Top 5 Things to Know About Metal Braces

Typically, a metal braces treatment takes between 1 to 2 years to complete, with more complex cases requiring up to 3 years. Additionally, most cases will require wearing a retainer after the braces are removed to stabilize the teeth and prevent them from shifting back.

However, the duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the technique used, such as traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces, or lingual braces.

Other factors influencing the treatment time include the condition of the teeth, the patient's age, the orthodontist's expertise, and oral care during the treatment:

• Dental Condition: Patients with severe dental issues will require a longer treatment time. Conversely, those with minor issues will complete the treatment faster. Patients with periodontal disease, cavities, or other dental problems must address these issues before starting braces.
• Age: Older patients generally require a longer treatment time due to the difficulty of adjusting fully developed teeth. The ideal age for braces is between 9 and 14 years old.
• Orthodontist's Expertise: Patients should choose a reputable clinic for their treatment. An experienced orthodontist ensures both safety and effectiveness.

Before undergoing metal braces treatment, a dentist will evaluate your condition and provide a customized treatment plan. Some patients may require tooth extraction, mini-screws (vis), or palate expansion, while others may not. Therefore, it is difficult to provide an exact cost for braces treatment.

However, to help you prepare financially, Mytour breaks down the specific costs involved in braces treatment so you can estimate the total expenses:

• Braces Method: As listed above, there are three types of metal braces, each with different costs:
  • Traditional Metal Braces: Costs range from 25,000,000 - 35,000,000 VND for both arches.
  • Self-Ligating Metal Braces: Costs range from 35,000,000 - 45,000,000 VND for both arches.
  • Lingual Braces (Inside Braces): Costs range from 50,000,000 - 85,000,000 VND for both arches. This method is the most expensive due to the higher skill level required and the complexity of the procedure.
• Teeth Misalignment Condition: The severity of misalignment significantly affects the total cost. More complex cases require longer treatment times, additional visits, and more equipment. Additional procedures may include:
  • Tooth Extraction: 300,000 - 800,000 VND per tooth.
  • Mini-Screws (Vis): 1,500,000 - 6,000,000 VND per screw.
  • Palate Expansion: 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 VND depending on the expansion device used.
• Dental Health Condition: Pre-existing dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or pulpitis may require additional treatment costs before starting braces.
• Dentist's Expertise: Highly skilled and experienced orthodontists are essential for creating accurate treatment plans and achieving effective results. The cost of treatment with a specialist will differ from that of a less experienced practitioner.
• Clinic Reputation: A well-equipped dental clinic with modern facilities and excellent customer service will provide a better experience, but the costs may be higher.

Metal braces are the earliest form of orthodontics and serve as the foundation for many modern orthodontic methods such as ceramic braces, clear aligners, etc. Over time, various materials have been used for braces, with metal being the first material utilized in orthodontic techniques. Many people mistakenly believe that the metal used is iron, but in reality, metal braces are made from a stainless alloy of Nickel and Titanium, which does not cause irritation.

Today, metal braces are a quick, effective, and cost-efficient method to address issues like overbites, underbites, gaps, and misaligned teeth. During the braces-wearing process, the teeth in the jaw are adjusted to their desired positions through the pulling force applied by the braces. As a result, you will achieve straight, even, and aesthetically pleasing teeth after the treatment.

Metal braces can be used in all orthodontic cases, including:

• Non-standard physiological bites (malocclusion), jaw misalignment: deep bites (upper teeth covering 3/4 of lower teeth), crossbites, underbites, or open bites
• Uneven tooth structure: crowded teeth, gaps, crooked teeth, or overlapping teeth
• This is also the most basic and cost-effective orthodontic method available today. Therefore, from a financial perspective, metal braces are suitable for almost everyone, including students.

Metal braces are categorized into three popular types today: traditional metal braces, self-ligating metal braces, and lingual metal braces.

• Traditional Metal Braces:
  • Traditional metal braces consist of a system of brackets, archwires, and elastic bands (ligatures) to hold, move, and pull teeth. The elasticity of the bands supports continuous and stable tooth movement, achieving ideal results.
  • However, due to the use of elastic bands for movement, this method is not highly aesthetic, and the bands often stretch and fall off, making hygiene maintenance challenging.
• Self-Ligating Metal Braces:
  • This is an improvement over traditional metal braces. Self-ligating metal braces feature an integrated clip on the bracket that secures the archwire. This eliminates the need for elastic bands, ensuring consistent and natural force on the teeth, reducing the need for frequent orthodontist visits for adjustments.
  • Elastic bands often stretch and rub against the cheeks, causing discomfort. Additionally, self-ligating braces function similarly to traditional braces when the clip automatically closes.
• Lingual Metal Braces:
  • Lingual metal braces share similar characteristics with the two types above. However, instead of placing the brackets on the front of the teeth, this method attaches them to the back. This makes the braces less visible, offering a more aesthetic solution.
  • However, this method requires a high level of expertise from the orthodontist and typically takes longer than the other two types.

Metal braces are categorized into three types: traditional metal braces, self-ligating metal braces, and lingual metal braces.

Traditional metal braces:

• Advantages:
  • Most affordable among metal braces, suitable for all patients
  • No need for advanced technology in treatment
  • Shorter treatment time due to strong force application
  • Elastic ties come in various colors, ideal for children
• Limitations:
  • Low aesthetic appeal
  • Brackets may loosen, requiring frequent dental visits
  • Possible allergic reactions to metal, causing gum irritation or discomfort for sensitive individuals
  • Risk of soft tissue injuries in the mouth (e.g., biting lips or cheeks)
  • Dietary restrictions on hard, sticky, or chewy foods during treatment

Self-ligating metal braces:

• Advantages:
  • Reduced treatment time
  • Fewer dental visits for wire adjustments
  • Less wire deformation and bracket loosening due to free-sliding mechanism
  • Reduced friction, minimizing gum discomfort
• Limitations:
  • Higher cost
  • Thicker bracket design
  • Requires highly skilled orthodontists

Lingual metal braces:

• Advantages:
  • Highest aesthetic appeal among metal braces
• Limitations:
  • Higher cost
  • Requires highly experienced orthodontists
  • Longer treatment time compared to other types
  • Difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene