Metal Braces
Perfect for Every Smile
Metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment at Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry—and for good reason! Traditional braces have a long history of straightening smiles effectively and affordably.
Denver & Highlands Ranch Braces
At Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry, we want your braces experience to be as enjoyable as possible. We offer comfortable, aesthetic braces options to patients of all ages throughout Denver, Highlands Ranch, and the surrounding communities.
You may think of braces as bulky and awkward, but we use modern braces technology to give you smaller, more discreet brackets that are just as durable as ever.
Traditional braces are a great option for more severe orthodontic issues and work faster than other treatment options in some cases. That means shorter treatment times to perfect your smile!
Metal braces are cost-effective because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. That means a lot when you’re sticking to a budget!
The Anatomy of Your Braces
Brackets
Dr. Gabe uses durable brackets made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Each bracket has little hooks or doors to thread a wire through, and we’ll secure the brackets by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue
Dr. Gabe uses a special bonding cement to attach each bracket directly to your tooth.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Gabe bends and curves the wire, so your teeth move in the right direction.
Normally, the wire attaches to all of your bottom or upper teeth, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
Elastics
If you need bite correction, Dr. Gabe will recommend elastics. We’ll string these between upper and lower bracket hooks to put additional pressure on your jaw.
Spacers
Dr. Gabe uses these tiny elastic rings or separators to create space between your teeth when needed, typically before we place your bands.
Orthodontic Bands
We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances but aren’t always necessary.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
Dr. Gabe uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers, and you can get them in dozens of colors.
How do braces work?
The first step of your braces journey is taking records. Our team will take photos and X-rays of your mouth. We may also recommend a digital scan to get a more precise image of your teeth, a process that takes about 15 minutes.
After we take records, Dr. Gabe will examine your bite. He’ll use the records and information he discovers during the exam to create a customized treatment plan for your smile.
Your treatment plan will include how each tooth needs to move to give you the best alignment and a beautifully straight smile.
After we attack the brackets, Dr. Gabe will insert the wire. He’ll bend the wire to create different pressure on each tooth to ensure it moves efficiently.
During treatment, you’ll visit our Denver or Highlands Ranch office every six to eight weeks so we can check the progress of your smile and make any necessary adjustments.
What can I expect from today’s metal braces?
Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of metal braces at Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry. This means you’ll have less irritation in your mouth and quicker treatment times.
You can even personalize your metal braces with fun pops of color! The elastics around your braces come in various colors, so you can personalize your smile and change things up at every visit.
How long will I be in braces?
This is the most common question we hear from our Denver and Highlands Ranch patients, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every smile is unique, so everyone responds to treatment differently. Because of that, treatment times will vary with every case we see.
The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but it could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual and the treatment plan Dr. Gabe creates for you.
We have some patients at Union Orthodontics + Pediatric Dentistry in braces for as few as six months, but it can take over three years to complete the process for complex issues.
With metal braces from Union Orthodontics in Denver and Highlands Ranch, you’ll see signs of improvement quickly, giving you confidence during the treatment process.
Find Your Smile for Life
If you’re ready to start your child’s dental journey, or if you or your child are seeking orthodontic treatment, our team at Union is here and ready to join you every step of the way!
Contact our Denver or Highlands Ranch office to schedule your first pediatric dentist appointment or free orthodontic consultation today.