However, despite the popularity of discreet braces, we still treat hundreds of patients with traditional metal braces.
Metal braces have been used by orthodontists for decades. They’re still a fantastic way to straighten teeth, and their results are unrivalled.
About metal braces
Metal braces feature small metal brackets that we attach to each tooth. We use a thin, metal archwire to control the brackets and align your teeth.
Your archwire will be connected to each bracket using elastic ligatures or clips that are built into each bracket.
Today’s brackets are designed for comfort, with a low profile and smooth edges. They’ll hug the contours of your teeth for a secure fit and exception control.
The benefits of metal braces
Precise results
Metal fixed braces give us maximum control over the movement of your teeth. We can achieve tiny, precise movements, which can be great for finessing your final result.
Fixed braces are suitable for almost every case, including the most complicated. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, can now treat most concerns, but they do have limitations and struggle with specific movements, for example, aligning teeth that are very rotated.
Metal braces are also great for improving the way your teeth bite together. We can use elastic bands to connect your top and bottom braces and bring your teeth together so that they bite correctly.
Cost-effective
Metal braces offer excellent value. There are no lab fees, so we can pass on these savings to you. You’ll receive an all-inclusive quote for your treatment, which will cover everything. The cost of your braces includes your appliances, all your appointments, your retainers and aftercare.
There are several different ways you can pay for your braces, including interest-free and no-deposit options.
Reliable
Metal braces are attached to your teeth using special dental cement. If you follow our advice carefully and avoid very hard or chewy foods, your brackets should remain in place for the duration of your treatment.
Your braces will be straightening your teeth 24/7, and unlike clear aligners, you won’t need to worry about wearing them for long enough each day.
You won’t need to remove your braces to eat and drink, and there’s certainly no risk of you losing your braces.
Occasionally, a bracket can loosen, or a wire might pop out. If you have any problems or concerns, contact us straight away. We’ll offer advice or arrange to see you to put things right.
Customisable
Our younger patients love metal braces because they can customise their look by choosing coloured elastic ligatures. These are the small elastic bands that fit around each bracket.
You can opt for a single colour or mix and match for your own unique smile. Choose from all the colours of the rainbow and more. We also have discreet options like clear, white and grey.
You can update your bands each time we change your archwires, around every 6–8 weeks.
Clear fixed braces
If you like the sound of fixed braces and coloured bands but don’t want to wear metal braces, we also offer clear fixed braces.
The only difference is they boast clear ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. Otherwise, they offer all the advantages of metal braces.
Are metal braces right for you?
To find out more about metal braces, and whether they might be right for you, arrange a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Jackie Bracken.
Jackie is a specialist orthodontist in Clonmel and Newbridge, and she has a wealth of experience using metal, clear, fixed and removable appliances.
She’ll talk you through all your treatment options, so you can start your treatment confident that you made the best choice.
