Orthodontic Treatment with Our Miami Orthodontist
Dreaming of a straighter, more confident smile and good oral health? Traditional braces remain a powerful and reliable option for achieving your orthodontic goals.
Metal braces from Dr. Stephen Grussmark are a time-tested and effective way to achieve a straighter smile. If you’re considering metal braces and want to learn more about how they can transform your smile, contact our top-rated orthodontist in Miami, FL, at (305) 441-1200.
What Are Traditional Metal Braces?
Metal braces are a time-tested orthodontic appliance that can correct misaligned teeth and bite problems. They consist of small metal brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin, flexible wire. By gradually tightening the wire over time, Dr. Grussmark can gently guide your teeth into alignment with their desired positions.
How Do Traditional Metal Braces Work?
The braces system consists of three main components:
- Brackets: These small squares are bonded directly to the front surface of each tooth using a special dental adhesive. Brackets are typically made of high-grade stainless steel, but clear or tooth-colored options may also be available.
- Archwire: A thin, flexible wire is threaded through slots in each bracket. This wire applies gentle, constant pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions.
- Ligatures (ties): Small elastics or rubber bands hold the archwire in place within the brackets. These ligatures can be clear, colored, or metallic, allowing for some customization of your braces.
Over time, Dr. Grussmark will periodically tighten the archwire to maintain pressure and ensure continued tooth movement. This process continues until your teeth have reached their final, corrected positions.
Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces remain a popular choice for orthodontic treatment due to several advantages:
- Effective for a Wide Range of Cases: Metal braces are a versatile treatment option that can address various orthodontic issues, from simple crowding to complex bite problems. They’re suitable for children, teenagers, and even adults seeking a straighter smile.
- Proven Track Record: Metal braces have a long history of success in orthodontics. Their effectiveness and predictability are well-documented, giving patients confidence in their ability to achieve their desired results.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to newer orthodontic treatments, metal braces can be more affordable. This makes them a viable choice for a wider range of patients.
- Durable and Reliable: Metal braces are known for their strength and durability. They can withstand the forces needed to move teeth effectively, minimizing the risk of breakage or damage during treatment.
- Customization Options: While traditional metal braces are often pictured with silver brackets and wires, some variations offer more aesthetic options. Clear or tooth-colored brackets can minimize the appearance of the braces, and colored elastics can add a touch of personality.
What Can Traditional Metal Braces Correct?
Metal braces are powerful teeth straightening options for various orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked Teeth: Metal braces can effectively straighten even severely crooked teeth.
- Overcrowding: When there’s not enough space in your jaw for all your teeth, braces can gently move them into their correct positions.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Braces can close unsightly gaps between teeth for a more uniform smile.
- Overbites: When your upper front teeth protrude over your lower teeth, braces can correct the bite and improve your profile.
- Underbites: The opposite of an overbite, where the lower front teeth protrude, can also be corrected with metal braces.
- Open Bites: In an open bite, your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth. Braces can help achieve proper closure.
If you’re unsure if metal braces are right for you, Dr. Grussmark can assess your health needs and recommend the most suitable treatment option during a consultation.
Why Choose Our Miami Orthodontist for Braces?
Dr. Grussmark has years of orthodontic education and experience and has earned the title of Invisalign Diamond Plus Provider. In addition to his distinguished title for Invisalign orthodontics, Dr. Grussmark is also skilled in placing and monitoring the treatment of metal braces.
Our affordable orthodontist in South Florida will design a customized treatment to help you achieve the straighter smile of your dreams. Aligned teeth will dramatically enhance your oral health and self-esteem, so you’ll never feel insecure about flashing your smile again.
Caring for Traditional Metal Braces
Achieving a beautiful smile with metal braces requires a commitment to good oral hygiene and following aftercare instructions. Here’s what you can expect to ensure a smooth treatment journey:
- Brushing and Flossing: Maintaining a meticulous oral hygiene routine is crucial. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for braces.
- Dietary Adjustments: Certain foods can damage your braces or be difficult to chew. Avoid hard, sticky, chewy, and sugary foods that can break brackets, dislodge wires, or contribute to plaque buildup.
- Regular Adjustments: Visit Dr. Grussmark for regular appointments, typically every four to six weeks. During these adjustments, he will tighten the archwire and monitor your progress.
- Oral Discomfort: Some discomfort, especially after getting your braces placed or tightened, is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers or a cold compress can help manage any temporary soreness.
- Protecting Your Braces: Accidents happen, but it’s important to protect your braces from damage. If you participate in sports, wear a mouthguard to shield your teeth and braces from impact.
- Broken Brackets or Wires: If a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks, contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair appointment.
- Maintaining Cleanliness: Beyond brushing and flossing, consider using an orthodontic cleaning kit or water flosser to remove food particles trapped around the brackets and wires.
Financing Traditional Metal Braces
We understand that cost can be a barrier to orthodontic treatment. At the Centre for Invisible Braces, we’re committed to making beautiful smiles accessible with financing options. Here’s how we can help:
- Flexible Payment Plans: We offer no-down-payment options and interest-free financing to spread the cost over time. We also partner with trusted third-party financing providers for extended plans.
- Convenient Payment Methods: Pay with a credit card, or automatic payments, or choose the method that best suits you.
- Maximize Your Insurance: We’ll help you understand your coverage and navigate the insurance process, including verifying benefits and completing paperwork.
- Third-Party Financing: We accept CareCredit and Springstone Patient financing for additional payment flexibility.
Alternatives to Braces
If you feel like traditional braces won’t work for you, there may be other orthodontic treatment options available to you, including:
- Clear Aligners (Invisalign): These are nearly invisible trays made of a clear, plastic material that fit snugly over your teeth. They’re removable, making it easier to eat, brush, and floss.
- Ceramic Braces: These work similarly to traditional braces but are made with clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend more naturally with your teeth. They’re less noticeable than metal braces but they can be more fragile and, sometimes, more costly.
- Lingual Braces: These are attached to the backside of your teeth, making them invisible from the front. Lingual braces can be more uncomfortable at first and harder to clean, but they’re an excellent option for those concerned about the appearance of braces during orthodontic treatment.
- Self-Ligating Braces: Available in metal or ceramic options, these braces use clips or doors to hold the wire, eliminating the need for elastic ties. This can result in fewer appointments and, potentially, shorter treatment times.
- Retainers: Sometimes, for very minor corrections, a retainer might be all that’s needed. Retainers are typically used to maintain the position of straightened teeth but can also make small adjustments.
- Dental Veneers: Although not a direct alternative for correcting tooth alignment, veneers are thin covers for the teeth that can mask minor orthodontic problems. They’re typically used in cosmetic dentistry to create a more uniform look.
- Palatal Expanders: For cases where the upper jaw is too narrow, palatal expanders can be used to widen the jaw, which might help in aligning the teeth better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do metal braces hurt?
You may experience discomfort, especially after getting your braces placed or tightened during adjustments. This is because the braces are gently moving your teeth. However, this discomfort is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or a cold compress.
What can’t I eat with metal braces?
Certain foods can damage your braces or be difficult to chew. Here are some things to avoid:
- Hard foods like nuts, hard candies, popcorn kernels, pretzels, and raw carrots should be avoided
- Sticky foods like gummy candies, caramels, and chewing gum could get stuck in your braces
- Chewy foods like tough meats and bagels could damage your braces
- Sugary foods can contribute to cavities and plaque buildup around braces
How long do I need to wear metal braces?
The average treatment time for metal braces is 18 to 24 months, but it can vary depending on the types of braces and the complexity of your case. Your orthodontist will give you a more accurate estimate during your consultation.
What is the age limit for metal braces?
There’s no upper age limit for wearing metal braces. As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you can be a candidate for treatment at any age. More and more adults are choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment to achieve a straighter smile.
Straighten Teeth with Miami’s Top Orthodontist Specialist
At the orthodontic office of Dr. Grussmark in Miami, we understand that a beautiful smile can boost your confidence and improve your overall well-being. That’s why we’re committed to providing high-quality metal braces treatment to orthodontic patients in Miami, Coral Gables, Brickell, and Key Biscayne, FL.
If you’re considering metal braces to achieve a straighter smile, contact our office at (305) 441-1200 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Grussmark. We look forward to helping you start your journey towards a confident smile!
