Metal Braces - DiMarzio Orthodontics

Tried & True Treatment

The most common type of braces at DiMarzio Orthodontics are metal braces. These orthodontic workhorses have a long history of successfully straightening smiles at every age for patients around Quincy and the surrounding areas.

Quincy Braces

Traditional braces are a tried and true teeth straightening method that you can count on for visible results. If you or a loved one is interested in straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile, traditional braces can quickly make that goal a reality.

Modern metal braces have advanced and no longer require bulky headgear. Instead, Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak adhere the brackets directly to your teeth and connects them with wires that gradually straighten your smile.

Today's traditional braces fit closely to your teeth for increased comfort, and they even work faster than ever to straighten your smile.

What Are Braces Made of?

Brackets

The brackets Dr. DiMarzio and Dr. Marczak use are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded, and we secure them by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Glue

Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak will use this to attach the brackets directly to your teeth.

Wire

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

The wire will often attach 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. Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak will string them 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. Your doctor will show you how to change your elastics when you get your braces.

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. DiMarzio and Dr. Marczak use 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. DiMarzio and Dr. Marczak use these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers, and you can get them in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr. DiMarzio, Dr. Marczak, and the team at DiMarzio Orthodontics will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. We'll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth, which takes 10-15 minutes and provides a highly accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak will use this information to create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.

Your orthodontist will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. Once we attach your brackets, Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

Alleviation of Speech Impairments: If you suffer from speech impairments associated with jaw placement or how your teeth are aligned, we can treat this with braces.
Prevention of Gum Disease: When your teeth are correctly aligned, they are easier to keep clean. Your smile is safer from disease and decay when you have straighter teeth.
Better Chewing: The way your teeth are aligned affects how you chew. If you have misaligned teeth, you might be damaging them while eating without even realizing it. We can correct this with braces.
Reduced Teeth Grinding: It's common to grind and clench your teeth when feeling anxious or asleep. We can help with these behaviors by using braces to realign the teeth.
Reduced Risk of Injury from Protruding Teeth: Protruding or crooked teeth are more prone to damage. Using braces to correct and straighten these teeth will reduce your risk of injury and dental damage.
Proper Bite Alignment: Your bite must be aligned so that you can bite, chew, and speak properly. Your jaw will be stronger and healthier when it is properly aligned.
A Better Fit: Sometimes, Invisalign aligners or other clear braces might not be the right fit for your smile. Even if Invisalign treatment isn't right for you, you can still straighten your teeth with traditional braces.

How long will I be in braces?

This is what everyone who visits DiMarzio Orthodontics wants to know, but it's something that doesn't have a concrete answer. Every mouth is unique, and every patient responds to treatment differently. Treatment time with metal braces at DiMarzio Orthodontics will vary by case.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months, but it could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual and the treatment plan designed by Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak.

We have some patients at DiMarzio 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 DiMarzio Orthodontics, you'll see signs of improvement quickly, which gives you confidence during the treatment process.