Metal Braces | Germantown Orthodontics

Braces Made Just for You

Metal braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment at Germantown Orthodontics — they’re also more advanced than ever.

Thanks to modern technology, Dr. Erin Kopicki can give you a customized appliance for a quick and comfortable smile transformation.

Benefits of Braces

With smaller, less noticeable brackets and custom-fit wiring, metal braces at Germantown Orthodontics help your teeth move more quickly and less painfully than before.

Faster Treatment Times

Because custom braces are a fixed appliance that stays in place throughout your smile journey, treatment duration is often quicker than alternative treatment options—they work around the clock to transform your smile.

More Comfort

Advancements in technology and custom tailoring options make custom braces at Germantown Orthodontics much gentler and more comfortable than previous metal braces.

More Flexibility

With a range of color options, including clear, you can make your custom braces match your personality and style. Sport your favorite Wisconsin team colors or blend your braces in with the natural color of your teeth.

What Are Braces Made of?

Metal braces are made up of several parts that work together to align your teeth. The brackets apply pressure to shift the teeth in the jawbone while a thin wire guides them into place.

Here’s a breakdown of the nuts and bolts that make up your smile appliance:

Brackets

Dr. Erin uses durable metal brackets of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Each one has little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. Dr. Erin secures brackets by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

Dr. Erin uses dental glue to attach the brackets to your teeth. It's completely taste-free and safe for your mouth.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Erin will change the shape and curvature of the wire at each visit to move your teeth in the right direction.

The wire often attaches to all of your bottom or upper teeth. 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! Dr. Erin will string them between an upper and lower bracket hook to adjust your jaw.

We use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Orthodontic Bands

We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances but aren't always necessary.

Spacers

Spacers do the job if Dr. Erin needs to create space between your teeth. We typically use these elastic rings before we place your bands.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Erin uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.

Common Braces Questions

Getting braces for you or your child is a big deal, so it makes sense that you would have some questions. Here are some answers to the most common questions people ask when they visit our Germantown office:

How do braces work?

Before we attach your brackets, Dr. Erin and the team at Germantown Orthodontics will take photographs and X-rays of your mouth. We may also use our iTero Element digital scanner to meticulously map out each of your teeth and the configuration of your gums and mouth.

This step, if required, usually lasts between 10 to 15 minutes and is crucial for obtaining an exceptionally accurate 3D image of your oral landscape.

Once the X-ray and scanning are complete, Dr. Erin will analyze this data to craft a tailored treatment strategy for you. This personalized approach will detail each tooth's specific adjustments to reach its proper placement.

Following the placement of your brackets, Dr. Erin will thread the wire. This wire, carefully bent at specific points, will apply distinct pressures to various teeth. Through these calculated bends in the wire, Dr. Erin will precisely direct the movement of your teeth.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

At Germantown Orthodontics, you'll find the latest braces technology for patients of all ages in Germantown and the surrounding areas!

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, thanks to modern orthodontics, you'll benefit from smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable brackets than ever.

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces, so you'll have less irritation in your mouth.

Traditional metal braces at Germantown Orthodontics also come with a fun twist at no extra cost—you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in various colors that let you showcase your personality with your smile.

When do you recommend braces?

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might, shortening your treatment time.

Metal braces are cost-effective because they don't require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.

The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients in Germantown, year after year!

How long will I be in braces?

This is the first question many people have when they visit Germantown Orthodontics, but the answer varies by case. Every mouth is unique, and every patient responds to treatment differently. Treatment time with metal braces with Dr. Erin will be different every time.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months, but it could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual and the treatment plan designed by Dr. Erin.

We have some patients at Germantown Orthodontics in braces for as few as six months, but it can take over three years to complete the process for complex issues.

With metal braces from Germantown Orthodontics, you'll see signs of improvement quickly, giving you confidence during the treatment process.

Champagne / Gold Braces

These champagne brackets give you the power of traditional braces but look cool, like clear braces.

The gold blends beautifully with your smile, giving you an attractive sparkle.