Metal Braces in Charles County, MD
Sequence Orthodontics offers traditional metal braces and other orthodontic treatments to the residents of Charles County and St. Mary’s County, Maryland, at our convenient Waldorf and Leonardtown offices, for those seeking to improve their smile and oral health.
What Are Metal Braces?
Traditional metal braces are made from high-grade stainless steel and consist of brackets that are attached to each tooth with bonding cement, then connected to a thin archwire using tiny elastics known as ligatures or o-rings. When tightened, this archwire applies pressure on the teeth, causing them to slowly shift into the correct position.
What Types of Metal Braces are Available?
At Sequence Orthodontics, we are proud to provide patients with multiple options for their metal braces treatment. These include:
Traditional Metal Braces
With traditional metal braces, brackets are placed on the front of each tooth and connected with a wire. Both the metal brackets and the wire are made of stainless steel, giving a clean and sleek appearance.
Iconix Braces
Iconix braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but they’re made with aesthetics in mind. For patients who don’t want the appearance of traditional metal braces, Iconix braces offer an updated gold color. For this treatment, the metal brackets are a champagne gold instead of traditional stainless steel. This gives a more elegant appearance to the metal braces treatment, while still offering the same advantages of traditional metal braces.
How Are Today’s Metal Braces Different from those of the Past?
Traditional braces have improved considerably over time, with today’s braces lighter in weight and structure than in the past. Braces have long been the most effective method of achieving optimal orthodontic health and correcting structural and cosmetic flaws in the teeth and jaw.
Who is a Good Candidate for Metal Braces?
Almost anyone over the age of seven may benefit from the use of braces or other orthodontic treatment to align and straighten teeth. Treatment length will vary according to characteristics, such as age, condition, budget and lifestyle. Traditional metal braces have been successfully used for decades by millions of children, adults, and teens.
Are Metal Braces Painful to Wear?
The fitting of metal braces is typically not painful, but you may experience a bit of discomfort as your teeth begin to align, caused by the pressure applied from the wires and elastic ligatures. You may also experience slight discomfort each time your braces are adjusted, and this may last several days. Over-the-counter pain medication normally relieves this discomfort, and dental wax may also be used to prevent the braces from irritating the inside of your mouth. Our staff will provide you with detailed instructions on how to use dental wax at your application appointment.
What Should I Do Next?
Residents of Charles County or St. Mary’s County, Maryland, who want to improve oral health and appearance by straightening their teeth with braces should contact Sequence Orthodontics at our friendly Waldorf or Leonardtown offices to schedule an appointment for a consultation.