Metal braces

Lake Jackson braces

Traditional braces are a tried and true treatment. That’s why they’re the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Lake Jackson and the surrounding area! These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues, from simple to complex.

At Lake Jackson Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment option for patients of all ages.

All about Lake Jackson braces

Traditional braces work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might, potentially shortening your treatment time! Metal braces are also a cost-effective option since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that many newer treatments do. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. Now you can choose brackets that are clear or metallic colors. You can even choose the color of ties that hold the wire in the brackets!

Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. McGrory wants them to move. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Schedule consultation

What are braces made of?

Brackets
The brackets Dr. McGrory uses are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Brackets have little hooks or doors where Dr. McGrory 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
Dr. McGrory will attach the brackets to your teeth. He does this using a special glue that adheres the bracket directly on the tooth.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. McGrory will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction. In many cases the wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
Elastics
If Dr. McGrory 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.
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 all treatment plans. At your initial consultation, Dr. McGrory will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands.
Spacers
These small elastic "donuts" or rings can be used by Dr. McGrory to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They're 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 Lake Jackson Orthodontics, they come in dozens of colors.

Schedule consultation

Metal braces FAQ

Before applying the brackets, Dr. McGrory and the team at Lake Jackson Orthodontics 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 optional scan, Dr. McGrory 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. McGrory 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 the brackets have been attached, Dr. McGrory will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.
Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. However, due to modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before. At Lake Jackson Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Lake Jackson and the surrounding areas!
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 also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost – you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that Dr. McGrory will 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! This could be the colors of your favorite sports team, your school colors, or any combination you think would be fun! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients who want a more subtle look.
The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long you’ll be in braces, however, treatment time typically ranges from one to three years. These times vary based on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face and the severity of the problem.
Everyone grows at different rates and will respond differently to orthodontic treatment, so the time for case completion may differ from the original estimate. Your diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
With metal braces treatment with Dr. McGrory and the team at Lake Jackson Orthodontics, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.

All about Lake Jackson braces

What are braces made of?

Brackets

Glue

Wire

Elastics

Orthodontic bands

Spacers

Elastic ties/o-rings/ligatures/colors

Metal braces FAQ