Traditional Comprehensive Orthodontics

Traditional comprehensive orthodontics involves using metal arch-wires, AKA “braces,” to move teeth into a more-ideal position over time. The braces are placed onto brackets that have been glued to each individual tooth. Traditional orthodontics relies on metal arch-wires instead of the clear plastic aligners often associated with Invisalign. Unlike 6-month braces, traditional comprehensive orthodontics often is a long-term treatment, with the goal of improving the alignment of the teeth, as well as the bite.

3 parts of traditional comprehensive orthodontics, AKA “braces”:

  • Metal archwire. The archwire is what moves the teeth. The wire is placed onto the brackets, which are mounted onto the teeth (see next section). The length, thickness, and position of the wire are what determine how each tooth will move. At each follow-up appointment, the archwires are replaced with new wires, with different characteristics,to move the tooth gradually.
  • Brackets.  The brackets are cemented onto the surface of each tooth. Their function is to serve as a connection point for the archwire. The brackets follow the force of the archwires, and push or pull the teeth into the ideal position.
  • Elastic “rubber bands.” Elastics maintain the connection between the archwire and brackets. Each bracket is attached to the archwire with elastics, which come in an assortment of colors.

Additional components include hooks, steel ties, coils, and headgear.Traditional comprehensive orthodontics is still the gold standard for achieving comfortable, natural, healthy results in situations involving severe malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth.

Contact Pure Dental Arts for a Complimentary Orthodontics Consultation

If you’d love straight teeth, a smooth bite, and a smile that makes you feel as good as it looks to everyone who sees you, we can help.  Contact Pure Dental Arts in Queen Anne, Seattle, for a complimentary consultation to discuss whether orthodontics is right for you, and your ideal treatment options.