Traditional Metal Braces
Metal Braces Treatment San Ramon CA
Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in San Ramon and the surrounding area. Dr. Bigman can use braces to transform your child’s smile or your own!
All About Braces with Bigman Orthodontics
What Are Braces Made Of?
These orthodontic staples have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. At Bigman Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top San Ramon orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.
They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.
Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive. San Ramon Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you’ll see.
Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. Bigman wants them to move.
San Ramon Metal braces are a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.
Brackets
The brackets Dr. Bigman uses are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.
Brackets have little hooks or doors where Dr. Bigman will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue
This is what Dr. Bigman will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Elastics
If Dr. Bigman determines that you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re 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.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Bigman 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. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
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’re not used for everyone.
Dr. Bigman will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.
Spacers
These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used by Dr. Bigman to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed.
These 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 at Bigman Orthodontics they come in dozens of colors.