When it comes to straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, few orthodontic solutions have stood the test of time quite like traditional metal braces. Decades after their introduction, metal braces continue to deliver dependable, predictable results for kids, teens and adults. At Servello Orthodontics, we rely on today’s refined metal brackets to correct everything from minor crowding to complex bite issues, often with faster and more precise results than removable alternatives.
What Are Traditional Metal Braces?
Traditional metal braces are stainless steel brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. Small elastic ligatures hold the wire in place, applying gentle, continuous pressure that gradually shifts teeth into proper alignment. They’re the most time-tested orthodontic appliance available and remain a top pick at Servello Orthodontics.
Today’s metal braces look very different from the bulky versions many adults remember.
- Smaller, smoother brackets designed for comfort against the cheeks and lips
- Custom colored elastics that let kids and teens personalize their look
- FDA-regulated medical devices backed by decades of clinical research
- Fixed to teeth 24/7, so treatment never pauses or depends on wear time
- High-grade stainless steel that resists breakage and staining
As a board-certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, Dr. Servello uses modern bracket systems that are more comfortable, more efficient, and more aesthetically refined than ever before.
How Metal Braces Straighten Teeth
Metal braces work by applying steady, gentle force to move teeth and reposition the roots inside the bone. The process is carefully planned from day one, with each adjustment moving your smile closer to its final result. At Servello Orthodontics, every treatment plan is customized to your unique bite, goals and timeline.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Free consultation. Dr. Servello performs a complete exam, takes digital scans and X-rays, and builds a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
- Bonding appointment. Brackets are attached to each tooth and the archwire is placed. This visit usually takes about an hour and is completely comfortable.
- Routine adjustments. You’ll return every 4–8 weeks so our team can change wires, replace elastics, and track progress toward your goals.
- Active tooth movement. Gentle, continuous force gradually shifts teeth and roots into proper alignment, correcting crowding, spacing and bite issues.
- Average treatment time. Most cases take 18–24 months, though timing varies based on complexity, age, and how your teeth respond.
- Retention phase. Once braces come off, custom retainers protect your new smile and keep teeth from shifting back over time.
Because braces are fixed in place, treatment moves forward every single day, no reminders required. That reliability is a big part of why metal braces continue to produce such consistent, predictable results for kids, teens and adults alike.
Key Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces have stayed at the top of orthodontics for one simple reason: they work. They handle the widest range of cases and give Dr. Servello precise control over how each tooth moves. For many families, that combination of versatility, reliability and proven performance makes metal braces the clear first choice. Below we’ve broken down the biggest advantages, along with answers to a few of the questions families ask most often.
Why Are Metal Braces So Durable?
Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel, a material chosen specifically for its strength, biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion. Brackets and wires are engineered to withstand the daily demands of eating, speaking and brushing without chipping, cracking or losing their shape. That toughness translates into fewer broken brackets, fewer emergency visits, and more consistent progress from one appointment to the next.
How Do Colored Elastics Work?
The small rubber bands that hold the archwire into each bracket are called ligatures, and they come in a wide range of colors. At every adjustment visit, kids and teens can mix and match new colors to match school spirit, holidays, birthdays or favorite sports teams. The elastics do real orthodontic work by securing the wire, but they also turn each visit into something to look forward to.
Here’s why so many families at Servello Orthodontics still choose metal braces:
- Proven effectiveness across all case types. From mild crowding to severe bite correction, metal braces reliably handle cases that removable aligners can struggle with.
- No compliance required. Because they’re bonded to your teeth, metal braces work 24/7. There’s nothing to remember, remove, or lose.
- Reliable, fixed treatment. Metal braces provide a dependable, always-on option that doesn’t rely on removable trays, making them a practical choice for busy families.
- Exceptional durability. High-grade stainless steel resists chipping, cracking, and staining, so brackets stay strong throughout treatment.
- Precise, predictable tooth movement. Fixed brackets and wires give Dr. Servello fine control over both crown and root positioning, leading to highly accurate results.
- Fun customization for kids and teens. Colored elastics let younger patients mix and match for school colors, holidays, or birthdays, making the experience more enjoyable.
- Suitable for every age group. Metal braces work beautifully for kids, teens and adults alike, with results that last a lifetime when retainers are worn properly.
- Time-tested results. Generations of orthodontic research back metal braces as one of the most predictable ways to achieve a beautiful, confident smile.
For patients who want proven, dependable results without worrying about wear time or compliance, metal braces are hard to beat. They remain the gold standard for a reason.
Metal Braces vs. Ceramic Braces vs. Invisalign
Choosing between metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners comes down to your lifestyle, case complexity, and age. Each option has real strengths, and Dr. Servello will help you weigh them during your free consultation.
Here’s a quick comparison of the three most popular orthodontic solutions:
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Ceramic Braces | Invisalign Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Most visible | Blends with teeth | Nearly invisible |
| Treatment Time | 18–24 months average | 18–24 months average | 12–24 months, case dependent |
| Case Complexity | Handles all cases, including complex | Best for mild to moderate | Best for mild to moderate |
| Compliance Needed | None, fixed 24/7 | None, fixed 24/7 | 20–22 hours daily wear required |
| Durability | Highest | Can chip if mishandled | Can be lost or damaged |
| Food Restrictions | Some restrictions | Some restrictions | None, aligners are removed |
Metal vs. ceramic braces: Both work the same way, but ceramic brackets offer a more discreet look. Metal braces are more durable and require less day-to-day care, which matters for younger patients and busy families.
Metal vs. Invisalign: Invisalign is a fantastic option for the right case, but it depends entirely on wearing the aligners 20–22 hours per day. Metal braces don’t rely on compliance and often achieve complex corrections faster.
The best choice is the one that matches your goals and your daily life. Dr. Servello and our team will walk you through each option so you can make a confident decision.
Metal Braces Insurance and Financing Options
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that helps cover metal braces, and at Servello Orthodontics we offer flexible financing to make treatment manageable for every family.
Good news on the financial side:
- Insurance coverage. Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that covers a portion of treatment.
- Financing options. Monthly payment plans spread treatment out with easy, predictable payments.
During your free consultation, our team will walk you through your insurance benefits and help set up a financing plan that fits your family.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Metal Braces?
Metal braces are one of the most versatile orthodontic solutions available. Dr. Servello recommends them for a wide range of ages, bite types, and smile goals.
You may be a great candidate for metal braces if you fit any of the following:
- Kids, teens or adults looking for a reliable path to a straighter smile
- Patients with complex cases, including severe crowding, rotations, or significant bite issues
- Younger patients who might lose or forget to wear removable aligners
- Anyone with overbites, underbites, crossbites or open bites that need precise correction
- Families prioritizing effectiveness and reliability over a discreet appearance
- Adults who want proven, predictable results without worrying about compliance
Age truly isn’t a barrier. Whether you’re 7 or 70, if your teeth and gums are healthy, metal braces can help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a free consultation so Dr. Servello can evaluate your bite in person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Braces
Are traditional metal braces still effective?
Yes, metal braces remain one of the most effective orthodontic options available, especially for complex cases. They provide precise control over tooth and root movement, work 24/7 without relying on patient compliance, and have decades of research behind their results. For many bite corrections, they’re still the gold standard.
How long do metal braces take?
Most patients wear metal braces for 18–24 months, though treatment time varies based on case complexity, age, and how teeth respond to adjustments. Mild cases may finish sooner, while more involved bite corrections can take longer. Dr. Servello will give you a personalized timeline during your free consultation.
Do metal braces hurt?
Metal braces don’t cause significant discomfort, though mild soreness is normal for a few days after your initial bonding appointment and after adjustments. This feeling usually fades within 3–5 days and can be managed with soft foods and over-the-counter relief if needed. Today’s smaller, smoother brackets are more comfortable than ever.
Can adults get metal braces?
Absolutely. Adults make up a significant portion of orthodontic patients today, and metal braces work just as effectively on adult teeth as on younger patients. Dr. Servello treats adults of all ages at Servello Orthodontics, and many choose metal braces for their reliability, affordability, and proven results.
Will teeth shift years after braces?
Teeth can shift over time if retainers aren’t worn consistently. That’s why the retention phase is so important. Wearing your custom retainer as directed, typically nightly for the long term, protects your results and keeps your smile straight for a lifetime.
What foods should I avoid with metal braces?
Sticky, hard, and chewy foods can damage brackets or wires. Avoid gum, caramel, popcorn, hard candy, nuts, ice, and whole raw apples or carrots (cut them into small pieces instead). Our team will give you a complete food guide at your bonding appointment so you know exactly what to steer clear of.
Traditional metal braces continue to earn their reputation as one of the most reliable ways to achieve a healthy, straight bite. If you’d like to learn more about whether metal braces are the right fit for your smile, our team is always happy to answer questions and talk through your options at a free consultation. We look forward to seeing you smile!