Metal Braces | Braces Bowling Green

Central Kentucky and Tennessee Braces

Traditional braces have been around so long that they've become the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics all around Bowling Green, KY, Russellville, KY, Portland, TN, and White House, TN.

All About Wiesemann Orthodontics Braces

Metal Braces in Bowling Green, KY | Russellville KY, | Portland, TN | White House, TN

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

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Dr. Wiesemann can use these to close gaps and align teeth faster than he might be able to with other treatments. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.

Metal braces are so affordable because they don't need some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments require.

Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive. Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you'll see at Wiesemann Orthodontics.

What Are Braces Made of?

Metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires.

Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. Wiesemann wants them to move.

With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Brackets

The brackets Dr. Wiesemann uses are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.

Brackets have little hooks or doors where Dr. Wiesemann will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door or by an elastic that goes on top of the wire.

Glue

This is what Dr. Wiesemann 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. Dr. Wiesemann will change the wire's shape and curvature 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.

Elastics

If Dr. Wieseman determines that you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They're generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.

This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.

We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

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. Dr. Wiesemann 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 Dr. Wiesemannn to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They're also referred to as separators.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They're less rigid than spacers and at Wiesemann Orthodontics, they come in dozens of colors.

FAQs About Metal Braces

How do braces work?

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

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

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

Dr. Wiesemann will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need tilting, the placement of those brackets will be different from the brackets' placement for teeth that need to turn.

Once he attaches your brackets, Dr. Wiesemann 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 create such 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 versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before.

At Wiesemann Orthodontics, we're proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Bowling Green, Portland, Russellville, White House and surrounding areas!

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

Traditional metal braces also come with a fun new twist without extra cost—you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that Dr. Wiesemann will fit around your brackets come in many colors that let you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, and even your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.

The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for patients at Wiesemann Orthodontics every year!

How long will I be in braces?

Everyone asks about treatment length, but that's one answer Dr. Wiesemann doesn't have. The answer is different for everyone and depends on their individual treatment plan.

Treatment time with metal braces will be unique every time. The average time patients spend in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months. However, this might be shorter or longer, depending on the individual treatment plan from Dr. Wiesemann.

We have patients in braces at Wiesemann Orthodontics 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. Wiesemann and the team at Wiesemann Orthodontics, you can see signs of improvement quickly, which gives you confidence during the treatment process.