Metal Braces

Strong & Sturdy

Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Glendale, CA, and our surrounding communities.

These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. At The Orthodontic Studio, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages!

All About Metal Braces

The Orthodontic Studio is pleased to offer high-tech braces to our Glendale patients.

Thanks to technological advances and new braces, achieving your perfect smile can be faster and easier than you ever thought possible!

Trusted Treatment

Metal braces are probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics. Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re not going anywhere soon.

These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successfully correcting just many of the oral problems you might be experiencing.

What Are Braces Made of?

Brackets

The brackets are durable and 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.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Babaan will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.

The wire attaches all of your bottom or upper teeth. We may cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Glue

This is what Dr. Babaan will use to attach the brackets to your teeth.

We normally attach the bracket directly to your tooth with glue.

Elastics

If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re generally 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 back to correct an underbite.

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

Spacers

Before we place your bands, we'll use these small elastic “donuts” or rings to create space in between your teeth.

You may also hear them be called separators.

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.

O-Rings/Elastic Ties/Colors/Ligatures/

These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets.

They’re less rigid than spacers and come in lots of different colors, so you can show off your personality.

FAQS About Metal Braces

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Babaan and the team at The Orthodontic Studio will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. We’ll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. This eliminates the need for goopy impressions and provides more precise images. This process is quick, easy, and comfortable!

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Babaan will use this information to create your customized orthodontic treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.

Dr. Babaan will decide how to place the brackets based on the information in your scans. 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. Babaan will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, because of modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before. At The Orthodontic Studio, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Glendale and surrounding areas!

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you’ll 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 Dr. Babaan will 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 for patients seeking a more subtle look.

Self-ligating braces are another option for metal braces patients at The Orthodontic Studuio. This type of braces doesn’t rely on rubber bands and elastics, but uses a specialized clip to help the archwire guide the teeth into place.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues for patients of all ages in Glendale and surrounding communities. Both of these options can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatment options might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.

Metal braces are a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.

The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!

How long will I be in braces?

This is the question that’s first on everyone’s mind, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every case 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 treatment plan from Dr. Babaan.

At The Orthodontic Studio we have patients in braces for as little as six months. However, for more complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces treatment with Dr. Babaan and the team at The Orthodontic Studio, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.