Reliable Treatment for Straighter Smiles

At Draper Elite Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Draper and surrounding areas.

Draper Braces

The most common type of treatment at Draper Elite Orthodontics is metal braces. These orthodontic staples have a long history of successfully straightening smiles at every age for patients around Draper and the surrounding areas.

Traditional metal braces are sturdy and affordable, making them the top treatment for orthodontic patients of all ages in Draper every year.

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious.

But, thanks to modern technology, you'll benefit from smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable brackets than ever.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments. This speed can potentially shorten your treatment time at Draper Orthodontics.

Metal braces are cost-effective because they don't require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do.

What Makes Up Metal Braces?

Brackets

The brackets Dr. Streiff uses are durable, made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals, and have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. Dr. Streiff can secure a bracket by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

Dr. Streiff will use glue to attach the brackets directly to your teeth.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Streiff will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.

The wire will often attach to all of your bottom or upper teeth. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Elastics

If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They're generally strung between an upper and lower bracket hook.

This pulls your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. We use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Orthodontic Bands

We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances, but we don’t always use them for everyone.

Spacers

Dr. Streiff uses these tiny elastic “donuts” or rings to create space between your teeth when needed, typically before we place your bands. People also refer to them as "separators."

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Streiff uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ