Posted by whybraces

Metal braces came into regular use in the early 1990s when orthodontists would use a variety of different metals to form the different parts of braces and the wires that went with them. Gold was the most common material, but because it is a very soft metal it required many adjustments which proved to be very expensive—too expensive for most people!

The first metal braces were bands that wrapped around the entire tooth and it wasn’t until the late 1950s and early 1960s that orthodontists used stainless steel for braces on a regular basis. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that orthodontists used bonding to fix the metal brackets to a patient’s teeth. It was also during this time that the self-ligating braces started becoming popular. Self-ligating braces are metal braces that do not need to use extra wires or elastics o hold the arch wire in place. Instead, the arch wire fits into a sort of trap door and is held in place by the brackets themselves.

Different Parts of Metal Braces

Even though braces are now made from other materials, metal braces continue to be the most popular form of braces. This is because metal braces can treat almost all kinds of orthodontic problems, but the other materials are only good for treating a few problems. The only real drawback to using metal for braces is their appearance. Metal is obvious and people who are self conscious are often uncomfortable having such obvious materials used on their teeth.

Until recent years, metal braces were only available in one color—gray. They were only available in one shape—square. Now, however, the metal brackets are being made in a variety of colors and shapes. Imagine being able to cover your teeth in green stars! It’s possible and if using different shapes is something that interests you, you should talk to your orthodontist about it. The gray braces can also be dressed up with different colored elastics—if your orthodontist hasn’t switched to the self-ligating braces. Elastics are available in a great many different colors and they can add some personality and color to braces that might otherwise look boring.

Colored Braces

It is very important that you keep your braces clean, especially if they are made out of metal. Metal can scratch or stain easily so it is imperative that you follow your dentist’s cleaning instructions perfectly. The last thing you want are scratched or stained brackets on your teeth. After all, those brackets are bonded to your teeth; it isn’t like you can just switch them out if something happens.

One of the largest advantages to having braces made of metal is that they are more affordable than the braces made from other materials. Because the metal brackets are so common and because they can be used for just about any kind of orthodontic treatment, they are the most practical material on the orthodontic market. Metal braces also cost less because they often work more quickly than the other types of braces that are available.

While they might not be very pretty, they can be “dressed up” in a number of ways and are more durable than other bracket materials.