Metal braces

Strong & sturdy

Orthodontists have used traditional metal braces for about 100 years, so they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in New Albany, Corydon, Floyds Knobs, and the surrounding areas.

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Periago and the team at Periago Orthodontics will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we’ll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

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

Dr. Periago will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. 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.

Schedule consultation

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. 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. Periago 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.

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

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.

  • Glue

    This is what Dr. Danielle Periago will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It's common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.

  • Wire

    This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Danielle Periago will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction. The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

  • Elastics

    If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They are 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.

  • 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 are not used for everyone.

  • Spacers

    These small elastic "donuts" or rings can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They are 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 come in dozens of colors.

Schedule consultation

How long will I be in braces?

This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth 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. Periago. At Periago Orthodontics, we have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for more complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

At Periago Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in New Albany, Corydon, Floyds Knobs, and surrounding areas! With metal braces treatment, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process. Schedule your free consultation to learn more.

Schedule consultation