Metal Braces | Braces Long Island | Commack NY Braces

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Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics.

These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues.

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Frank and our team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. We’ll scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and scan, we’ll use this information to help create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved in order to get to its best possible position.

Dr. Frank will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Frank will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire causes specific and precise movements.

For example, a bend can help a tooth that is twisted to turn and face the right way, or aligning one tooth that is too far forward with one that is too far back. This process of tooth movement is called remodeling, and it involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth.

What can I expect from metal braces?

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious, but because of modern orthodontics, you will benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before.

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you will have less irritation in your mouth.

Traditional metal braces also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost - you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in a wide variety of colors that let you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, even your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics if you want a more subtle look.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can shorten your treatment time.

Because metal braces get right down to work, you’ll be able to see progress right away. It may not seem like much, but sometimes seeing even a small improvement in your smile can give you an encouraging boost on your orthodontic journey.months. But for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces, you can see signs of improvement in just a short period of time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.

How long do I have to wear metal braces?

This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment time with metal braces will be different every time.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual. We have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces, you can see signs of improvement in just a short period of time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.

What Are Braces Made of?

Brackets

The brackets are durable, long lasting, and are typically made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.

Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

This is what Dr. Frank will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. Although some orthodontists may attach the brackets to a metal band which is then crimped around the tooth to hold it in place, it’s much more common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue (technically, a form of composite bonding material).

If you need more serious treatment, metal bands may be used together with glue to make your braces more stable.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Frank will change the shape and curvature of the wire in order to move your teeth in the desired direction. Dr. Frank may bend the wire to help push or pull any teeth that are especially stubborn.

In some cases, the wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together, but we might occasionally cut the wire strategically if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Elastics

Elastics are essential if you need bite correction. They’re strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook. This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw backward to correct an underbite.

We’ll use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on your teeth or jaws.

Orthodontic Bands

These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and Orthodontic appliances, but they’re not used for everyone.

Spacers

These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They’re also referred to as separators.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.