Tried & True Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Sonoma and the surrounding area.

At Laurent Orthodontics, we use Empower by American braces, made right here in the USA.

What Are Braces Made of?

These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successful treatment and are great at correcting many oral issues.

At Laurent Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages!

Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive. Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you’ll see.

Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. Laurent wants them to go.

Brackets

The brackets Dr. Laurent uses are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.

 

Brackets have little hooks or doors where Dr. Laurent will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

This is what Dr. Laurent will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.

Wire

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

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

Elastics

If Dr. Laurent determines that you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.

This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.

We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Orthodontic Bands

These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they’re not used for everyone.

Dr. Laurent will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.

Spacers

These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used by Dr. Laurent to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They’re also referred to as separators.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and at Laurent Orthodontics they come in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ