Aesthetic Porcelain Teeth

What are metal braces in orthodontics?

Metal braces utilize a system comprising stainless steel brackets, archwires, and elastic bands to apply pressure on the teeth, correcting misalignments and achieving proper alignment. This method helps improve both aesthetics and chewing functionality by adjusting the bite alignment.

Types of Metal Braces

Currently, there are three types of metal braces available in the market, each with its distinct advantages and disadvantages:

  1. Traditional Metal Braces:

    • The brackets are made of alloy with grooves for attaching the archwire.
    • Both components are secured with elastic bands.
    • The primary advantage of this method is its cost-effectiveness.
  2. Self-Ligating Metal Braces:

    • Utilizes brackets with self-locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for elastic bands.
    • Enhances stability in tooth alignment, resulting in a faster orthodontic process.
  3. Lingual Braces:

    • Shares a similar structure with the aforementioned methods, with the unique distinction of brackets being attached to the inner surface of the teeth.
    • Ensures maximum aesthetic appeal by being less visible.

Choosing among these options depends on factors such as cost, treatment speed, and aesthetic preferences

Metal braces are suitable for which individuals?

The majority of misalignment cases, ranging from simple to complex, can be effectively corrected using metal braces. Specifically, these include:

  1. Crooked Teeth:

    • Teeth growing in a crowded or misaligned manner on the dental arch, affecting aesthetics and bite alignment.
  2. Overbite:

    • The upper jaw protrudes excessively beyond the lower jaw.
  3. Spacing Issues:

    • Gaps between teeth, making oral hygiene challenging and impacting aesthetics.
  4. Underbite:

    • The lower jaw protrudes excessively, covering the upper jaw – a common form of misaligned bite.

Metal braces offer a versatile solution for these cases, providing effective alignment and addressing various orthodontic issues.

How long does it take to wear metal braces?

The duration of wearing metal braces typically ranges from 12 to 24 months or longer. The orthodontic process duration is influenced by factors such as the doctor's treatment plan, the initial condition of the customer's teeth, and the individual's age.

Children in the developmental stage of 12 to 16 years generally experience a shorter orthodontic correction period as their teeth are still in the developmental phase. At this stage, adjusting the upper jaw teeth is more manageable due to the ongoing growth process

Various types of archwires are used in metal braces:

One of the factors contributing to the popularity of metal braces as an orthodontic method is the diversity in designs and archwires. In addition to the three types of braces, this method also utilizes various types of archwires such as:

  • Titanium-Beta Archwire (or TMA)
  • Nickel-Titanium Archwire (or NiTi)
  • Precious Metal Alloy Archwire
  • Stainless Steel Archwire
  • Cobalt-Chromium Archwire

Currently, at Phuong Dentist, we utilize the NITI heat-activated archwire. This is a premium line, different from the conventional NiTi archwires used by most orthodontic practices. Thanks to its heat activation and high titanium content (if made 100% from titanium, the archwire will not have shape memory), NITI has the capability to generate a continuous, gentle force, facilitating continuous physiological tooth movement. It minimizes friction between the archwire and the brackets, resulting in faster, more effective orthodontic treatment, with reduced discomfort and shorter treatment times

Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Braces

Any orthodontic method has its own advantages and limitations, so it's essential to thoroughly research to make a suitable choice based on your dental condition and financial capabilities.

Concerning the advantages:

  • Metal braces can address misalignments ranging from simple to complex. This is evidenced by a database of millions of successfully treated customers and is widely applied in many dental clinics.

Stable and Strong Traction:

  • The metal material ensures stable and strong traction, preventing issues like breakage or dislodgment, making the orthodontic process convenient.

Variety of Styles:

  • You can choose from various methods and styles, as well as different colors of elastic bands, providing diversity and personalization for patients.

Cost-Effective:

  • Compared to other methods in the market, metal braces currently have the most affordable pricing.

Customers can refer to the detailed pricing for metal braces applied at Phuong Dentist's system below:

  • Tomy bracket metal braces: VND 24 million for full payment
  • Traditional metal braces: VND 30.4 million for full payment
  • Self-ligating metal braces: VND 35.2 million for full payment

Limitations:

Metal braces have two notable limitations, namely, relatively lower aesthetic appeal and the potential for a feeling of tightness and discomfort initially. However, these issues tend to diminish as you gradually get accustomed to wearing braces.

Metal Braces Procedure at Phuong Dentist

At Phuong Dentist, you will experience an internationally standardized metal braces procedure, combined with state-of-the-art equipment and machinery. The procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1: Examination, X-rays, Full-mouth Scans & Clinical Consultation

  • Comprehensive examination, X-rays, and full-mouth scans are performed to evaluate your dental condition.

Step 2: Treatment Plan Discussion with the Doctor, 3D Result Preview

  • Consultation with the doctor to discuss the treatment plan, with a preview of the 3D results.

Step 3: Signing the Orthodontic Contract

  • Signing the contract to proceed with orthodontic treatment.

Step 4: Tooth Extraction, Dental Treatment, Oral Hygiene Before Bracket Placement

  • If needed, tooth extraction and dental treatment are conducted before the placement of braces. Oral hygiene is ensured.

Step 5: Bracket Placement

  • Metal brackets are attached to the teeth.

Step 6: Regular Orthodontic Adjustments

  • Periodic orthodontic adjustments are scheduled to ensure the treatment progresses as planned.

Step 7: Completion of Orthodontic Treatment and Retainer Use

  • Upon achieving the desired results, braces are removed, and a retainer may be provided to maintain the new tooth positions.

X-Matrix Technology in Metal Braces

The X-Matrix technology, a breakthrough in 21st-century orthodontics, is exclusively applied in metal braces at Phuong Dentist. This technology, developed by Grate Lakes Orthodontics (USA), incorporates the Auto Lign, Webceph, and Smile Stream technologies. When combined in metal braces, this technology provides the following benefits:

  • 3D treatment preview.
  • 50% reduced pain compared to traditional metal braces in bone regeneration.
  • Safe tooth movement using Smile Stream technology, predicting complex tooth and jawbone shift capabilities.
  • Personalized bracket placement through technology, minimizing the risk of relapse.
  • Maximum control of oral diseases, eliminating a 99.98% chance of relapse post-treatment.

Considerations for Metal Braces

For a safe and effective metal braces process, consider the following:

  • Check the body's reaction to metal; treat oral diseases thoroughly before bracket placement.
  • Choose a reputable dental facility, thoroughly review the orthodontic contract, and assess commitments regarding treatment efficacy and costs.
  • Maintain proper oral hygiene during the orthodontic process, follow a scientific and reasonable diet.
  • Attend regular orthodontic check-ups according to the dentist's schedule.
  • Wear a retainer for the prescribed duration after brace removal.

Promotion Program for Metal Braces at Phuong Dentist

In addition to leading in "Leading the way in treatment quality," Phuong Dentist aims to provide customers with excellent experiences at the best prices. Specifically, when getting metal braces at Phuong Dentist, customers have the opportunity to receive gifts such as:

  • Up to 20% discount on metal braces.
  • Gift of a VIP oral care package worth 10 million VND.
  • Gift of a 3D result preview package worth 9 million VND.
  • Gift of an at-home teeth whitening package.

Moreover, an additional 3% discount is offered when getting braces as a group of two people or more.