In the ever-evolving world of orthodontics, where innovations and advancements seem to surface regularly, one thing has remained constant – the enduring charm of traditional braces. While alternatives like Invisalign clear aligners and lingual braces have captured the spotlight in recent years, traditional braces continue to hold their own, offering unparalleled effectiveness.
In this blog, we journey into the realm of traditional metal braces, exploring their unique attributes, benefits and why they remain a trusted choice for orthodontic treatment among both private and NHS patients.
The Journey Begins: Understanding Traditional Braces
Traditional braces, often referred to as metal braces or train tracks braces, have been a staple in orthodontics for decades. Their fundamental design consists of small metal brackets bonded to the front surface of the teeth and connected by a thin archwire. The brackets and wire simultaneously work together to exert a gradual pressure on the teeth to move them into their new desired positions.
Throughout treatment, the archwire will be adjusted by your orthodontist (typically every six to eight weeks) to ensure it continues to evenly exert sufficient pressure. This classic approach to orthodontic treatment has been responsible for transforming countless smiles and correcting a myriad of dental misalignments, from minor crowding and spacing to more complex bite issues.
The Timeless Charm of Traditional Braces
While modern orthodontic advancements have introduced sleeker and more discreet brace alternatives in recent years, metal traditional braces hold a unique charm that sets them apart. For starters, they have a proven efficacy. Traditional braces have a longstanding track record of success as their design allows orthodontists to exert precise control over the movement of each tooth. This, in turn, makes them exceptionally effective for correcting complex misalignments and bite issues such as openbite, underbite and crossbite.
Traditional braces are also customisable. Patients can choose from an array of coloured bands to express their own unique style and individuality throughout their treatment process.
In addition to being an effective and customisable treatment option, traditional metal braces are also robust and incredibly reliable. Bonded to the teeth with strong adhesives, metal braces stay in place throughout the treatment duration and eliminate the risk of non-compliance often associated with removable options like Invisalign aligners.
And lastly, but by no means the least, traditional braces are a cost-effective solution to straightening your smile. In fact, in a world where orthodontic treatments can vary greatly in cost, traditional braces stand out as the most cost-effective option. This accessibility makes them a preferred choice for teens and adults seeking quality orthodontic treatment without breaking the bank.
Embracing Change: The Evolution of Traditional Braces
The world of orthodontics hasn’t been stagnant. Even traditional braces have undergone subtle but significant improvements over the years. For example, did you know that modern metal braces are now smaller than ever before? With their sleek design, traditional ‘train-track’ braces are a thing of the past as the make-up of the brackets has evolved to become smaller and less obtrusive. This enhancement has contributed to a more comfortable experience for patients on their journey to a straighter smile.
And the enhancements don’t end there. Thanks to the introduction of materials like heat-activated archwires and smoother brackets, wearing traditional braces has been made even more comfortable by reducing the irritation and soreness often associated with the initial fitting and adjustment periods.
We also want you to know that as orthodontists, it is our duty to emphasise the importance of proper oral hygiene to our patients during their orthodontic appointments. That is why we ensure patients of Orthodontics For You are educated about effective brushing and flossing techniques while wearing their brace – we want to encourage and promote optimal oral health. Generally speaking, our orthodontic experts recommend patients brush their teeth after every meal and avoid sugary drinks and crunchy or chewy foods that could damage the brackets or wires.
The Journey Continues: Aftercare for Traditional Braces
After treatment, once the brace has been removed, patients are advised to continue brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing at least once daily. By doing so, you can be sure your teeth will remain clean and strong, and be supported by healthy gums.
Your orthodontist may also fit a retainer to ensure the teeth remain in their new position post-treatment. Some patients are required to wear a retainer for a set period, both during the day and whilst sleeping. Others just need to wear retainers at night. Rest assured that your orthodontist will advise what is best for you.
In a world captivated by the allure of modernity, traditional braces continue to stand their ground. With their classic appeal and proven effectiveness, the traditional brace remains a testament to the fact that sometimes, the classics are timeless for a reason. Through their enduring charm, they continue to redefine smiles and enhance lives, one bracket at a time.
If you’re considering embarking on your own journey to a straighter smile, we recommend all prospective patients to book a complimentary consultation with Orthodontics For You at either our Bromsgrove or Solihull dental practices. These consultation appointments give us the opportunity to discuss your dental-related concerns while assessing the position of your teeth, structure of your jaw and overall oral hygiene. By doing so, we can then recommend which brace type (metal, ceramic, hidden lingual or Invisalign clear aligners) will work for your bespoke smile.