Metal Braces

Metal Braces

What are Metal Braces or Train Tracks

Metal Braces (also referred to as train track braces) are the most commonly used type of braces in conventional orthodontics. They consist of metal brackets that are glued onto the front of the teeth and metallic wires that pass through these brackets to apply pressure on the teeth. The pressure on the teeth helps them gradually move into their proper positions in the mouth, which is the basis of orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, metallic braces may have coloured rubber bands or metal ties to help apply guided pressure.
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What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is one of the eight specialized branches of Dentistry. Quite simply,, Orthodontic treatment is the correction of misaligned teeth (i.e. crooked, rotated, protruded or crowded teeth), an improper bite or jaw bone abnormalities. The treatment moves teeth gradually into their proper positions and adjusts the jaw bones to achieve good aesthetics. The result is a beautiful and pleasing smile.
Orthodontic treatment uses either fixed or removable devices to bring about the corrections. The fixed type of treatment comprises braces, which can be metallic braces, ceramic braces or invisible braces (Invisalign).
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What oral health issues can braces treat?

Braces can treat a wide range of problems related to tooth positions and the facial bone structure. Some of them are:
Overbite (when your upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth more than 2 mm)
Underbite (when your lower front teeth are ahead of your upper front teeth)
Gaps between teeth
Crowded teeth
Crooked teeth
Unerupted or partially erupted adult teeth
Problems in your bite or jaw alignment
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Am I suitable to get this treatment?

Yes, metal braces are suitable for all ages, from teenagers to adults. There is no age limit to getting braces. However, young bone is more flexible, and it’s easier to move the tooth early on, so it’s better if orthodontic treatment is initiated as early as possible. With age, the bone becomes denser and may be accompanied by issues like gum disease or decay, so it’s a more complicated process.
That being said, if you want to get braces, you need to meet certain criteria. Your teeth should be structurally sound and clear of any periodontal or gum disease. Patients with poor oral health are not considered suitable for braces.

What is the treatment process of Braces?

Once you book a consultation with our team of Orthodontists, we will examine your teeth, mouth and jaws thoroughly to check what issues need to be corrected. We will also take relevant X-rays, photographs and bite impressions of your teeth if needed and create a customized treatment plan for you.
At your first orthodontic appointment, we will choose suitable archwires and metallic brackets to bond to your teeth. Elastic bands may or may not be used to fix the archwires to the brackets. You will then be called every month for the tightening of the archwires as and when the treatment plan demands. The entire process may take between 1-2 years, give or take. It’s important to remember that every case is different, and the treatment time and methods vary for all.
  • Pros
    Least expensive
    Reliable and fast treatment time
    Can treat complex cases
  • Cons
    Metal Braces are the most noticeable type of braces, compared to alternatives
  • White/clear/ceramic Braces
    For people looking at discrete alternatives for metal braces, clear white ceramic braces are an option. Ceramic braces have tooth coloured brackets and a thin metal or plastic coated wire, which does not give the ‘metalhead’ mouth we often see with metallic braces.
  • Lingual Braces
    Instead of placing brackets on the front of teeth, lingual braces place brackets on the insides of the teeth and hence are well hidden from observers. The brackets and wires used are the same as those used in metal braces. Lingual braces, however, require more effort to keep clean and may feel uncomfortable in the beginning. They also require more frequent adjustments and are priced higher than conventional metal braces.
  • Invisalign
    Invisalign technology uses a 3-D imaging system to scan your entire oral cavity and create a series of clear plastic aligners or trays that are worn on top of your teeth. The trays are changed every 2-3 weeks as and when tooth movement occurs to bring your teeth to their most aesthetic positions.

More Questions about Braces?

Yes, the cost of ceramic braces is less than Invisalign.

The actual ceramic brackets do not stain, but the clear elastic bands around the brackets have a tendency to stain with foods like coffee, tea, wine, ketchup, mustard sauce and even smoking

No, you cannot have gum with braces.  It is better off avoided as it will get trapped in between the braces and wires

No, braces do not hurt. Your teeth and gums might feel slightly sore for a couple of days after your orthodontic appointments, though.

Get a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) dentist or book an appointment with our team of orthodontists directly.

An orthodontist straightens your teeth and adjusts your jawbones to give you a beautiful-looking smile.

Use a waxed floss with an orthodontic floss threader available at any pharmacy to get in between the teeth. Floss carefully.

Treatment time for each case is different, but on average, it takes 1-2 years for the teeth to get aligned properly, sometimes even more.

No, braces do not hurt at all. The only time you might feel some discomfort or soreness in your teeth or gums is when your orthodontist tightens your wire every month. Your teeth might feel extra sensitive during this time.

Braces exert a gentle but steady pressure on your teeth, which causes the teeth to gradually move into their proper positions with time.

Yes, if required, you can.

Teeth have to be moved very slowly or else they can get damaged and die. That is why braces take so long.

Yes, braces help in closing gaps between teeth.

You should ideally visit us or your orthodontist to cut off a troubling piece of wire.

Orthodontists recommend that you get braces as early as possible, usually between the ages of 14-18.

Yes, braces can slightly alter the appearance of your facial structure.

Dental or modelling wax from the pharmacy or your dentist’s office can be softened by rolling between the fingers and pressed firmly onto the protruding wire fragment or loose wire on your braces.

Yes, a lot of insurance providers do cover braces under their dental insurance plans.

Generally, poor dental hygiene is the root cause for yellow teeth with braces. To maintain white teeth, make sure you brush and floss properly, align with the use of interdental brushes to get in between the wires.

No, orthodontists do not recommend biting into a pizza slice with braces. If needed, cut the pizza into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.

How much are Braces?

At Susan Crean Denal & Facial Aesthetics we offer a wide selection of dental treatments provided by some of the best dental staff in Tralee, each treatment designed to meet the individual needs of our patients. Working with your dentist to meet your dental health goals, you’ll find that there is always something to smile about. Our prices are competitive and our services top notch. Review our competitive price chart below. Book your appointment online. You can call our Tralee clinic at 0667117577.
You only get one set of teeth, Ensure a healthy mouth with healthy teeth and gums. Routine check-up appointments and professional cleanings with your dentist will help to keep small concerns from escalating into more serious dental problems.

Price List : Orthodontic Treatments

TreatmentPrice
Orthodontic Assessment€100
Invisalignfrom €3500-€5500
Six month smilesfrom €3500-€5500

Susan Crean Dental & Facial Aesthetics Tralee

Alternative Treatments

We offer a wide range of General Dental Treatments, below are some related treatments that you may be interested in

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I just had the best experience at Susan Crean Dental & Facial Aesthetics! Right from the start, the staff was super friendly and made me feel welcome. During the checkup, Dr. Susan noticed that I had four wisdom teeth, and a few of them were causing issues. She recommended getting them removed, but I was worried about the cost. Dr. Susan actually contacted my insurer (VHI) for me multiple times and found out that my health insurance covered the extraction! I had no clue about that. I'm so grateful she went out of her way to figure it out. Dr. Frank took care of removing a couple of my wisdom teeth, and he was amazing. He made sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure, and it went really smoothly. As a testament to the exceptional care I received, my wife's now a patient there too. Highly recommend!

Sajjad Avatar Sajjad
May 24, 2023

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