Metal Braces | Manzella Orthodontics

West Seneca Braces

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

All About Manzella Orthodontics Braces

What Are Braces Made Of?

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces used today. They’re smaller, more comfortable than ever, and constructed of high-grade space-age metal alloys. With metal braces, you can add colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

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

Braces can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time at our West Seneca office.

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

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.

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

Brackets

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

Brackets have little hooks or doors where Dr. Manzella will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Manzella will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.

The wire will often attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Orthodontic Bands

Dr. Manzella’s team cements these stainless steel rings 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. Manzella will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your first free consultation.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

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

Glue

Dr. Manzella will use this to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.

Elastics

We may use rubber bands that are tied around the braces to hold the wire in place. These come in many different colors and patients love changing things up at each visit.

Spacers

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

Metal Braces FAQ

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Manzella and the team at Manzella Orthodontics will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. 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 an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Manzella 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. Manzella 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 the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Manzella 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.

At Manzella Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in West Seneca 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.

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

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, even your West Seneca 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 West Seneca orthodontic patients, year after year!

How long will I be in braces?

Everyone wants to know this, but Dr. Manzella cannot give a concrete, one-size-fits-all answer. Every mouth is different, and every West Seneca patient responds to treatment in their own way.

At Manzella Orthodontics, 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. Manzella.

At Manzella 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. Manzella and the team at Manzella Orthodontics, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.