Trusted & Affordable
Traditional metal braces have been around for about 100 years, and they’re a mascot of orthodontics at Hunter Family Orthodontics. Dr. Hunter’s used this treatment to help countless patients like you fix their oral issues.
Call us today for a free consultation at our office in The Woodlands.
Advantages of Self-Ligating Braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.
We don't use this bulky orthodontic appliance at Hunter Family Orthodontics, and many new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.
Self-ligating braces are a special kind of treatment for straightening teeth. They work by using a special mechanism to hold the wire in place, so there is no need for metal or elastic ties.
This makes them more comfortable and efficient than other types of braces. You’ll save extra appointments, too, because self-ligating braces don't need adjustments as often.
Self-ligating braces are also small and not very noticeable, which makes them a good choice for people who want to feel comfortable and not draw attention to their braces.
They’re also pretty easy to clean, which helps prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
What Are Braces Made of?
Brackets
Our brackets are super strong and built to last. They're made from a tough combination of stainless steel, nickel, and other durable metals.
Each bracket has little hooks or doors where we thread a wire. We either close the door or use a small elastic over the wire to keep the bracket in place.
Spacers
Sometimes, we use tiny elastic "donuts" or rings called spacers. These help create space between your teeth when necessary, usually before we put on bands. You might also hear them referred to as separators.
Glue
Dr. Hunter uses a special adhesive called glue to attach the brackets to your teeth. It's a common and safe way to stick the brackets right onto each tooth.
Orthodontic Bands
Orthodontic bands are strong stainless steel rings that we carefully cement to your teeth using special dental bonding materials. These bands can act as a solid anchor for your braces and other orthodontic tools, but not everyone needs them.
Wire
A thin metal wire runs from one bracket to another, guiding your teeth into the right position. Dr. Hunter adjusts the shape and curve of the wire to move your teeth in the correct direction.
In many cases, the wire connects all your upper or lower teeth together. However, sometimes we might trim the wire to connect only a few specific teeth if it's better for your treatment plan.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
To attach the archwire to the brackets, we use small, flexible rubber rings or bands called elastic ties. These come in lots of different colors and allow you to add some personality to your braces.
Elastics
If Dr. Hunter decides you need bite correction, we use elastics. They're usually stretched between a hook on an upper bracket and a hook on a lower bracket.
These elastics help pull your upper jaw backward to fix an overbite or your lower jaw backward to correct an underbite. We might also use rubber bands in various situations to apply extra pressure to your teeth or jaws.