Metal Dental Braces
Traditional metal dental braces are typically used in cases with extreme overcrowding because they move your teeth in small increments at a time and give your dentist or orthodontist more control.
Metal Dental Braces in Colorado
Braces are dental tools that help correct problems with your teeth, like crowding, crooked teeth, or misalignment. Metal braces include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth with flexible wires or archwires that hold the bands together.
Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help straighten and align your teeth.
Sometimes, clear brackets and tooth-colored wires can help hide the hardware. our doctors will help you explore the options and discuss if braces fit your treatment scenario.
As part of your treatment plan, we may use a rapid palatal expander (RPE) to help reduce teeth crowding before getting braces. The RPE slowly expands the palate to correct the bite. This stage usually lasts no longer than 18 months.
While orthodontics can solve many tooth alignment problems, successful treatment relies on good patient compliance. Wearing elastic bands consistently, keeping follow-up appointments for adjustments, and practicing outstanding home care can all help lead to a positive outcome. This commitment involves frequent preventive visits with your hygienist. Our team specializes in helping our orthodontic patients through this process so they can enjoy a gorgeous, healthy smile.
Orthodontics with braces involves teeth straightening and jaw alignment, combining beauty and function. Identifying potential problems as a child may allow for easier treatment, but it’s never too late to discuss ways to enhance a smile.
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How do metal braces work for kids and teens?
Metal braces straighten teeth by applying consistent, gentle pressure through a system of brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by an archwire. As the wire exerts pressure, teeth gradually shift into proper alignment over time. At regular adjustment appointments — typically every six to eight weeks — your child’s orthodontist fine-tunes the wire to keep progress on track toward the final result.
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What is the best age to get braces?
Most children begin metal braces between ages 9 and 14, after the majority of permanent teeth have come in. However, the right age varies by individual — some bite or alignment issues benefit from earlier intervention. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, which allows us to monitor development and recommend braces at exactly the right time for your child.
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How long does my child need to wear braces?
Braces treatment for children and teens typically lasts 18 months to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case. Straightforward crowding or spacing issues may resolve faster; more involved bite corrections or jaw alignment cases may take longer. After a full evaluation, we’ll give you a realistic treatment timeline specific to your child.
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Do metal braces hurt?
It’s normal to feel soreness or pressure for a few days after braces are first placed and after each adjustment appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help during this period. Any discomfort is temporary and typically fades within two to three days as the teeth adjust. Our team prepares kids and parents for what to expect at each stage so there are no surprises.
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How do we care for teeth while wearing braces?
Good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment because brackets and wires create extra surfaces where plaque can build up. We recommend brushing after every meal using a soft brush, flossing daily with a floss threader or water flosser, and avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage brackets or bend wires. Keeping up with regular dental cleanings throughout braces treatment helps protect teeth and gums from decay and gum irritation.
Interested in Metal Braces?
If you have any questions about metal braces contact us, request an appointment for your child, or explore the other pediatric dental services we offer using the links below.