Our team is taking a short break to recharge (just like your aligners need a snug fit!), but the office will stay open outside of public holidays with reduced staffing capacity. For emergencies, please contact us on 8364 4311 or your DM app. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful Christmas and a brace-tastic New Year!

Metal braces

Metal braces are used to straighten your teeth and realign your bite, as well as helping to prevent teeth and gum disease. They are strong, durable, reliable and effective, and are a favourite among younger patients.

Placed directly on your teeth, traditional braces can have various attachments such as metal bars, small elastics, springs, and bands. They do need looking after and cleaning must be a priority.

How do metal braces work?

Metal braces are the traditional type of braces which move teeth into position with ligatures or o-shaped rubber bands. The process involves having individual brackets (pieces of shaped metal or ceramic) attached to the surface of your teeth. These act like handles on each tooth. An interlinking wire, known as an archwire, then connects each of the brackets to move your teeth into position. This movement will occur gradually over the entire course of your orthodontic treatment.

While traditional metal braces produce great results, they can be uncomfortable for patients. At the Straight Smile Centre™, our preferred metal braces are Damon and In-Ovation self-ligating braces. This means you don’t have to worry about elastic bands. Instead, self-ligating braces use an innovative sliding mechanism to allow for a quicker and more comfortable treatment. They also require less adjustment, which means you don’t need as many appointments.

Metal braces

Self-ligating braces - Damon braces

At the Straight Smile Centre™ we like to work with the latest in orthodontic technology and that includes self-ligating braces. Instead of using elastic bands, self-ligating braces use a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, allowing it to move freely. This lessens the friction and promotes low force, minimising the discomfort that is usually present with conventional braces. The light, shape-memory wires also require fewer adjustments.

At the Straight Smile Centre™, we use the Damon System of self-ligating braces, as we believe this is the best system to get our patients the results they want. They can treat the most severe cases of crowding and bite issues and can also improve the overall facial result of each patient. What's more important is, because they don’t have the conventional elastic ties that attract and collect plaque, the Damon braces are easier to clean.

And, because your teeth can move freely even with the braces attached, your treatment time is considerably shorter than if you wore conventional braces.

Book a free appointment at the Straight Smile Centre™ today to find out if traditional metal braces are right for you.