Metal Braces

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Moon and the team at Moon Orthodontics will take photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we’ll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Moon will use this information to create your personalized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.

Dr. Moon will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Moon will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on each tooth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

At Moon Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. 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!

• The brackets Dr. Moon uses 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. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
• Dr. Moon will use glue to attach the brackets to your teeth.
• A wire will run from one bracket to another. Dr. Moon uses this to move your teeth in the right direction.
• If Dr. Moon determines you need bite correction, he may use elastics. These are generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook and pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. (These aren’t used with Damon brackets!)
• Orthodontic bands 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’re not used for everyone. Dr. Moon will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.
• Spacers are small elastic “donuts” or rings that Dr. Moon may use to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They’re also known as separators.
• Elastic ties (also known as o-rings, ligatures, or colors) are tiny rubber rings or bands used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and at Moon Orthodontics, they come in dozens of colors. (These aren’t used with Damon brackets!)

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, because of modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before. At Moon Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Olathe and Overland Park!

We can help you find the best braces for your smile goals. From traditional metal braces to the Damon bracket system, we have options for every smile.

This is what everyone wants to know, but unfortunately, Dr. Moon does not have a concrete answer for this. Everybody in Olathe and Overland Park has a different mouth, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way.

Treatment time with metal braces will be different every time. The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual treatment plan from Dr. Moon and what type of braces you choose.

At Moon Orthodontics, we have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for more complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces treatment with Dr. Moon and the team at Moon Orthodontics, you’ll see signs of improvement in just a short time, giving you confidence and encouragement during your treatment process!