Short answer: Metal braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance that works with stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and an archwire running through them. They can be used for a wide range of cases, such as crowding, gaps and bite problems. Their main limits are that they are visible and require careful oral hygiene. Suitability and treatment length are determined at the orthodontic exam.
Metal braces are the classic fixed treatment method that has been used in orthodontics for many years and is still preferred today by a wide group of patients. They work with small stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and an archwire passing through them. In this article, we take a balanced look at how metal braces work, who they can be a suitable option for, their strengths and limits, how they differ from other methods, and what awaits you throughout treatment.
What are metal braces?
Metal braces are a fixed orthodontic appliance made up of metal brackets bonded to the teeth, an archwire passing through the slots of these brackets, and small elastic or thin wire ties that hold the wire to the brackets. The archwire applies a light, continuous force to the teeth in the direction planned by the dentist; the bone around the teeth reshapes in response to this force, and the tooth gradually moves to its new position.
The metal brackets used today are designed to be much smaller and thinner than in the past. Some metal brackets are made "self-ligating"; in these types, a small clip on the bracket holds the wire instead of elastics. For detailed information on self-ligating systems and sapphire brackets, you can take a look at our article on sapphire and self-ligating brackets. In everyday speech, this method is also called "traditional braces."
Who are metal braces suitable for?
Metal braces are a versatile method that can be used in many orthodontic situations related to crowding, gaps between teeth, deep bite, crossbite and the relationship of the jaws. Suitability is assessed separately for each patient; in general, they come up often in the following groups:
- Teenagers: During this period, when growth and the changeover of teeth are still going on, a fixed appliance works continuously without the patient having the daily responsibility of putting it in and taking it out.
- Cases that require complex tooth movements: In situations such as guiding an impacted tooth into place, clearly rotated teeth or treatment plans involving extractions, fixed systems give the dentist a wide range of control.
- Those for whom appearance is a secondary concern: Patients who do not mind the brackets being visible or who enjoy personalizing them with colored elastics.
- Those who think they may have trouble complying with a removable appliance: For people who think it would be hard for them to keep wearing aligners 20-22 hours a day, a fixed appliance may be more suitable.
Adults can also be treated with metal braces; there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. What matters is that the health of the gums and bone is suitable. Which method suits you is decided together with your dentist after the orthodontic exam, impressions and necessary X-rays have been evaluated.
Advantages and limits
The main advantage of metal braces is that they can be applied to a wide range of cases and give the dentist detailed control over tooth movements. Like every method, however, they also have some limits. For a balanced decision, both sides need to be considered together.
Advantages
- Because they are fixed, they do not depend on the patient putting them in and taking them out; the appliance works at every hour of the day.
- Metal brackets have a sturdy structure against impacts and chewing forces, and the likelihood of breaking or cracking is low.
- Because the brackets are small and thin, bonding them to the teeth and removing them at the end of treatment generally go smoothly.
- Because their surface is smooth, the risk of wear on the opposing tooth is lower than with ceramic brackets.
Limits
- They are visible; the brackets can be noticed when you smile.
- Plaque builds up more easily around the brackets; if oral hygiene is neglected, white spots on the tooth surface and gum inflammation can develop.
- When first placed and after wire changes, there can be a feeling of pressure on the teeth and rubbing on the inside of the cheeks and lips for a few days.
- Care is needed with hard, sticky and very chewy foods; otherwise a bracket may come off or a wire may bend.
Metal, ceramic, lingual and clear aligners compared
The basic difference between these four methods is the visibility, material and effect on daily life of the appliance; which one is suitable varies with the condition of the teeth and the person's expectations. To give a short summary:
- Metal braces: Stainless steel brackets on the front of the teeth. Visible, sturdy and versatile.
- Ceramic braces: Brackets close to tooth color or nearly clear are used, so they are less noticeable from a distance. The brackets may be slightly bulkier and the elastics may pick up color over time. For details, you can see our ceramic braces page.
- Lingual braces: The brackets are bonded to the inner (tongue-side) surface of the teeth and are not visible from the outside. The adaptation process and effect on speech are different; they may not be applicable to every case. For information, see our lingual braces page.
- Clear aligners: Instead of brackets and wire, clear aligners that are changed in sequence and can be taken in and out are used. At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided only with Invisalign. Its success depends largely on wearing the aligners 20-22 hours a day.
There is no single right answer to "metal wire or ceramic?"; the complexity of treatment, your bite pattern, your daily habits and your aesthetic priorities are evaluated together. If you are undecided between clear aligners and fixed wires, our clear aligners or braces comparison can help you sharpen your list of questions.
Treatment process and check-ups
Metal braces treatment begins with an exam and records, continues with regular check-ups and is completed with a retention period. The total length varies from person to person; in most cases a period of between 1.5 and 2.5 years is mentioned, but the exact length is determined at the exam. The general steps of the process are as follows:
- Exam and records: The current situation is documented with an intraoral exam, necessary X-rays, photographs and an impression or intraoral scan.
- Treatment plan: The dentist evaluates the findings, explains the different options if needed and shares the plan with you.
- Bonding the brackets: The teeth are cleaned, the brackets are positioned one by one with a special adhesive and the first archwire is placed. The procedure is usually completed in one session.
- Check-up sessions: These are usually held every 4-8 weeks. The wires are changed in stages, the elastics are renewed and, if needed, intermaxillary elastics are added. We explained how intermaxillary elastics are used in our article on the animal names of braces elastics.
- Removal and retention: When the targeted position is reached, the brackets are removed; fixed or removable retention appliances (retainers) are used so that the teeth stay in their new place.
Throughout treatment, it is important to brush after every meal, use an interdental brush and contact the clinic in situations such as a bracket coming off or a wire poking. You can find the whole process in more detail on our braces treatment page.
Appearance and elastic colors
The look of metal braces can be personalized with the small colored elastics that tie the brackets to the wire. Because these elastics are changed at every check-up session, the color choice can be renewed too. Teenagers often prefer vivid colors, while those who want a more understated look can choose gray, silver or nearly clear tones. It is worth remembering that clear elastics can yellow over time with tea, coffee and colored foods. For suggestions on color choice, you can see our braces colors page.
How is the fee for metal braces determined?
The fee for metal braces treatment is set individually according to the scope of treatment, its estimated duration and any additional appliances to be used; for this reason, it is communicated in writing after the exam and planning. To get general information about the factors that affect the fee, you can take a look at our braces fees page.
A metal braces exam in Ankara
If you would like to find out whether metal braces suit you for crowding, a bite problem or gaps between your teeth, the first step is an orthodontic exam. At our clinic at Park Oran Ofis next to Panora Mall in Çankaya, our orthodontist evaluates your situation and explains the pros and cons of the metal, ceramic and clear aligner options for you. For appointments and directions, you can use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to put on metal braces?
Bonding the brackets and placing the first wire is usually completed in a single session. The length of the session varies with the number of teeth to be fitted. The exam, records and treatment plan stages come beforehand.
Is it painful to have metal braces put on?
Bonding the brackets does not require needles or drilling in the tooth. In the first days there may be a feeling of pressure on the teeth and rubbing on the cheeks; in most cases this fades within a few days. If the discomfort continues, we recommend contacting your dentist.
Which is more suitable, metal or ceramic?
This varies from person to person. Metal brackets are smaller and sturdier, while ceramic brackets are less noticeable. Which one is suitable is decided at the exam by evaluating the scope of treatment, bite pattern and aesthetic expectations.
What should you not eat with metal braces?
Very hard, sticky and chewy foods can cause a bracket to come off or a wire to bend. Nuts in the shell, hard candies and chewing gum are examples. It is safer to eat foods such as apples and carrots in small pieces.
Can adults get metal braces?
Yes, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. What matters is that gum and bone health are suitable. Suitability is determined through the orthodontic exam and X-ray evaluation.
