overbites or underbites.
Other key components of the metal braces system include:
- Orthodontic Bands: Stainless steel rings cemented to teeth for anchorage.
- Spacers: Elastic “donuts” to create interdental space.
- Elastic Ties: Also known as O-rings, Ligatures, or Colors, these add a touch of personalization to the treatment.
How Do They Work?
Now that we’ve taken a look at their makeup let’s get started on how we use these tools to fix your smile.
The Science Behind Braces
Before the braces come into play, Dr. Sohn and her team employ modern tech, like the iTero Element scanner, to capture detailed 3D views of your oral landscape. This scan, combined with traditional X-rays, helps chart out a personalized treatment trajectory.
With this roadmap, Dr. Sohn can determine the optimal position for each bracket. The subsequent wire insertion, coupled with strategic bends, then applies the desired pressure on individual teeth. This is the secret behind the braces’ ability to affect precise tooth movements.
What’s the Modern Metal Braces Experience?
Gone are the days of large, clunky metal braces. At Sohn Orthodontics, you’re introduced to contemporary versions that are sleeker, less noticeable, and remarkably comfortable. They’re not just about functionality; they’re about the aesthetics and the experience.
With their efficient design, metal braces offer a faster route to perfecting your smile. Furthermore, their cost-effectiveness, owing to the absence of high-end tech or pricey apparatus, remains a significant draw for many in the Bridgeville community.
How Long is the Journey?
The duration of treatment is unique to each individual. While the average span with metal braces is between 18 to 22 months, some might find themselves flashing a perfect smile in just half a year! Others, especially those with intricate issues, might need up to three years.
However, with Sohn Orthodontics’ metal braces, you’re bound to notice improvements pretty early on—a definite morale booster!
Fun Twist: Add some flair to your braces with colorful elastics. Showcase your personality, support your favorite sports team, or opt for understated hues like silver or tooth-colored.
In conclusion, braces are more than just metal and wires; they are a journey to a confident smile. With Dr. Jacqueline Sohn and her team at Sohn Orthodontics in Bridgeville, PA, you’re guaranteed a tailored approach that values both efficacy and aesthetics. Let your smile journey begin today!
What Can Metal Braces Treat?
Metal braces are not just about making your smile straight. They can fix a variety of dental issues. Here’s a quick rundown of what Dr. Jacqueline Sohn at Sohn Orthodontics commonly uses metal braces for:
- Crowding: When there’s not enough room for all your teeth, metal braces can make space so each tooth fits properly.
- Spacing: Got gaps between your teeth? Metal braces can help close them up.
- Overbite: If your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth too much, metal braces can fix that.
- Underbite: When lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth, braces can help align them better.
- Crossbite: If some upper teeth sit inside the lower ones, braces can correct this issue.
- Open Bite: When there’s a gap between your upper and lower front teeth, even when your mouth is closed, braces can help close it.
- Misaligned Midline: If the center line of your upper and lower teeth doesn’t match, braces can align them.
- Relapse: Sometimes, teeth move back to their old spots after treatment. Metal braces can correct this.
In short, metal braces are versatile tools that tackle simple and complex dental issues. They work by applying consistent pressure to move teeth in the direction they need to go. So whether it’s a small adjustment or a bigger fix, metal braces are up to the task.
Call Now for a Free Consultation!
Thank you for taking the time to learn all about how your braces work! Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the tools, it’s time to make your first appointment and get started on a lifetime of healthy smiles! Our office is conveniently located in Bridgeville, and consultations are always free. Let’s get smiling!