Metal braces are the most traditional way to straighten your teeth, but with so many different options out there, are they ideal? At M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL, we specialize in traditional braces but also offer other alternatives for those who want to get that million-dollar smile. Ultimately, traditional braces are an excellent option for many people because they are quick, can solve plenty of dental problems, and are more aesthetically pleasing now than they have ever been.
Do Metal Braces Work Faster?
The short answer is yes; as compared to many other different types of braces and dental treatments, metal braces do work faster. Although ceramic braces can straighten your teeth rather rapidly, traditional braces made of metal tend to do the job quicker, especially if you’re dealing with a severe dental situation. They also work faster than Invisalign, a newer, popular treatment plan that masks the look of braces but can’t tackle as many tough issues as traditional braces can. Lingual treatments can work faster than traditional braces for some dental issues but aren’t as quick at addressing others.
Ultimately, if you want the quickest treatment with tried-and-true results, your best bet might be to get traditional metal braces.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are made out of metal and strung together with wiring. The bracket placement and the tightness of the wire are all based on what you want to accomplish from the treatment. Each treatment plan is different, and the duration of time that you will need to have your braces on differs from case to case. Both adults and children can benefit from traditional braces.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
There are several benefits of traditional braces that put them just a cut above the rest. Of course, the benefits that you enjoy will be largely based on your personal experience and treatment. At our practice, we work hard to make sure that everyone gets a personalized plan and is on board with their treatment and care every step of the way.
Proven System
Traditional braces are proven. They’ve been around for decades, and you know exactly what you’re getting with the treatment plan. Unlike other types of newer treatments, there’s no guesswork involved. They are one of the most popular methods of straightening your teeth for a reason!
Comfort
Some people think that traditional braces will be uncomfortable, which is why they shy away from the treatment, but nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s traditional braces are much more comfortable than ever, and technology has evolved so that they can straighten your teeth with just a bit of pressure, making it almost so you don’t even notice it. Even though this treatment is useful for correcting larger dental complaints and issues, it’s still gentle enough to make the process comfortable and easy for any patient.
Rapid Treatment
Traditional braces are quick! They are one of the speediest options available today. Although the treatment time depends on the severity of your dental needs, many people find that they can have the smile of their dreams in about two years. As we develop your specific plan, we can come up with a timeline that works for your needs and milestones that you should be hitting to make it happen. Ultimately, the amount of time you spend wearing your traditional braces will pale in comparison to a lifetime of exquisite smiles!
No Problem Is Too Large To Solve
Many cosmetic dental treatments can fix or minimize a lot of tooth concerns, but none of them can do it as well as traditional braces. When it comes to traditional braces, there’s no problem that’s too big to correct. This treatment is, by far, the best method for fixing serious dental concerns and misaligned teeth. If you want the problem solved the right way, consider getting traditional braces.
Cost-Effective
Traditional braces tend to be far more cost-effective than other options, so they’re great for people who are on a budget. Combine this with the fact that traditional braces are often highly effective, and you can see why this dental treatment is a true winner.
You Won’t Break Them
Unlike ceramic braces or Invisalign trays, you really can’t break traditional braces. The metal is very robust and designed to take a beating over several years if need be. You can eat most of your favorite foods while wearing them, and even play sports, although it’s advisable that you wear a mouth guard for these types of activities. We do encourage you to be careful chewing gum and avoid very sticky foods like toffee, which can lodge inside of the wires and cause problems or time.
Ultimately, if you take just a few steps to ensure that you’re treating your traditional braces well, you shouldn’t have any problems with them whatsoever.
Aesthetically Enhanced
Today’s traditional braces are more aesthetically pleasing than older versions. They tend to be smaller and less noticeable. This feature can help people keep their self-confidence and continue smiling for pictures while they wait for the total treatment to take effect.
Alternatives To Traditional Braces
There are several alternatives to traditional braces made of metal. At our practice, we offer a variety of alternatives that might suit your needs better than a traditional treatment. We are happy to discuss all of the different options with you, so we can help you develop a treatment plan that fits your budget and goals.
Lingual
Lingual braces go on the backs of your teeth, eliminating the look of ceramic or traditional braces. This is a fairly new treatment option, and not all practices offer it. Our team is skilled with lingual braces and can offer you this treatment if you wish.
Ceramic
Ceramic braces are another very popular option. Since ceramic braces aren’t as noticeable as traditional metal ones, they can be more aesthetically pleasing in some cases. Ceramic is not as strong as metal, so you need to take extra care to avoid chewy or hard foods if you opt for this choice. We can customize your ceramic braces so that they perfectly match the color of your natural teeth.
Invisalign or Traditional Braces?
Invisalign is a new, popular dental treatment that can help straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, you can remove your clear Invisalign trays while you eat, brush, and even for special events. Invisalign requires a lot more self-control than traditional braces. Since you can remove the trays at will, you need to remember to keep them in for the majority of the time, or the treatment will not work. Invisalign isn’t good for most major dental treatments and can take, on average, longer than traditional braces. Our practice does offer Invisalign, so if we can talk you through all of your options to help you make the most educated decision for your dental care.
When Should I Get Braces?
Anyone who wants to have a smoother, straighter smile is a good candidate for traditional braces. Both adults and children can get them. All patients vary, but generally speaking, traditional braces are advisable, safe, and okay for children over the age of seven. As far as older patients; people get braces to get their teeth corrected all of the time, and there’s no cut-off age for the treatment plan. If you’re unsure about whether or not braces are appropriate for your situation, get in touch with our team, and we will happily provide you with a pressure-free consultation.
If traditional braces don’t fit your needs perfectly, we have other options available at our practice. Rest assured, you will be able to find something that will suit your budget, needs, and goals. We are happy to walk you through any details of the treatment plan. Transparency is our goal, and excellent customer service is our total mandate. We can work with you to help you to get the smile of your dreams.
Tips for Braces Care
If you get braces, you need to take care of them properly. Following specific steps will ensure that your treatment goes to plan and keep your teeth healthy.
Practice Proper Dental Hygiene
When you wear braces, you need to brush after every meal and floss twice a day to keep your teeth healthy and prevent you from getting any discolored patches on your teeth. It would be best to use a fluoride-heavy toothpaste so that cavities don’t occur, especially under the wiring or brackets. You can get special floss specifically designed for braces at just about any drugstore. This will allow you to go around the wires and really give your teeth a good cleaning.
Be Careful What You Eat and Drink
Take extra care when chewing certain types of foods. You might want to limit gum, sticky candy, and toffee as these can get stuck in your braces and even pull the wires out of place. Always rinse out your mouth or brush your teeth after drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or certain types of sodas. These liquids can stain your teeth, and if you’re not diligent with your brushing, you could easily wind up with white squares on the front of your teeth after your braces are removed.
Stick To Schedule
Finally, make sure that you stick to your dental schedule. Don’t miss appointments with your orthodontist because that could derail and prolong the process.
Choose A Practitioner You Can Trust!
At our office, there’s only one true mandate; we want to make you smile. We combine white-glove personalized service with years of experience and success, helping people to get the ultimate smile that they have always wanted. Dr. Scott Runnels is a Florida State University graduate who finished his schooling at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and proudly holds a doctorate in dental medicine. Over 19 years, Dr. Runnels and his team have built their practice to be a solution-based office focused on patient care and transparency.
Get the Smile of Your Dreams Today!
If your smile needs a little bit of a tune-up, traditional metal braces might just be for you. They’re more aesthetically pleasing than ever before, work rapidly, and can correct a whole host of different dental concerns. Why wait another minute to get the perfect smile that you’ve always wanted? Take the first step today to looking and feeling far more attractive and confident. You deserve it, and we can help you to get there. Contact us at M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL at 850-257-7222 for your pressure-free, complimentary consultation with our trusted staff today.
