Metal Braces In Margate

Metal braces are known as the most traditional orthodontic treatment, and that’s for good reason. Metal braces remain the gold standard for correcting complex and severe orthodontic problems such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, bite problems, and large gaps.

Metal brackets and wires made of stainless steel are bonded to your teeth and exert pressure against your teeth to shift them. You may also have elastics that are placed around the brackets of your braces to correct underbites, overbites, open bites, and crossbites.

The elastics help shift your jaws forward or backward, into the proper alignment. While they’re not the most aesthetically discreet orthodontic treatment, they’re the most effective at correcting serious orthodontic problems as fast as possible.

The average length of treatment for metal braces is 1 to 3 years and this is because braces are usually the go-to treatment for more advanced orthodontic problems rather than minor cosmetic issues. If you’re correcting minor issues with metal braces, your treatment may take less time.

If you’re interested in transforming your smile and improving your oral health by correcting crooked teeth and bite problems, then metal braces are unbeatable. Contact us at Lifestyle Dental Care today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Philippe Jean.

The braces process begins with a consultation with Dr. Jean. Here, he will assess the severity of your orthodontic alignment and determine if metal braces are right for you as well as what problems need to be addressed.

Then, we will suggest that you get your teeth cleaned to provide a fresh surface for your braces. This is also because your teeth are about to be covered with metal for a potentially long time and this can prevent thorough brushing and flossing of all of the tooth surfaces.

Digital or physical impressions will then be taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab that fabricates custom-made metal braces. Then, your teeth are etched and a bonding agent is applied to bond the brackets directly to your teeth.

Elastics, if necessary, will be attached to the brackets. You will then return to your Margate dentist every 1 to 2 months to get your braces tightened. Old bands will be replaced and the archwire may also be renewed. At the end of your treatment, your braces will be removed and you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your results.

Metal braces are suitable for patients of all ages because they’re bonded to the teeth and can’t be removed. Invisalign, while desired for its aesthetic qualities, is often not suitable for children or even teenagers because they need to take accountability for keeping the removable aligners in for 22 hours per day and regularly cleaning them.

Braces, on the other hand, never need to be removed and you just need to brush around them. They’re also suitable for all types of orthodontic problems, while most clear aligners can’t correct severe malocclusions.

Since braces are more forceful and are shifting your teeth day and night, they will correct minor issues faster than clear aligners can. Modern metal braces are much more comfortable than braces of the past.

Metal braces are the most affordable and durable orthodontic treatment. You can even customize your bands to come in fun colors. Finally, metal braces will improve your oral health by correcting your alignment.

Crooked teeth can collect food particles and plaque and when teeth are overlapping, it can be difficult to clean between them. You will also enjoy improved speech and bite alignment that will prevent issues like teeth grinding and TMJ/TMD.

After your metal braces come off, your teeth need a little help to stay in their new positions. That’s where your retainer comes in. Most patients will need to wear their retainer full-time (usually around 22 hours a day) for the first few months. As your teeth stabilize, Dr. Pamela Ortiz at Lifestyle Dental Care in Margate typically recommends transitioning to wearing it only at night.

For many patients, nighttime wear continues for several years, or even indefinitely, to prevent shifting. Everyone’s smile is different, so your retainer plan will be tailored to match your unique orthodontic outcome. Following your personalized instructions will give you the best chance at maintaining your straight new smile for the long haul.

When you choose metal braces, plan on visiting our Margate office about every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments. These routine appointments are important for keeping your treatment on schedule. During each visit, Dr. Ortiz will check your progress, replace worn-out bands, and gently tighten your archwire to continue guiding your teeth into place.

Most adjustment appointments take around 30 to 45 minutes. At Lifestyle Dental Care, we always respect your time and make sure your visits are as efficient and as comfortable as possible. Our supportive team is here to help you feel at ease, every step of the way.

The ideal age for a child to begin metal braces varies depending on their dental development, but many kids start treatment between ages 10 and 14, when most of the permanent teeth have come in.

However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7. This early visit doesn’t always lead to immediate treatment, but it allows Dr. Ortiz to monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite alignment, and recommend early intervention with phase 1 orthodontic treatment, if necessary.

At Lifestyle Dental Care, we offer gentle, honest guidance, no pressure, just answers. If your child isn’t quite ready for braces, we’ll track their progress and recommend the perfect time to begin. Plus, with our comprehensive dental services for all ages, your child’s care stays consistent and convenient, all under one roof.

While metal braces are designed to be durable, occasional issues like a loose bracket or a poking wire can happen, especially if you’ve bitten into something hard or sticky. If a bracket breaks or a wire shifts out of place, don’t worry! It happens all the time, and we’re here to help. Call our Margate office at (954) 669-1313 to let us know what’s going on.

Depending on the issue, Dr. Ortiz may advise temporary steps you can take at home, like using orthodontic wax or trimming a wire until we see you. We prioritize emergencies and will schedule you promptly to make sure your treatment stays on track and you're feeling comfortable again fast. And remember, our affordable in-house membership plans ensure ongoing care stays accessible, even for those without insurance.