All About Braces with Smiles to Love Orthodontics

Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Marysville, Plain City, and the surrounding area.

Tried & True Treatment

Tried, true and very effective, which is probably why metal braces are the most common type of braces used. Technology has been very favorable to orthodontic patients so the days of metal bands on teeth are long gone!

Metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. Have fun and go crazy with color choices! The combinations are endless and you can change colors at every appointment.

Color coordinate with your friends, match your colors with an upcoming holiday, or wear your favorite team colors!

What Are Braces Made Of?

These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. At Smiles to Love Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.

Metal braces are typically the most cost-effective option. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.

Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive. Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you’ll see.

Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. Schweiss or Dr. Jusseaume want them to move for the best possible bite and smile.

Brackets

The brackets our doctors use are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.

Brackets have little hooks or doors where your doctor will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue/Adhesive

This is what we will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue. We use a material that is similar to a tooth colored filling you’d get at your dentist’s office.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another and is what helps move your teeth to the ideal position. Dr. Schweiss or Dr. Jusseaume will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.

The top teeth will be attached together by one wire, and the same for the bottom teeth. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Elastics

If Dr. Schweiss or Dr. Jusseaume determine that you need bite correction, elastics are essential! These are generally attached from 1 or 2 upper bracket hooks to 1 or 2 lower bracket hooks.

Elastics are what help us correct certain bite problems such as overbite, underbite, or open bite. Elastics are also used toward the end of your treatment to help get your bite to match up perfectly.

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. Your doctor will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.

Spacers

These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used by Dr. Schweiss or Dr. Jusseaume 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 at Smiles to Love Orthodontics they come in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ