Metal Braces

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

How do braces work?

Before applying your brackets, Dr. Streiff and the team at Draper Elite Orthodontics will collect 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.

This process takes 10-15 minutes and provides a highly accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Streiff will use this information to create your customized treatment plan. This will include how we need to move each tooth to get it in the best possible position.

Dr. Streiff will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to tilt, Dr. Streiff places those brackets differently compared to the brackets for teeth that need to turn.

Once we attach your brackets, Dr. Streiff will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. Most orthodontists create precise movements using this bend in the wire.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you'll have less irritation in your mouth.

Traditional metal braces at Draper Elite Orthodontics also come with a fun twist at no extra cost—you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in various colors, letting you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, or even your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.

How long will I be in braces?

Everyone around Draper wants to know this, but it's a question that doesn't have a concrete answer. Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment uniquely. Treatment time with metal braces at Draper Elite Orthodontics will differ for every case.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual and the treatment plan Dr. Streiff creates for you.

We have some patients at Draper Elite Orthodontics in braces for as few as six months, but for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces from Draper Elite Orthodontics, you’ll see signs of improvement in a short time, giving you confidence during the treatment process.