Metal braces has been the most popular alignments for years. The latest technology reduces the composite sizes and increases effectiveness, making the braces more comfortable as ever. The advantages of metal braces are the ability to align any types of misalignment problems, cost effectiveness compared with other methods and the variety of color options.

Who Needs Metal Braces?

• Teeth Spacing Issues

Reasons : misdevelopment of jawbone, mismatch teeth sizes, tooth loss with no replacement causing the nearby tooth to loosen or misalign

Following problems : creating teeth gap or periodontal pocket and may lead to periodontitis (gum disease), as well as having poor chewing and biting ability. Spacing issues can be treated by teeth alignment.

• Overly Crowded Teeth

Reasons : no space for the teeth to align correctly, imbalance jaw structure like small jaw structure leaving no space for the teeth to grow

Following problems : เIf no treatment has been carried out, the teeth can be even more crowded. Crowded teeth may trap the food and bacteria, causing teeth decay and increasing the chance of periodontitis (gum disease). The treatment to realign the crowded teeth consisted of teeth extraction and teeth alignment.

• Crossbite

Reasons : misalignment of the upper and lower jaw, single or multiple upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, can occur on both front and side teeth

Following problems : improper growth of jaw and teeth position, biting problem, and periodontitis (gum disease)

• Underbite

Reasons : single or multiple lower teeth overlap the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, happen from misdevelopment of the upper or lower jaw or combination, another possibility is upper teeth loss affecting the front and molar teeth alignment

Following problems : misaligned teeth erodes the enamel, weaken the teeth and cause jaw pain

• Overbite

Reasons : the upper teeth stick out too far beyond the lower teeth when the mouth is closed

Following problems : overbite can harm the inner gum, alter face/mouth shape and the mouth extents to the front. Severe overbite cases may not able to close the mouth properly, losing of the bone structure, and having weaken front teeth. Overbite can be from either hereditary, or environmental factors.

• Openbite

Reasons : upper and lower teeth can not make contact

Following problems : adding more pressure to the molar teeth when chewing or biting

• Facial Trauma

Reasons : problems from the skull structure create long face, short face, overlapping upper teeth, and strong jaw line structure

Following problems : need to be treated immediately especially on the early mixed dentition stage. The treatment can be a mixture of jawbone surgery and teeth alignment to alter the face structure.

Metal Braces Process

Metal Braces Duration

Metal braces usually take about 1-3 years depend on cases.

Lifespan of Metal Braces

It is essential to keep the alignment in place by wearing the retainer and taking good care of oral health.

Results of Metal Braces

• the teeth are aligned nicely

• comfortable chewing and biting

• increase confidence and improve personal development

• improve overall oral health and reduce chances of oral diseases

Metal Braces Aftercare

1. brush the teeth with braces toothbrush, use dental floss and rinse with mouthwash

2. avoid chewing hard or sticky food

3. the dentist may ask for an appointment every month or as instructed

4. wear the retainer as instructed by the dentist

5. after the teeth alignment process is over, it is recommended to have an appointment with the dentist every 6 months to check the oral health

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : Why do I need an appointment with the dentist every month?

A : Metal braces required a monthly checkup to adjust and replace the new braces. The dentist needs to check the alignment movements, plan the follow up treatment, change the O-ring and wire, and add/eliminate any additional composite, according to the dentist’s judgements and experiences.

Q : Does it hurt to get the metal braces?

A : Attaching the new metal braces on can be painful. The pain is depending on persons and can be over within 3-5 days. We recommend having only soft food and avoid chewing hard or sticky food.

Q : What to do if my cheek irritates/gets the cut from the aligner?

A : We recommended to use dental wax to eliminate the irritation from the aligners. Take a small piece of wax and put on the bracket or wire. If the wire is too long or sharp, contact your dentist immediately.

Q : Does wearing metal braces cause speech problems and drooling?

A : Speech problems and drooling are not directly from the braces, but from the different feeling the braces have on the patient. Wearing braces can distract you mouth and lip, disturbing your pronunciation and proper mouth closure. The patient will get used to and these problems will eventually resolve after times but how long does it is usually depending on person.

Q : Will the alignment last for a lifetime?

A : After the alignment process over, the patient will need to wear a retainer to sustain the alignment. It is possible that the teeth will move to the prior positions. How long each patient needs to wear the retainer is by cases and according to the dentist.