Metal braces are a type of orthodontic appliance that is used to straighten teeth. There are many different types of metal braces, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Most braces have a metal component. The most common braces are full metal braces, bonded brackets, lingual braces, and Invisalign® aligners. Some have hinges and some don’t, some are made from titanium, and others from stainless steel or nickel-chromium alloy.
Are you considering getting metal braces? Here you will figure out which type would work best for your lifestyle. Take a look at our information below for all the details.
What are Metal Braces?
Metal braces are metal-based appliances that may be affixed to teeth using metal wires and brackets. They correct various orthodontic problems, such as misaligned or crowded teeth, with the help of metal bands and wires. A metal brace is a device used to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Braces can be made from metal or plastic, but metal braces are the most common.
What are the Types of Metal braces?
Full metal braces: These metal braces are the most common and they come in metal or metal-based materials. It is used by orthodontists all over the world to correct every kind of malocclusion, i.e., improper bite and tooth alignment.
The brackets and wires on this type of metal brace are made from precious metals like gold, chromium, and stainless steel. It takes about two years for full metal braces to straighten teeth with great results that last a lifetime.
Bonded brackets: Brackets can be bonded to teeth as well as metal bands and wires. While the brackets themselves look similar to those used with metal braces, their use is quite different as it doesn’t need metal wire(s) to work. These metal braces are designed to provide maximum comfort, especially for those who constantly play sports, since they can be removed whenever the wearer wants.
The metal brackets of these metal braces are bonded directly to teeth using resins and cement which chemically harden with exposure to air. It doesn’t require metal bands or wires like the metal brackets do. However, it is not as effective in straightening teeth because it does not hold them firmly in a position like metal brackets do; hence metal wire is preferred by orthodontists for better results.
Lingual metal braces: These metal braces also known as hidden braces or invisible braces are made from metal wire(s) that goes on the inside of the mouth instead of on the outside like metal brackets. Lingual metal braces aren’t affixed on the visible surfaces of teeth; hence they are hidden from view. While metal wires are used to stabilize metal brackets, these metal braces use orthodontic studs attached to the wire which help in correcting malocclusion.
Invisalign aligners: These metal braces are a series of clear, removable aligners used for straightening teeth. They provide a simple and straightforward method to correct several types of malocclusion without metal brackets and bands. Each Invisalign set has a series of 3D printed plastic aligners that move your teeth into place.
Invisalign is made from smooth, medical-grade thermoplastic which is then precisely molded into shape. It is used by orthodontists all over the world because Invisalign metal braces are more comfortable than metal braces with metal brackets and wires. This type of metal brace does not require any cutting or grinding unlike metal brackets do; hence they cause no tooth sensitivity and less discomfort when worn for long periods in the mouth.
How Long Do Metal Braces Take?
Metal braces typically take a few months to a year. You will visit your orthodontist regularly so they can check progress and fine-tune your metal braces as needed.
An exception would be metal Invisalign® aligners which can take up to a year. These plastic, removable metal braces are made up of about 20 or so trays you wear for about two weeks each. Each tray moves your teeth a little further towards the perfect smile you want. Every two weeks, the metal Invisalign® aligner is replaced with a new one that moves your teeth just a tiny bit to reach your goal smile.
Are Metal Braces Painful?
You may feel some metal braces tingling, but metal braces are not necessarily uncomfortable. Modern metal braces are smaller and lighter than ever, so metal braces can be comfortable if you wear them properly. You can customize metal braces by fitting metal braces that are comfortable and which you can wear properly every day.
What Materials Are Metal Braces Made Of?
One metal brace is stainless steel. It is commonly made from metal materials because metal braces are very strong. However, metal braces often feel cold to the touch, may cause irritation on the skin especially during summertime when it’s hot outside or when you get sweaty, and metal braces can be noisy while eating crunchy foods such as chips.
Another metal brace is nickel-chromium alloy that has a metal color but feels warm to the touch. It also doesn’t cause irritation even when summertime rolls around and you start getting sweaty, and metal braces won’t make noise when you eat crunchy foods like chips.
The most common metal brace, and also the metal braces that many people prefer, is metal braces made from titanium. Titanium metal braces are strong and lightweight, which makes them an ideal metal for metal braces. They feel warm to the touch, won’t make noise when you eat foods such as chips, and won’t irritate your skin even when you get sweaty.
Iron metal braces are metal braces that are very cheap and can fit most budgets. However, metal braces made from iron aren’t as strong as metal braces made from other metal materials such as metal braces made from titanium or nickel-chromium alloy metal. Metal braces that are made from iron may not be suitable for certain patients who need more durability over breaking or bending.
Silver metal braces are metal braces that have a metal color but are actually made from metal materials. Metal braces made from silver metal aren’t as strong as metal braces made from metal materials such as titanium or nickel-chromium alloy metal, so it’s important for your orthodontist to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of metal braces made from silver metal before making a final decision with your teeth.
Side Effects of Metal Braces
Metal braces may cause metal hypersensitivity. Breakage in metal braces occurs in a small percentage of metal brace users but when it does happen, it’s an emergency because the metal is sharp and can cut your lips or tongue. The metal brackets can cause metal allergies.
Titanium metal may also cause allergies so it’s important for you to tell your orthodontist about any past metal allergies before getting titanium metal braces. With modern technology, titanium may not be as allergic as it once was so please discuss this with your orthodontist first before making a decision on whether or not to get titanium full metal braces.
If you have used metal braces made from iron in the past and metal brackets, metal braces may cause metal hypersensitivity. Metal hypersensitivity can cause metal allergies or metal reactions such as irritation, redness, swelling, and itching on the gums near metal braces made from iron.
What are the Advantages of Metal Braces?
- Metal braces are more durable than clear aligners
- Metal braces offer faster results as metal is a stiffer material
- Metal is strong and can support teeth which makes metal braces ideal for tooth movement
- Metal braces can be used for both front and back teeth
- The metal has the advantage of being stronger and supporting teeth that have been weakened previously by tooth decay or injury
- Metal is also good for tooth movement since it adds to the force that will shift your teeth into their proper position
- Braces last much longer when worn with metal brackets instead of plastic ones
- Metal braces are affordable
- Metal braces provide constant care
What are the Disadvantages of Metal Braces?
While metal braces can be cost-effective, they may not be the best option for people who want to avoid metal in their mouths.
Harsh metal friction against metal wire causes metal braces to wear out more quickly than other types of braces. Metal also collects plaque easier than other materials, requiring more frequent brushing and flossing to maintain good oral health. Dentists recommend removing metal bands when eating or drinking hot or cold drinks because they can burn or chill sensitive gums and lips. The heat from a hot drink combined with metal in the mouth can cause pain in some patients, while ice-cold beverages combined with metal in the mouth may make teeth feel numb. Some metal bands may also cause metal allergies.
If you still think metal braces are right for you despite the disadvantages, there is a wide variety of metal braces available on the market today. You can choose from metal wires or metal brackets and metal bands with different types of metal. For instance, stainless steel metal braces have a bright silver color and stay shiny more easily than other metals do. On the other hand, nickel-chromium alloys have dark gray shades that hide more easily in smiles that already have some chromium content from whitening treatments. In addition to metal colors, there are many size options as well as different brands of metal-plastic hybrids. Your orthodontist can help you decide which type of metal brace will work best for your smile.
