Metal braces have proven their efficiency in treating many different dental problems. Metal braces are one of the traditional techniques used to treat dental problems. In our article, we will learn about metal braces, their features, types, and price. 

Types of metal braces

 It is a group of small metal pieces that are installed as supports over the surface of the teeth, and then a metal wire is passed through these supports. It is one of the most popular braces for treating various dental problems. orthodontics Mineral for people who suffer from one of the following problems:

• Teeth crowding.
• Spaced teeth.
• Abnormal bite.
• Tooth sprain.
• Large gaps between teeth.
• Speech problems.

There are two main types of Types of orthodontics The two types of braces are: simple metal braces and traditional metal braces. We will mention them later in detail  

Simple metal braces

Simple metal braces are self-closing compared to traditional metal braces, and consist of a metal bracket that is attached via beads to the teeth.

Self-ligating metal braces

It is one of the types of fixed braces and is called Damon braces. It is similar in shape to fixed metal braces, except that the brackets in self-ligating braces are designed differently.

The dentist recommends self-ligating metal braces for people who:

•  Most sensitive to discomfort.
• Who cannot sit in the dental chair for a long time. 
• Those who suffer from delayed growth and need orthodontics.

 German metal calendar

It is one of the common types of fixed orthodontic devices. It is characterized by high quality and accuracy in correcting dental defects and problems and has many advantages. Its advantages include the following:

•  High quality: It is made of high-quality materials.
•  High precision: in moving teeth and achieving ideal results.
•  Speed ​​of effect: often produces faster results than other braces.
• Durability: It is characterized by its ability to withstand daily pressures.
• Cosmetic options are available: the patient can customize the colors of the rubber bands used to secure the metal braces. 

This type works by attaching small metal brackets to each tooth using a special adhesive. The brackets are then connected to a thin metal wire that gradually presses on the teeth to move them to the correct position.

You may also be interested in: Treating tooth decay during orthodontics 

American metal calendar

 It is one of the types of fixed orthodontic appliances, and is very similar to the German type. It is also distinguished by its high quality and effectiveness in correcting dental defects.

• High quality. 
• High accuracy. 
• Speed ​​in results.
• durability. 
• Availability of cosmetic options. 

The disadvantages of German braces and American braces involve the same disadvantages as metal braces, and they include the following:

• Unattractive appearance. 
• Difficulty in cleaning teeth completely. 
• Possibility of mouth irritation when first applied.

يمكنك قراءة : Cases of using clear braces and their types

What are the components of metal braces?

Metal braces consist of a group of core components that work together to correct tooth alignment and improve bite, including the following:

• Brackets, which are small pieces that are attached to each tooth, are usually made of stainless steel, and are the main element that holds the wires.
• The metal wire, which passes through the brackets and connects them to each other, is responsible for transferring pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the correct position.
• Ties are small rubber rings that are used to secure the wire inside the brackets and can be clear or colored.
• Metal rings, sometimes used on back teeth, are installed around the molars to hold the brackets firmly.
• Additional tools such as springs or elastics between the jaws, which are used as needed to direct a specific movement.

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Persons allowed to wear metal braces

Most people who have problems with the alignment of teeth or jaws are allowed to have metal braces, provided that the gums and supporting bones are healthy, including the following:

• Children and adolescents. Fitting usually begins between the ages of 10 and 14, when the permanent teeth have grown, but the jaw bones are still manageable.
• For adults, there is no specific age limit, and braces can be fitted at any age as long as the teeth and gums are healthy, but treatment may require a longer time compared to teenagers.
• People who have gaps or crowding between their teeth.
• Those who suffer from malocclusion such as reverse, open, or protrusive bite.
• Those who have a deviation in the front teeth or back teeth that affects speech or chewing.

People who are not allowed to wear metal braces

Those who are not allowed to have metal braces are those who have health or oral conditions that prevent the success of treatment or may be exacerbated by it. The most prominent of these categories are as follows:

• Patients with gingivitis or advanced gum disease, as braces put pressure on the teeth and lead to deterioration of the condition or loss of teeth.
• People who suffer from osteoporosis or weak jaw bones, whether for genetic reasons or due to medications such as cortisone or osteoporosis medications.
• Those who have short or weak tooth roots, as the teeth may not withstand the pressure of the braces, which leads to them moving unsafely.
• Patients with irregular diabetes or immune diseases that affect tissue healing and gum health.
• These are people who are not committed to oral hygiene, as braces require careful daily care to avoid tooth decay and gingivitis.
• Pregnant women at certain stages, as it is preferable to postpone braces if they are to start during pregnancy due to changes in the gums and hormones.
• Those who suffer from teeth grinding or jaw disorders without prior treatment, as braces may worsen the condition.

Advantages of metal braces

Advantages of metal braces include:

• High effectiveness and guaranteed results. It has proven effective in solving dental problems.
• Easily modifyable.
• Its cost is reasonable compared to other types of orthodontics.
• High durability, as it is made of materials capable of withstanding pressure. 

Despite these many advantages, you should know that there are some cases for which this type of braces is not suitable, such as:

• Those suffering from gum disease.
• Who are allergic to metals.
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Stages of installing metal braces

The stages of installing metal braces go through a number of organized steps, which begin with diagnosis and end with the beginning of treatment, and they include the following:

• Initial examination and evaluation, where the dentist carefully examines the mouth and teeth, and requests x-rays, photographs, and a dental model to identify the type of problem and the appropriate treatment plan.
• Before installing the braces, the teeth are cleaned well from tartar and plaque, to ensure the stability of the brackets and the absence of infections.
• An adhesive is applied to each tooth and the metal brackets are then precisely bonded to them using specialized tools.
• After attaching the brackets, the thin metal wire passes between the brackets and is tied using rubber bands.
• The doctor explains to the patient how to clean and care for the braces and the type of food allowed.
• Regular follow-up visits, approximately every three to six weeks, to adjust the wire or replace the elastics, and to monitor the gradual movement of the teeth.

How long does metal braces last?

The period of treatment with metal braces varies depending on the case, but at least the duration of fixed braces is one and a half years, and may reach a period of four years. 

Get to know: Get to know: The duration of wearing other types of braces

Frequently asked questions

How much does metal braces cost in Saudi Arabia?

Prices for installing metal braces in Saudi Arabia vary based on several factors, including:

 Metal braces type. 

Dental condition. 

Doctor's experience. 

Medical center or hospital. 

 In general, this cost may range between approximately 5,000-10,000 Saudi riyals.

Are metal braces painful?

Metal braces may cause some temporary pain or discomfort, especially in the first days after they are installed or after a wire-pulling session, as pressure begins to be placed on the teeth to move them, which leads to a feeling of heaviness or mild to moderate pain. The patient may also feel slight irritation in the gums or in the inside of the cheeks as a result of the friction of the metal brackets. However, the pain is temporary and goes away within a few days, and can be controlled with simple painkillers.

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The longest period of orthodontics varies according to the case, but it may reach 3 years or more for complex cases such as complete correction of occlusion, treatment of severe crowding, or rearrangement of teeth after a long loss or extraction. Also, the duration of treatment is affected by various factors such as the age of the patient, the type of problem and the extent of his response to treatment, as well as the degree of his commitment to medical instructions such as attending regular sessions and using elastics or supportive devices. On the other hand, some simple cases may not require more than 12 to 18 months.

Do metal braces affect speech?

Yes, metal braces affect speech in the first days of their installation, as the patient feels the presence of a foreign body inside the mouth, which causes temporary difficulty in pronouncing some letters such as the letters S, Sh, and T. However, these effects are temporary and the tongue and oral muscles get used to the placement of the braces within a short period, which allows the patient to gradually regain his normal pronunciation without any continuing problems.

How many times should you visit the doctor during the braces period?

It is usually recommended to visit the dentist every 4 to 6 weeks during the period of metal braces in order to monitor the movement of the teeth and make the necessary adjustments to the elastics or to the wire, in order to ensure that treatment continues in a correct and regular manner. These visits also help in discovering any potential problems such as loosening of the brackets or the accumulation of tartar around the braces, and dealing with them in the appropriate time, which ensures achieving the best results in the shortest possible period.

In conclusion, if you suffer from dental problems and are thinking about getting braces, it is important to consult a specialized dentist to determine the most suitable option for you.

Medical references 

Teeth Braces – clevelandclinic

Braces and orthodontics – nhs