Metal Braces

Most people are familiar with braces – but they may not know how they work. Think of it this way: Just as a doctor uses medication to treat a patient, Dr. Mantzikos uses carefully planned, light forces. Braces are integrated systems that use gentle force to guide teeth into alignment. Here’s what they are comprised of:

• Archwires - Thin wires that guide the teeth into the desired positions – think of them as the “track”.
• Brackets - Small squares that secure the archwires to the teeth, providing a “foothold” for each tooth.
  
• Ligature Ties (Colors) - Tiny rubber rings or fine elastics that secure the archwires to the brackets.
• Elastics - Rubber bands that help align the upper and lower teeth with respect to each other – a “turbocharger” for tooth movement!
• Stainless steel braces are most common and have become smaller, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing over time – you can even create your own color palette. But there are other types created to suit individual treatment and aesthetic preferences, too.