Considering Metal Braces? Here is What You Should Know

Despite several alternatives becoming available over the last decade or so, metal braces remain the most popular form of straightening teeth. Here is what you should know if you’re considering metal braces in Norton, OH.

How Metal Braces Work to Improve Tooth Alignment

Metal braces consist of brackets that attach to the front of each tooth that Dr. Hockenberger connects with a thin wire. Both the top and bottom rows of teeth have one wire that connects all the brackets together.

The brackets and wires apply pressure to your teeth to slowly shift into a different position. You or your child may also wear small rubber bands on the back teeth to increase the level of pressure. We require patients to come in for an appointment at Hockenberger Orthodontics approximately once every four weeks to tighten and adjust the metal braces. Discomfort after an adjustment is common but should disappear entirely within a few days.

Here are some of the most common conditions we treat with metal braces in Norton, OH:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Overbite
• Protruding teeth
• Underbite

During the initial consultation, we use the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need to determine the severity of the problem to help us develop a treatment plan.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Metal Braces?

Metal braces are especially effective in treating overcrowded teeth compared to the other available options. Other benefits you can expect include:

• The most affordable orthodontic treatment option
• No ability to misplace them like with clear aligners
• Durable
• Various choices are available in size and color.
• Dr. Hockenberger can gauge the progress of tooth movement a bit easier.

Keep in mind that having aligned teeth is more than a cosmetic improvement. Crooked, crowded, and protruding teeth, as well as those with an overbite or underbite, can be challenging to keep clean. Please contact us to request an orthodontic consultation.