Metal Braces

Trusted Treatment for Troubled Teeth


Dr. Sarah most commonly uses metal braces. They’ve been successfully straightening teeth across Virginia Beach for decades.

Virginia Beach Braces

Dr. Sarah Orthodontics and Aesthetics is proud to offer the latest metal braces technology to our patients of all ages in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas.


Most patients we treat at Dr. Sarah Orthodontics & Aesthetics choose traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth. Metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment in Virginia Beach, and today’s metal braces look smaller and feel lighter and more comfortable to wear than before.


Many people around Virginia Beach love how affordable braces are. Traditional metal braces are cost-effective because they don’t need some of the complicated technology or additional equipment that newer treatments require. They are made of high-grade stainless steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. Dr. Sarah can use them to close gaps and straighten teeth faster than other choices, so it’s possible that braces could shorten your treatment time at Dr. Sarah Orthodontics & Aesthetics. They can correct a wide range of dental issues, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and gaps between teeth.


Plus, they're customizable with different colored elastics and can be a fun way to express your personality.

What Are Braces Made of?

Metal braces are a popular choice for many people around Virginia Beach because they're effective and affordable. This traditional type of orthodontic treatment uses brackets, glue, elastics, orthodontic bands, spacers, and elastic ties to move your teeth into the desired position.


Glue

Dr. Sarah uses a special type of dental adhesive to glue the brackets to your teeth. It's strong enough to hold the brackets in place, but also gentle enough to be removed when your treatment is complete.


Wire

Dr. Sarah shapes and curves the wire from one bracket to the next. It helps your teeth move in the correct direction.

Normally, the wire attaches all of your bottom or upper teeth, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.


Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Sarah uses elastic ties (or rings) to hold the archwire in place on the brackets.


They come in dozens of colors and can be changed at each appointment to give your braces a new look.


Orthodontic Bands

Orthodontic bands are metal rings that are placed around your molars to anchor the archwire. They're typically used when extra support is needed to move the teeth.


Spacers

Dr. Sarah places spacers between your teeth before the bands are affixed. They create a small gap between your teeth to make it easier to place the bands.

Brackets

Brackets are the small pieces made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Dr. Sarah attaches them to your teeth using a special glue. They act as anchors for the archwire, which is the wire that connects all the brackets and applies pressure to your teeth.


Your Virginia Beach braces experts secure your bracket by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.


Elastics

If Dr. Sarah needs to correct your bite, she might incorporate elastics. Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are used to help move your teeth into the ideal position. They're attached to the brackets using small hooks. Dr. Sarah Orthodontics and Aesthetics offers them a variety of colors.

a box of american arch wire sits next to a model of teeth

Metal Braces FAQ

  • How do braces work?

    Before applying the brackets, Dr. Sarah and the team at Dr. Sarah Orthodontics and Aesthetics 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 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.


    After the X-Ray and scan, Dr. Sarah will use this information to create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it into the best possible position.


    Dr. Sarah will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to tilt, Dr. Sarah places those brackets differently compared to the brackets for teeth that need to be turned.


    Once we attach your brackets, Dr. Sarah will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. Most orthodontists like Dr. Sarah create precise movements using bends in the wire.

  • What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

    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 Dr. Sarah Orthodontics and Aesthetics 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.

  • How long will I be in braces?

    This is what everyone around Virginia Beach wants to know, but it’s something we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment time with metal braces at Dr. Sarah Orthodontics and Aesthetics will be different every time.


    The average time spent in metal braces is around 12 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual and the treatment plan designed by Dr. Sarah.


    We have some patients at Dr. Sarah Orthodontics and Aesthetics in braces for as few as six months, but for complex issues, it can take over two years to complete the process.


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