Metal braces continue to be one of the most popular orthodontic methods, providing aesthetic appeal for many individuals. Despite the emergence of various modern methods, this approach remains favored by the majority of customers due to its numerous excellent advantages. Explore more details with Champion Dental Clinic in the article below.

What are Metal Braces?

Metal braces are a common fixed orthodontic method widely used in the dental field to adjust the position of teeth and enhance facial aesthetics. This method utilizes brackets made of metal combined with specialized shaping wires, creating a robust system to apply force to the teeth, thereby moving them to the desired position.

This is the most traditional and prevalent orthodontic method today, applied to cases of protruding teeth, crowding, spacing issues, misalignment, etc., ranging from mild to severe.

Pros and Cons of Metal Braces

Currently, metal braces remain highly popular and are chosen by many. However, before deciding to use this method, you should consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

• High Effectiveness: Metal braces can effectively correct various orthodontic issues, ranging from mild to severe cases of protruding teeth, crowding, spacing issues, and misalignment.
• Cost-Effective: Metal braces have the lowest cost among current orthodontic methods.
• Durability: The brackets made of stainless steel contribute to high durability, excellent load-bearing capacity, and resistance to damage.

Cons

• Lower Aesthetics: Metal braces have a shiny appearance and are easily visible during communication, which may affect aesthetics.
• Requires Thorough Oral Hygiene: Metal braces can accumulate food particles and bacteria, requiring meticulous oral hygiene to prevent oral health issues.

Common Types of Metal Braces Today

Depending on your needs and the condition of your teeth, you can choose from the following types of metal braces.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are often considered a conventional orthodontic method and have been widely used. This system includes brackets, archwires, and a system of elastics (rubber bands) to achieve fixation, tooth movement, and alignment. The elasticity of the rubber bands plays a crucial role in supporting a continuous and stable tooth movement process.

However, the aesthetic appeal of this method is not high due to the use of rubber bands during the tooth movement process. Additionally, there is a possibility of elastic bands coming loose, archwire breakage, and challenges in maintaining oral hygiene.

Self-Ligating Metal Braces

Self-ligating metal braces are an improvement over traditional metal braces, commonly known as self-ligating or self-locking braces. This innovation replaces rubber bands with sliding brackets on the braces, ensuring a continuous tooth adjustment process and minimizing the risk of undesired elastic band stretching or bracket detachment.

The Process of Metal Braces at Champion Dental Clinic

The process of metal braces typically takes around 1-3 years, depending on the individual's dental condition. The specific steps are as follows:

• Examination and Consultation: A dentist will conduct an examination and provide consultation to determine the suitable orthodontic method for you.
• Bracket Placement: The dentist will attach metal brackets to your teeth using specialized adhesive.
• Archwire Replacement: The archwire is a component that transmits force to facilitate tooth movement. It needs to be periodically replaced to ensure the effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment.
• Adjustments: The dentist will fine-tune the force applied by the archwire to gradually move the teeth to the desired position.
• Bracket Cleaning: It is essential to maintain meticulous oral hygiene to prevent food particles and bacteria from adhering to the brackets.

>> See more: Should I get Invisalign braces? Trusted Invisalign orthodontists in Ho Chi Minh City

Do Metal Braces Cause Pain?

Many people wonder if metal braces cause pain. The answer is yes; metal braces can be painful, especially during the initial stages of attachment and adjustment. However, the level of pain varies from person to person, depending on the oral condition and the extent of orthodontic intervention.

The pain associated with wearing metal braces is primarily due to the forces exerted on the teeth during their movement. When the brackets are attached to the teeth, an archwire is threaded through them. This archwire creates a pulling force, facilitating tooth movement. This pulling force can cause soreness in the teeth and gums.

Furthermore, when the dentist adjusts the force, the archwire may be tightened, causing additional discomfort to the teeth and gums. This discomfort typically lasts for a few days.

Guidelines for Oral Care After Getting Metal Braces

To ensure the effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment and minimize dental issues, it's important to follow proper oral care:

• Brush at least twice a day: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean both the teeth and the braces.
• Use dental floss: Dental floss designed for braces helps remove food particles in areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.
• Utilize a water flosser: A water flosser aids in eliminating excess food debris in the bracket grooves.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule dental check-ups every 6 months to allow the dentist to assess the oral condition and make adjustments to the archwire force.

Metal braces are an effective and cost-efficient method for achieving straight and confident smiles. However, proper oral care is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment and reduce potential dental issues. Contact Champion Dental Clinic for early consultation and examination.

Champion Dental Clinic

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中文: (028) 5411-2297 172 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

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