Metal Braces

Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, there's always time to align your smile with braces.

The benefits of braces often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image. While having beautiful straight teeth is important, more important is the need to alleviate any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw.

Metal braces include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth with flexible wires or archwires that hold the bands together. Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help straighten and align your teeth. Our doctors will help you explore the options and discuss if braces fit your treatment scenario.

While orthodontics can solve many tooth alignment problems, successful treatment relies on good patient compliance. Wearing elastic bands consistently, keeping follow-up appointments for adjustments, and practicing outstanding home care can all help lead to a positive outcome. This commitment involves frequent preventive visits with your hygienist. Our team specializes in helping our orthodontic patients through this process so they can enjoy a gorgeous, healthy smile.

Image of a pair of teaching jaws with metal braces fixed to the teeth.
  • Will my child need braces again when they're older? Will my insurance cover a second treatment?

    This depends on each individual patient’s situation. Some children do need braces again when they’re older to realign their teeth. However, sometimes expanding the palate is enough to reduce teeth crowding and the teeth will remain straight.

    Depending on your insurance coverage, there may be remaining benefits. Many plans offer a lifetime benefit. If you have questions about insurance, reach out to our office and we will be happy to address your concerns.

  • Will my child have braces the entire time or will there be a period where we wait for adult teeth to come in?

    Every patient’s treatment plan is different. This will depend on a number of factors, including the age of the patient and their individual treatment plan. It is possible for there to be a gap of time where the patient does not have braces or any appliances.

  • How do I take care of my braces?

    There are a few things to keep in mind when maintaining metal dental braces.

    Avoid foods that aren’t braces-friendly such as chewy foods or soft candies that get stuck in the braces and will be hard to clean out of the hardware. Depending on the food, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to keep it from getting stuck in the braces.
    Brush and floss on a regular basis. This is always important but becomes more important with braces because there are more spaces, crevices, and surfaces for food to get stuck.
    Ensure you keep your regular appointments with your dentist to adjust, manage, and maintain your metal braces.

What are you waiting for?

We strive to provide high-quality orthodontic care. Request an appointment today to discuss whether clear aligners are right for you.

McKenzie Dental Center

110 S. 59th St
Springfield, OR 97478
View Map

Hours

Monday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Phone

541-747-8030

Fax

541-799-0600

Email Address

office@mckenziedental.org