Traditional
Strong & Sturdy
Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Parkland and Yelm, WA.
These orthodontic workhouses have a long history of successful treatment at Whitewater Orthodontic Studios and Dr. Andrew Leavitt uses metal braces to successfully correct all kinds of oral issues.
All About Braces at Whitewater Orthodontic Studios
These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues. At Whitewater Orthodontic Studios, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages.
They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.
Metal braces are a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.
Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive. Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you’ll see.
Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. Leavitt wants them to move.
What Are Traditional Braces Made Of?
Brackets
The brackets are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.
Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue
This is what Dr. Leavitt will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Leavitt will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.
The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.
Elastics
If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They are generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook. This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.
We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.
Orthodontic Bands
These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they are not used for everyone.
Spacers
These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They are also referred to as separators.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets.
They're less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.