Traditional Braces: A Durable, Time-honored Treatment

Although Dr. Timothy Trulove offers several types of braces, many patients find that traditional braces are a good fit for them. Our patients in Montgomery, AL, can choose metal braces to correct crooked and crowded teeth, a misaligned bite, or problems with their jaw. Made of high-grade stainless steel brackets, traditional braces attach to your teeth and are connected with an archwire that will apply gentle force on your teeth. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and better-looking than traditional orthodontics of the past, and they are very effective at straightening smiles. 

Candidates for Traditional Braces

Woman wearing traditional braces.

Metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic braces. Unlike Invisalign®, which can be useful for aesthetic purposes and simple dental issues, traditional metal braces can correct complex alignment issues.

And although ceramic braces may be appropriate for complex cases, they are not strong enough to withstand the force of some types of treatment. Traditional braces are designed for moderate to severe misalignment. They are also used to correct malocclusion (crooked or crowded teeth) and severe issues with bite. Traditional metal braces can also be a good option if you are on a budget, since they are typically more affordable than other options. 

Procedure for Getting Braces

Having braces put on your teeth takes approximately two hours. First, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and dried to prepare them for the brackets. Then Dr. Trulove will apply bonding material to the front of your teeth and place a bracket carefully on each tooth.

Over the course of treatment, the pressure will gradually shift your teeth so that you can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile.

The positioning of the brackets is extremely important for ensuring the success of your treatment plan, and Dr. Trulove is highly trained and skilled in their placement. In the last step, Dr. Trulove will place the archwire in the brackets and use elastic bands to secure the brackets. Over the course of treatment, the pressure will gradually shift your teeth so that you can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile.

What is the Treatment Duration?

The length of treatment varies from patient to patient, but most patients wear their braces for 18 to 24 months. Variables include the severity of the misalignment, the amount of room available in the mouth, and the distance the teeth are required to move. Other variables include the health of the patient's teeth, gums, and supporting bone tissue, and how well the patient follows the orthodontist’s instructions. Treatment times can be longer than 24 months in difficult and complex cases.

When the braces are removed at the end of treatment, you will likely need to wear a retainer for the first six months. After that, you will likely wear one only during sleep for a number of years. The retainer will help prevent your teeth from shifting back into improper positions. Dr. Trulove can explain your treatment time and details more accurately during your initial consultation.

Benefits of Traditional Braces

Traditional braces can provide a number of benefits over other orthodontic options, including: 

  • Faster at closing gaps and aligning the teeth than Invisalign®
  • Versatile and capable of correcting severe orthodontic issues
  • Treatment time is typically the shortest among all types of braces
  • Metal braces are strong, and rarely break

In general, straightening your teeth corrects an abnormal bite, which can lead to oral health problems. Additionally, straighter teeth and an aligned bite creates a more attractive smile, which can boost self-confidence, and provide you with a smile worth showing off.

Achieve a Straighter Smile Today

We want to welcome you to our warm, friendly dental practice, where you will receive the best orthodontic care available in the area. To find out if traditional metal braces are a good fit for you, schedule your personal consultation today.