METAL BRACES IN SANTA BARBARA, CA

Metal braces are a fast and reliable option for correctly aligning and straightening your teeth, and they can correct even severe cases of tooth overcrowding.

HOW DO METAL BRACES WORK?

Braces are attached to the teeth to provide gentle pressure that will slowly move the teeth into the correct alignment. Our experienced dentists and orthodontists at See Me Smile Dental & Orthodontics will evaluate you or your child to see if braces are the right solution. If so, we will recommend the right type of braces for your specific needs.

How Do I Know if Metal Braces Are Right For Me?

In our consultation with you, we will go over the pros and cons of metal braces vs. new alternatives such as Invisalign^Ⓡ clear aligners.

What Makes Our Metal Braces Different?

Our metal braces are strong and durable, and made with high quality USA-made titanium. They can even be customized to your personality and taste with many different color options for brackets and elastics, which makes today's modern traditional braces a popular option for kids and young adults. Metal braces are also affordable, strong, and durable, and they work for people of all ages.

What Are Metal Braces Made Of?

Metal braces will typically include brackets, bands, wires, and other supporting structures, including:

Brackets: Brackets for braces are tiny squares that are either made of metal (typically stainless steel), plastic, or ceramic. They can come in different colors, and can even be matched to the color of your teeth! The brackets are bonded to the teeth in a procedure that is safe for your teeth. Sometimes orthodontic bands are added to the brackets to anchor them.
Spacers: To make room for orthodontic bands, separators called spacers are placed between the teeth.
Arch Wires: The wire part of the braces are somewhat like train tracks in that they guide the teeth along the correct pathway. These can be metal, clear, or matched to the color of your teeth.
Ties, Ligatures, and Elastic Bands: Various rubber bands and rings are used to connect arch wire to brackets, and they also come in different colors. Some may also attach to headgear in certain cases.
Springs: Springs may be optionally used in metal braces to provide just the right amount of leverage to either draw teeth together or push them apart.

Other elements of traditional metal braces include facebow headgear that connect to a head strap. These are used to correct bite problems and also improve teeth spacing. Other adjustment tools and implements may be used depending on what is needed for the braces.

How Can I Get Started with Braces?

During your first visit for metal braces, we'll start with a consultation, examination, and X-rays. Our orthodontist will expertly evaluate the current state of you or your child's teeth and determine the best orthodontic treatment plan.

After the examination, we will carefully affix high-quality brackets onto the teeth. Once the braces are in place, we'll have you come back to the office periodically so we can make adjustments and ensure that you or your child's teeth are straightening correctly.

How Much Do Metal Braces Cost?

The average cost of braces is around $5,000 but can run up to $10,000 depending on the materials used and other options. We will go over all costs and payment options with you!

Will Braces Affect My Appearance?

Modern braces can come in trendy colors as well as blend in more with teeth which can make them fun to customize! If you would like a truly invisible look, you may be a candidate for Invisalign^Ⓡ clear aligners.

Are Metal Braces Painful?

You should not feel any extreme pain with metal braces, though some soreness or discomfort after any adjustment is normal. Over the counter painkillers can help. Please let us know if you are feeling any pain with braces, as we can help make them more comfortable!

How Long Are Metal Braces Worn?

Metal braces are typically worn for approximately one to three years, depending on the individual teeth and adjustment needs. Adults will typically need to wear braces for longer than children because bone growth has stopped in adulthood.

How Do I Care for Metal Braces?

We will teach you or your child the proper way to brush and floss with braces. You will also visit us approximately once per month to check on progress. At this time, our experienced orthodontist will make adjustments to slightly increase the tension of the braces to move the teeth into place even more.

What Happens After I Get My Braces Off?

Your teeth straightening treatment is complete when you receive your own removable and personalized retainer. Our orthodontic retainers effectively maintain the straightness of your teeth and stabilizes it, in a way that is convenient for you.

We will also have you come back to our office periodically so we can check on your teeth placement and make sure your retainer still feels comfortable.

Why Do I Need a Retainer?

Orthodontic retainers provide affordable and necessary orthodontic maintenance for your teeth. Usually, after the first year, you will need to wear your retainer while sleeping indefinitely to keep the teeth straight.

Retainers are also easily removable, so you can continue eating your favorite foods without any discomfort. We also want all our patients to love not only the feel of their retainer but also the look, which is why we offer a large variety of unique colors and patterns to choose from. You won't believe how easy our retainers make it for you to keep your teeth straight!