A bright smile is vital for creating positive first impressions and exuding confidence. A person’s grin often speaks volumes about their personality. Dental braces are orthodontic devices designed to correct issues like crowded teeth and misaligned jaws. This guide explores the essentials of metal braces, their treatment process, and key facts to help you prepare for your orthodontic journey.
Here’s everything you need to know and what to expect when getting metal braces in Costa Mesa, CA at Bekmezian Orthodontics.
What are Metal Braces?
Metallic Brackets
Made from materials such as stainless steel, gold, titanium, or nickel, these brackets are bonded to the teeth with specialized dental cement. They hold the archwire, which is integral to aligning the teeth.
Archwire
The archwire is a metal wire threaded through the brackets, applying the necessary force to move teeth. It is crafted from materials like stainless steel, titanium alloy, or nickel titanium, with its thickness and stiffness determining the level of force exerted.
Orthodontic Ligatures
These are rubber bands that secure the archwire within the brackets. Available in a wide range of colors, they allow customization at each appointment, making braces a fun experience for children.
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Traditional braces in Costa Mesa, CA, effectively address a range of dental concerns, including:
Adults Braces Address the Following Issues:
- Crooked or Overcrowded Teeth
- Gaps Between Teeth
- Overbite
- Overjet
- Underbite
- Misaligned Jaw
- Crossbite
- Deep Bite
- Diastema Smile
- Outward Slant
In the past, wire-based metallic braces were the standard solution for teens dealing with these issues. Today, advancements in modern dentistry have introduced a variety of orthodontic options, making effective teeth-straightening treatments accessible to children, teens, and adults alike. Learn more about abnormal eruption teeth treatment to explore additional solutions.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are designed for enhanced aesthetics, featuring tooth-colored brackets, bands, and archwires that blend seamlessly with natural teeth. The brackets and bands are matched to your teeth’s shade, making them a discreet option for teens and adults. The archwires are also coated in a tooth-colored material, providing a more appealing alternative to traditional metal braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are clear, removable plastic trays custom-made to fit your teeth. These aligners apply gentle pressure to guide teeth into alignment, similar to braces, but without the brackets or wires. Invisalign can be used on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, offering a comfortable and nearly invisible solution for straightening teeth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are ideal for patients who prefer a completely hidden orthodontic treatment. These braces are attached to the inner (lingual) surfaces of the teeth, keeping them out of sight. Like traditional braces, they consist of brackets and wires, with the archwire passing through the brackets to guide the teeth into proper alignment.
How much does Metal Braces cost in Costa Mesa?
The braces cost in Costa Mesa typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,500. The cost for an initial examination is generally between $100 and $200. X-rays are necessary and can usually cost anywhere from $60 to $150. The total cost for metal braces varies and will depend on factors such as the degree of misalignment in your teeth, the dental office’s location, and treatment costs.
Braces for Adults
Contrary to popular belief, dental braces aren’t just for kids and teens—people of all ages, even those over 50, can benefit from orthodontic treatment. While younger patients typically see quicker results due to more adaptable teeth and jaw structures, older adults can still achieve excellent outcomes. The main difference is that the process may take longer for adults. If the look of metal braces isn’t appealing, there are more discreet options available, including clear braces and aligners, offering alternatives that don’t require years of commitment. It’s never too late to achieve the straight, even smile you’ve always wanted.
Braces for Kids
Orthodontic treatment is often associated with younger patients because teeth and jaw alignment issues are easier to correct during growth periods. Early intervention with braces helps ensure a healthier, straighter smile for life. Modern options, such as colorful ligatures and kid-friendly designs, make braces a more enjoyable experience for children while addressing concerns like overcrowding, bite issues, and spacing.
Metal Braces Length of Treatment
The length of time braces need to be worn depends on the severity of the alignment issues and the patient’s age. On average, metal braces are worn for 2 to 3 years to achieve optimal results. While some discomfort may occur in the first week after placement or adjustments, it typically subsides quickly.
How Much Do Dental Braces Cost?
The cost of metal braces depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the duration of treatment, and location. Because orthodontic care involves monthly visits, choosing a provider near Costa Mesa can save both time and travel expenses. Don’t let the braces cost deter you—options like insurance and payment plans can help make treatment more affordable. Check with your insurance provider to better understand your coverage.
Bekmezian Orthodontics offers a range of wire-based and plastic braces to correct alignment and bite issues. Schedule an appointment today for expert care and high-quality metal braces in Costa Mesa, CA.
FAQs
Why do braces take two years?
Braces typically take around two years because the process involves gradual and controlled movement of the teeth and supporting structures. As the archwire applies gentle pressure to shift the teeth into their new positions, old bone tissue in the jaw resorbs, creating space for the teeth to move. At the same time, new bone tissue forms around the shifted teeth to stabilize them in their new alignment.
This biological process, known as bone remodeling, ensures that the teeth remain securely in their new positions. However, bone solidification—where the newly formed bone becomes fully stable—takes approximately ten months. To ensure long-term results and avoid relapse, orthodontic treatment allows time for both proper alignment and sufficient bone remodeling, resulting in the typical two-year treatment duration.