Metal Braces | Braces Paoli | Paoli Metal Braces

Trusted Treatment

The most common type of braces at Buttenbaum Orthodontics are metal braces. These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successfully straightening smiles at every age for patients all around Paoli and the surrounding areas.

Call us today for a free consultation at our Paoli location!

What Are Braces Made of?

Brackets

As a part of our commitment to the quality of care, our stainless steel brackets are supplied by 3M Unitek, one of the leading manufacturers in the orthodontic industry. Their low profile for patient comfort, and precise manufacturing according to Dr. Buttenbaum’s specifications make them a perfect choice for our patients.

Glue

This is what Dr. Buttenbaum 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. Buttenbaum will change the wire's shape and curvature 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.

Elastics

If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.

This pulls your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. We use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Orthodontic Bands

We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances, but we don’t always use them for everyone.

Spacers

If we need to create space between your teeth, we put spacers on the job. We use these small elastic “donuts” or rings typically before we place your bands are placed. You might also hear them called “separators”.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Buttenbaum uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers and you can get them in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ

How do braces work?

Before applying your brackets, Dr. Buttenbaum and his team 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 scan, Dr. Buttenbaum 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. Buttenbaum 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.

Once we attach your brackets, Dr. Buttenbaum will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. Your orthodontist will create precise movements using this bend in the wire.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

At Buttenbaum Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Paoli and the surrounding areas!

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, thanks to 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 at Buttenbaum Orthodontics also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost - you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that 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.

Braces are great for fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.

Metal braces are cost-effective because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients in Paoli, year after year!

How long will my braces treatment last?

This is what everyone around Paoli wants to know, but it’s something we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different and everyone will respond to treatment differently. Treatment time with metal braces at Buttenbaum Orthodontics will vary 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 and the treatment plan designed by Dr. Buttenbaum.

We have some patients at Buttenbaum Orthodontics in braces for as few as six months, but for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces from Buttenbaum Orthodontics, you’ll see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.