Metal Braces | Braces Tuscaloosa

Braces in Tuscaloosa

Sturdy + Reliable

Traditional braces have been around for about a hundred years, so they’re probably the most recognizable orthodontic treatment at RiverView Orthodontics. However, Dr. Upton uses a modern version of this appliance to straighten smiles and correct a wide variety of oral problems.

About Tuscaloosa Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliance. These tried-and-true orthodontic standards give you a reliable, effective, and affordable option that has stood the test of time for over a hundred years.

The good news is that braces have progressed a very long way, even within the past couple of decades.

When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.

At RiverView Orthodontics, we don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance, and our metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear than ever before.

Metal Braces FAQ

How do braces work?

Curious about how braces work? This is how the process works at RiverView Orthodontics.

First, Dr. Upton and our friendly team will take photos and X-rays of your mouth. In some cases, we'll use our high-tech iTero Element scanner to capture a detailed 3D layout of your mouth, gums, and teeth. This quick and painless process usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

Once Dr. Upton has all the information he needs, he'll create your one-of-a-kind treatment plan. This plan details how each tooth needs to move to achieve the best possible position.

Then, our Tuscaloosa braces team will carefully place the braces brackets based on this plan. For instance, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the bracket placement will differ from those that need to be turned.

Once the brackets are in place, we’ll insert the wire through the brackets. The wire has bends that apply specific and precise pressure to different teeth. These bends help teeth make the right movements.

For example, a bend can guide a twisted tooth to face the right way or align one tooth that's too far forward with another that's too far back. This process of tooth movement is called remodeling and involves minor changes in the bone surrounding your tooth roots.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, because of modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable versions than ever before.

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you’ll have less irritation in your mouth.

We offer In-Ovation® self-ligating brackets, which provide the highest level of comfort and convenience when it comes to braces. These brackets and wires put less pressure on your teeth and require fewer office visits than traditional braces.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time at RiverView Orthodontics.

Metal braces remain an affordable option for patients around Tuscaloosa because they don’t demand some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. These strong, durable, and affordable metal braces keep them the top treatment for Dr. Upton’s patients every year.

How long will I be in braces?

We wish we could see the future, but the truth is that treatment time varies for each patient at RiverView Orthodontics.

Every mouth is unique, and everyone responds to treatment differently. While the average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months, it could be shorter or longer based on your specific needs.

Dr. Upton has treated patients with braces for as few as six months, while other people with complex oral issues might require over three years. The good news is that you'll start seeing signs of improvement quickly, giving you that much-needed confidence during the treatment process.

Ready to embark on your journey to a straighter smile? Schedule a free consultation with us today, and let's begin.

What Are Braces Made of?

Brackets

The brackets are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel and other metals.

Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

This is what Dr. Upton will use to attach the brackets to your teeth.

It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Upton will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.

The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Elastics

If 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 teeth backwards or forwards to correct your bite.

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 everyone.

Spacers

These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used 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 come in dozens of colors.