Metal Braces

Traditional braces are still a great, affordable option for treating a variety of orthodontic issues: gaps, crowding, overbites, or underbites. The brackets we use nowadays are a good bit smaller than the tooth shackles of yesteryear and use a simple door-system to hold the wires in place, which shortens appointment time and makes treatment more effective and way less painful than it used to be. Really, a touch of silver in your grin may be just what you’re looking for.

Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces

Our patients with a bigger bone to pick with their smile because of large gaps, severe crowding or misalignment, or major bite issues see the biggest improvements in the look of their teeth with metal braces. With traditional braces for adults and children, the roots of teeth and the crowns (the part you see above the gums) move sequentially for a gradual yet more permanent change to your smile. The new materials and techniques used in orthodontics make braces more comfortable than ever before, too, so you won't be stuck eating soup for days or weeks while you adjust to the new braces.

If metal braces aren’t your style, we provide 3M Clarity ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets. They’re a bit subtler. The translucent ceramic brackets blend with the color of your teeth and remain stain-free throughout treatment. For a little extra style, add some color around the clear brackets to spruce up your smile. Clear braces work just like metal braces. They just do it with a lower profile. You can keep your style and improve your smile at the same time!

Which Braces Are Right for Me?

The only way to really know is to come in and let us take a look in your mouth. We'll analyze your needs, listen to your concerns, and help you make a decision on clear braces versus metal.

What can I eat with braces?

Many foods are perfectly fine to eat with braces, especially if they are soft and easy to chew. Foods that should generally be avoided include popcorn, caramel, gum, or anything that is very crunchy or sticky. Foods like corn on the cob, apples, and carrots can still be eaten, but they must be cut up and chewed with the back teeth, as they are too crunchy to bite into with the front teeth. We recommend using your best judgment when it comes to determining if a particular food will be easy to eat with braces or not, but if you have any questions, you can always ask our team.

Are braces painful?

You shouldn’t feel any pain when your braces are first applied, but it is very common to feel some soreness or tenderness in the days following your braces being placed and after they are tightened. To relieve some of the discomfort, we recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication, eating cold foods like popsicles, rinsing with warm salt water, and applying dental wax to particularly sore areas. Just remember that the soreness you’re feeling means that your orthodontic treatment is working!

Are braces covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans offer at least partial coverage for orthodontic treatments. Stroope Orthodontics also offers in-house financing for patients who want to divide the cost of their treatment into a more manageable payment plan. If you are interested in metal braces but you’re worried about cost, please get in touch with our team. We work hard to offer affordable braces to residents in northwest Arkansas, and we love being able to provide all of our patients with straighter, beautiful smiles!

Do clear braces stain?

In years past, patients who chose to utilize clear braces had to be extra careful when it came to keeping their braces clean due to the white or clear rubber bands becoming stained. Fortunately, 3M Clarity ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets are stain-resistant, which means patients are free to drink coffee, red wine, and dark-colored sodas, all things that orthodontists used to have to tell patients to avoid while wearing clear braces. Of course, you will still want to maintain a comprehensive oral care routine while wearing clear braces to ensure that they stay clean and your teeth and gums remain healthy.

How long does it take braces to straighten teeth?

It takes metal braces anywhere from six months to two years or longer to straighten teeth and correct any orthodontic issues that need to be fixed. Your treatment plan depends largely on the severity of your specific orthodontic issues and how quickly your teeth can shift. At your consultation, your treatment plan will be discussed in-depth, and you will be given an estimate for how long your treatment plan should be.

What is a good age to get braces?

It is often recommended that braces be worn during childhood and adolescence, as the jaw is still developing and there are more treatment options that the orthodontist can utilize. However, braces can be used by any patient who wants a straighter smile! Our clear braces are especially popular with teens and adults who want to discreetly straighten their teeth without drawing attention to the fact that they are wearing braces. If you are interested in straightening your teeth with clear or traditional metal braces in Arkansas, our knowledgeable team at Stroope Orthodontics would be more than happy to help you!