Metal Braces | Palmetto Bay Braces | Smiles of Palmetto Bay

Classic & Strong

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces we use at Smiles of Palmetto Bay. They’re smaller, more comfortable than ever, and constructed of high-grade space-age metal alloys.

With metal braces at Smiles of Palmetto Bay, you can add colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Palmetto Bay Braces

At Smiles of Palmetto Bay, we're proud to offer the latest braces technology to patients of all ages in Palmetto Bay and the surrounding areas.

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.

Traditional metal braces are strong, sturdy, and affordable, making them the top choice for orthodontic patients in Palmetto Bay every year.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, potentially shortening your treatment time with Dr. Ross.

What Are Traditional Braces Made Of?

Brackets

Dr. Ross uses durable brackets made from stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. Dr. Ross can secure brackets by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

Dr. Ross will use this 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. Ross will change the wire's shape and curvature to move your teeth in the right direction.

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

Elastics

If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. We use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Dr. Ross will string elastics between an upper and lower bracket hook. This pulls your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.

Orthodontic Bands

We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances, but we don’t always use them for everyone.

Spacers

Dr. Ross uses these tiny elastic “donuts” or rings to create space between your teeth when needed, typically before we place your bands. People also refer to them as "separators."

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Ross 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.

Common Braces Questions

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Ross and the Smiles of Palmetto Bay 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. Ross will use this information to create your treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to move to get it in the best possible position.

Dr. Ross will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to tilt, Dr. Ross puts those brackets differently compared to the brackets for teeth that need to turn.

Once we attach your brackets, Dr. Ross will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. Most orthodontists like Dr. Ross create precise movements using this bend in the wire.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of modern metal braces. This means you'll have less irritation in your mouth and a more comfortable experience.

Traditional metal braces at Smiles of Palmetto Bay also come with a fun twist without extra cost—you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in various colors, letting you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, or your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics if you want a more subtle look.

How long will I be in braces?

This is what everyone asks Dr. Greg Ross, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Every mouth is different, and every patient at our Palmetto Bay office responds to treatment differently.

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

We have some patients at Smiles of Palmetto Bay 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 Smiles of Palmetto Bay, you'll see signs of improvement in just a short time, giving you confidence during the treatment process.