Metal Braces

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Jeff Backus and the team at Backus 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 an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Jeff Backus 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.

Dr. Jeff Backus will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Jeff Backus will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

Historically, metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, because of modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before. At Backus Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Hoover and surrounding areas!

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 also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost - you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that Dr. Jeff Backus will fit around your brackets come in a wide variety of colors that let you showcase your personality whenever you want.

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

The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!

This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment duration with metal braces varies drastically patient-to-patient based on a number of factors.

The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual treatment plan from Dr. Jeff Backus.

At Backus Orthodontics, we have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for more complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces treatment with Dr. Jeff Backus and the team at Backus Orthodontics, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.