Some of our orthodontic patients at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Virginia have moderately to severely misaligned teeth. In these cases, orthodontists may recommend treatment with traditional metal braces rather than aligners. The great news is that “traditional” metal braces have come a long way over the years. They work faster, look better and are more comfortable than the “metal mouths” your parents wore.
Which Kinds of Malocclusion Require Braces?
A “malocclusion” is any type of irregular contact, or fit, between your upper and lower teeth. You may have heard this referred to as a “bad bite.” Some types of malocclusion for which your orthodontist may recommend braces include:
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Severely crooked teeth
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Crowded teeth
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Jaw abnormalities
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Under bites
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Overbites
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Crossbites
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Open bites
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Deep bites
The Health Advantages of Braces, Now and Later
One of the reasons your orthodontist may recommend standard metal braces — which consist of metal brackets affixed to your teeth with special bonding agents, connected by wires and small elastics — is that metal braces can eliminate any problems you may have eating, speaking or keeping your teeth clean. For example, if you have larger spaces between your teeth than normal, or teeth that overlap, your dentist or orthodontist may want you to wear braces to correct uneven wear on tooth enamel or difficulty cleaning your teeth and gums. As you age, if these problems go uncorrected, they often lead to tooth loss and/or significant dental work.
Other bite problems which can be solved by wearing braces are known to cause or contribute to migraine headaches, bruxism (teeth grinding) and even difficulty breathing. It’s wonderful to see braces prevent, improve or eliminate these health issues.
Standard Metal Braces: New and Improved!
For major problems with tooth or jaw alignment, standard metal braces are your orthodontist’s preferred solution: the strongest, most efficient way to move teeth.
Modern metal braces use nickel-titanium or copper-titanium for the arch wires connecting brackets, instead of the old stainless steel arch wires. These newer metal alloys use body heat to apply pressure to brackets and move the teeth, making them both more comfortable at the start of orthodontic treatment and distributing pressure more evenly during adjustments. These metals also “wear” better, requiring fewer trips to the orthodontist.
So, if you have a “bad bite” requiring braces, it’s not as bad as you may think. Standard metal braces may cost less than other modalities, and still work more effectively for you. Following your orthodontist’s recommendations and keep carefully brushing and flossing during treatment will yield the best possible outcome.
Please contact us at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Virginia by calling (804) 739-0963 or scheduling online. We offer initial complimentary consultations to assess your bite, make treatment recommendations and discuss any questions you may have concerning metal, ceramic and lingual braces, as well as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. With all the methods available to correct malocclusion and improve your oral health prospects for a lifetime, it’s a win-win!