Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

The Time-Tested Path to a Perfect Smile in New York City

When most people think of orthodontic treatment, traditional metal braces are the first thing that comes to mind—and for good reason! Despite incredible advancements in clear aligner technology, metal braces remain one of the most reliable, effective, and precise methods for straightening teeth and correcting complex bite issues.

At LAVAAN Smiles, we utilize the latest advancements in orthodontic technology to ensure that today’s metal braces are smaller, sleeker, and significantly more comfortable than the braces of the past.

What Are Traditional Metal Braces?
Traditional braces consist of high-grade stainless steel components that work together to apply gentle, continuous pressure, slowly guiding your teeth into their ideal positions. The system includes:

Brackets: Small metal squares that are specially bonded to the front surface of each individual tooth.

Archwires: A thin, flexible metal wire that connects the brackets and provides the actual force needed to move the teeth.

Ligatures (O-Rings): Tiny elastic bands that secure the archwire to the brackets. These are changed at every appointment, allowing you to customize your smile with fun colors or stick to subtle, neutral tones!

Who is a Good Candidate?
Metal braces are incredibly versatile and are a fantastic option for patients of all ages—from young children in Phase 1 treatment to teenagers and adults. Because they are permanently affixed to the teeth during the duration of treatment, they are entirely compliance-free (meaning you never have to remember to put them in!).

We often highly recommend traditional braces for patients with:

Severe crowding or overlapping teeth

Large gaps or spaces between teeth

Complex bite issues (severe overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites)

Impacted teeth that need to be gently pulled into place

The Benefits of Going Traditional
While they may not be invisible, traditional metal braces offer a unique set of benefits that make them the gold standard in orthodontic care:

Unmatched Precision: Metal brackets give our orthodontic team maximum control over the exact movement and angulation of every single tooth, ensuring a perfectly aligned result.

Highly Durable: Made from premium stainless steel, traditional braces are incredibly strong and rarely break or crack under normal chewing pressure.

Fast, Effective Results: Because they are working 24/7 and can tackle the most complex movements, metal braces can sometimes achieve results faster than removable aligner options.

Cost-Effective: Traditional braces are typically one of the most budget-friendly comprehensive orthodontic treatments available.

Caring for Your Braces
Achieving a beautiful smile requires teamwork! To keep your teeth healthy and your treatment on track, you will need to pay special attention to your oral hygiene:

Brush After Every Meal: Food easily gets trapped around brackets and wires. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using tools like a water flosser will help prevent plaque buildup and cavities.

Mind Your Diet: Avoid hard, sticky, or incredibly chewy foods (like caramel, hard nuts, ice, and popcorn kernels) that can easily pop a bracket off your tooth or bend your archwire.

Keep Your Adjustment Appointments: You will visit LAVAAN Smiles every 4 to 8 weeks so we can check your progress, change your bands, and adjust your wires to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.

Ready to Start Your Smile Journey?
Whether you are exploring options for your child, your teen, or yourself, our expert team is here to design a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals. Schedule a comprehensive consultation with LAVAAN Smiles today!

Visit us at one of our 3 convenient New York locations:

West Village: 474 6th Ave., New York, NY 10011 | 212-837-1833

Upper East Side: 1196 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10028 | 212-879-1845  

Midtown West: 311 West 43rd St, Suite 405, New York, NY 10036 | 212-581-5050