Metal Dental Braces

Traditional metal dental braces are typically used in cases with extreme overcrowding because they move your teeth in small increments at a time and give your dentist or orthodontist more control.

All kinds of braces are dental tools that help correct problems with your teeth, like crowding, crooked teeth, or misalignment. Metal braces include brackets attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth with flexible wires or archwires that hold the bands together. Metal braces create pressure on your teeth with the brackets and wires to slowly move your teeth into the desired position.

Sometimes clear brackets and tooth-colored wires can help hide the hardware. our doctors will help you explore the options and discuss if braces fit your treatment scenario.

As part of your treatment plan, we may use a rapid palatal expander (RPE) to help reduce teeth crowding before getting braces. The RPE slowly expands the palate to correct the bite. This stage usually lasts no longer than 18 months.

While orthodontics can solve many tooth alignment problems, successful treatment relies on good patient compliance. Wearing elastic bands consistently, keeping follow-up appointments for adjustments, and practicing outstanding home care can all help lead to a positive outcome. This commitment involves frequent preventive visits with your hygienist. The Broad Smile Pediatric Dentistry team specializes in helping our orthodontic patients through this process so you can enjoy a gorgeous, healthy smile.

Orthodontics with braces involves teeth straightening and jaw alignment, combining beauty and function. Identifying potential problems as a child may allow for easier treatment, but it’s never too late to discuss ways to enhance a smile.

young teen wearing braces
  • Will my child need braces again when they're older? Will my insurance cover a second treatment?

    This depends on each individual patient’s situation. Some children do need braces again when they’re older to realign their teeth. However, sometimes expanding the palate is enough to reduce teeth crowding and the teeth will remain straight.

    Depending on your insurance coverage, there may be remaining benefits. Many plans offer a lifetime benefit. If you have questions about insurance, reach out to our office and we will be happy to address your concerns.

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  • Will my child have braces the entire time or will there be a period where we wait for adult teeth to come in?

    Every patient’s treatment plan is different. This will depend on a number of factors, including the age of the patient and their individual treatment plan. It is possible for there to be a gap of time where the patient does not have braces or any appliances

  • How do I take care of my braces?

    There are a few things to keep in mind when maintaining metal dental braces.

    1. Avoid foods that aren’t braces-friendly such as chewy foods or soft candies that get stuck in the braces and will be hard to clean out of the hardware. Depending on the food, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to keep it from getting stuck in the braces.
    2. Brush and floss on a regular basis. This is always important but becomes more important with braces because there are more spaces, crevices, and surfaces for food to get stuck.
    3. Ensure you keep your regular appointments with your dentist to adjust, manage, and maintain your metal braces.
  • What are the different types of braces?

    • Metal/traditional braces: Traditional braces are made of metal. They include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth, as well as flexible wires or archwires that hold the brackets or bands together. Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help straighten and align your teeth. Sometimes, your orthodontist will have you wear a device called headgear at night. It provides added pressure to help straighten your teeth. You can put it on and take it off.
    • Ceramic braces: The brackets in traditional braces are now also made in tooth-colored ceramic, so you don’t notice them as much. They can also be made with stainless steel, clear materials, or gold.
    • Lingual braces: The brackets on these braces are attached to the backs of your teeth, facing your tongue. Lingual braces are harder to see.
    • Clear aligners: You might also hear them called invisible braces. These are clear plastic trays that fit snugly onto your teeth. They use pressure to gently move your teeth into the correct positions and straighten your smile. You remove the aligners to eat, brush, or floss, but you should keep them in at least 22 hours each day for them to work. The orthodontist may also place tooth-colored attachments onto your teeth to hold the aligners in place.
  • How much do braces cost?

    The cost for braces and aligners usually depends on the severity of the problem and the treatment options discussed between you and your dentist. On average, any of these solutions can range from $2,000 – $5,000 or more.

    Costs are affected by individual insurance cover, dental office payment options, etc. So it really is a cost that is unique to you and your family depending on the extent of your dental needs.

A Kid-Friendly Dental Experience

We specialize in providing first-class dental care to children of all ages. What’s more, we are parents too! Therefore, we understand the busy lives of families and have created an experience to make your dental visits simpler. Learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today.

Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics – Lynnfield, MA

6 Kimball Lane, Suite 140, Lynnfield MA 01940
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Hours

School Year
Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Select Fridays: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Select Saturdays: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Summer
Monday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30am - 4:00pm
Select Fridays: 7:30am - 1:00pm

Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry- Salem, MA

600 Loring Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
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Hours

School Year
Monday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 4:30pm

Summer
Monday-Thursday: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics – Lynn, MA

77 Broad Street
Lynn, MA 01902
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Hours

School Year
Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Summer
Monday-Thursday: 7:30am - 4:00pm