With traditional braces, silver brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth. The brackets can come in different shapes and sizes depending on the company that makes them. One thing they all have in common is how they are used. Each bracket has edges known as “wings.” Metal or elastic bands are tied around these wings to hold the orthodontic wire in place. The wire is what actually causes the teeth to move, with the bracket serving as an anchor site on each of your teeth. As you move along in your treatment, the wires will be changed out to straighten teeth to your desired result.
Traditional braces are a good, cost-effective option for kids and teens. Because of their durability and cost-effectiveness, they are the most popular braces for kids. There will likely be some mild irritation at the start of your child’s treatment. The metal brackets and wires used in therapy today are small and sleek, making irritation inside the mouth much less problematic than braces of the past.