Metal Braces | Braces Mechanicsburg

All About Metal Braces in Mechanicsburg

Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Mechanicsburg and the surrounding area.

Damon braces have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. At Alba Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages!

Damon Self-ligating Braces

Alba Orthodontics provides state-of-the-art braces treatment with Damon braces. This revolutionary system uses passive self-ligating brackets that hold the wire in place without additional ties or wires.

This means your brackets are both efficient and easy to clean.

Another benefit of Damon braces that we love is that they use very light forces to move your teeth while still giving you exceptional results.

Damon braces also don’t require “tightening” because the advanced wires are constantly moving your teeth, making treatment incredibly comfortable and efficient.

You’ll come in for check-up appointments every 8-10 weeks, which is slightly less frequent than with other types of braces.

Insignia Custom Braces System

We also offer Insignia, a computerized system that combines digital treatment planning with specially made brackets and wires made for your specific dental anatomy.

The process is simple. We’ll use our high-tech Lythos scanner to capture 3D images of your teeth for the Insignia smile design lab.

Sophisticated imaging software then creates a 3D representation of your bite while braces and wires are custom-fabricated with the exact orthodontic prescription Dr. Alba has designed for you.

Each aspect is precisely calculated to affect tooth movement in the most optimal way, resulting in fewer office visits and exceptional comfort.

And because treatment is 100% personalized, Dr. Alba's patients have shorter treatment times. Insignia is ideal for everyone – from the adult with the hectic schedule to the teen who wants to be out of braces and on with their smile.

What Are Braces Made Of?

Brackets

The brackets Dr. Jeff and Dr. Fred use are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.

Brackets have little hooks or doors where Drs. Alba will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door.

Glue

This is what Drs. Alba 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. Drs. Alba 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.

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.

Drs. Alba will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.

Spacers

These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used by Drs. Alba to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They’re also referred to as separators.

FAQs About Mechanicsburg Braces

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Drs. Alba and the team at Alba Orthodontics will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we’ll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and your gums and mouth's layout.

If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

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

Dr. Alba will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than for teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Alba will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

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.

At Alba Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Mechanicsburg and surrounding areas!

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

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues for patients of all ages in Mechanicsburg and surrounding communities. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.

Metal braces are cost-effective because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.

The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!

How long will I be in braces?

This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one 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 will be different every time.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual treatment plan from Dr. Alba.

At Alba Orthodontics, we have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for more complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces treatment with Dr. Fred Alba, Dr. Jeff Alba and the team at Alba Orthodontics, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.