What is Traditional Metal Braces?

Traditional metal braces (also called metal braces with elastic ligatures) are a conventional orthodontic method, and they are still popular today due to their effectiveness. Typically, traditional metal brackets are made of alloy, with grooves to hold the archwire. Then, elastic bands are used to secure the brackets and archwire, applying force to move the teeth into the correct position.
Metal braces with elastic ligatures are known for their high durability and effectiveness in correcting misalignments of various degrees.

How Traditional Metal Braces with Elastic Ligatures Work

By using orthodontic appliances including brackets, archwires, and elastic bands attached to the tooth surface, the necessary force is applied to move teeth into the correct position. The use of elastic ligatures helps ensure the orthodontic process is continuous and uninterrupted.
With a stable and continuous mechanism, traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures offer the following key advantages:
Advantages:
High orthodontic effectiveness
Currently, not only in Vietnam but also worldwide, traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures are highly regarded. Thanks to the combination of sturdy metal brackets and appropriately forceful archwires, they can fully treat cases such as overbite, gaps, underbite, and crowded teeth.
Diverse colorful elastics, suitable for children
Orthodontic elastics come in a wide variety of colors, from stylish and cute to vibrant. Choosing colored elastics allows you to express your own personality.
In terms of compatibility, these elastics are researched to be completely safe and non-allergenic, making them suitable even for children.
Affordable cost
At present, traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures have the lowest cost compared to other bracket types. Therefore, it is easier to afford a beautiful and well-aligned smile.
Disadvantages
Each orthodontic method has its limitations, and elastic-ligated metal braces are no exception, specifically:
Brackets may become detached
Eating tough or sticky foods can put stress on the brackets, causing them to loosen or even displace the archwire.
Difficulty in cleaning
Since the braces are fixed on the teeth, maintaining oral hygiene can be inconvenient. Tools such as water flossers, interdental brushes, and mouthwash are recommended to ensure no food residue remains.
Low aesthetics
Made of alloy, the brackets are visible and appear dark, affecting appearance and communication. The main disadvantage is aesthetics, but metal braces with elastic ligatures are still considered among the top effective orthodontic options.
Cases suitable for elastic-ligated metal braces
Below are cases that may benefit most from this type of braces:
Patients with severe dental defects
In addition to correcting overbite, underbite, and crowded teeth, doctors may recommend elastic-ligated metal braces for complex misalignments such as protruding, recessed, or crooked teeth.
Children aged 12-17
At this stage, permanent teeth have started to emerge. Orthodontic treatment during this “golden stage” allows easier adjustments and shorter treatment time. Moreover, colorful elastics can make the experience enjoyable for children. Typically, treatment for children using elastic-ligated metal braces lasts about 6 months to 1 year for regular misalignment cases.
Patients seeking shorter treatment duration
Traditional metal braces are considered to adjust teeth relatively quickly. Most patients can have their braces removed in about 2 years. Therefore, if you want faster results and are less concerned about aesthetics, elastic-ligated metal braces are the right choice.

Comparison Between Traditional Metal Braces with Elastic Ligatures and Self-Ligating Braces

Similarities:
Both traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures and self-ligating braces are made of alloy or metal, ensuring strength and applying effective force for faster results.
The cost of both methods is relatively low, making them suitable for many budgets.
Differences:
Traditional Metal Braces with Elastic Ligatures
  •  Uses elastic bands to secure the archwire.
  •  High-force archwires and brackets may cause discomfort during treatment.
  •  Compact design, with the option to change the color of the ligatures.
  •  Brackets and elastics may loosen or detach when subjected to strong force or when eating tough foods.
  •  Lower cost compared to self-ligating braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
  •  Instead of elastic bands, this method uses a self-closing clip, allowing the archwire to slide automatically in the bracket slot.
  •  The built-in clip reduces friction, minimizing discomfort during treatment.
  •  Overcomes limitations of traditional metal braces such as bracket detachment or elastic loosening, ensuring a stable and continuous orthodontic process for optimal results.
  •  Higher cost compared to traditional metal braces.

Images of patients wearing traditional metal braces at QUINN Dental

STANDARD ORTHODONTIC PROCEDURE AT QUINN DENTAL

At QUINN Dental, when you require orthodontic treatment, the dentists will perform:
+ Clinical examination and detailed discussion of dental issues: crowded teeth, overbite, and other dental problems such as cavities or broken teeth (if any).
+ Take 4 types of X-rays: Panorama, Cephalometric, Frontal, and Cone Beam CT to thoroughly assess the patient’s teeth and jawbone.
+ Take dental impressions / perform a dental scan.
+ Capture intraoral and extraoral images to create a detailed treatment plan.
+ Discuss with the patient their needs and desired improvements.
  • After gathering all necessary data, the dentists measure the X-rays, assess the dental models, and create a detailed orthodontic treatment plan for the patient.
  • They provide a specific consultation regarding the condition, cost, and treatment duration.
  • During Step 2, the patient can choose the type of braces that best suit their preferences and budget.
  • The average time for bracket placement is approximately 60 minutes.
  • After the brackets are placed, the dentist will also guide you on oral hygiene and care to ensure the teeth move according to the treatment plan.

For traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures, follow-up visits are typically scheduled once a month. During these visits, the dentist will tighten the braces and adjust the archwire to move the teeth. Follow-up appointments are extremely important and should not be delayed.

Once the teeth have moved into the correct position, the dentist will remove the braces and fit a retainer. Wearing the retainer is essential to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Cost of Traditional Metal Braces with Elastic Ligatures

There are many types of braces available on the market, and each type has a different cost. At QUINN Dental, only 3M brand brackets are used, which are more expensive than most other brackets on the market, but in return provide:
+ Standard bracket specifications
+ Tooth movement precisely according to the dentist’s calculations
+ Minimization of unwanted side effects: misaligned teeth, roots too close to the bone causing bone or root resorption, bracket detachment, etc.
The cost of traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures at QUINN Dental ranges from 32 – 40 million VND, depending on additional appliances such as mini screws, archwire expanders, and pre-orthodontic appliances within the overall 2 – 2.5 year treatment plan.
To reduce financial burden, QUINN Dental offers a 0% interest installment program. You only need to pay about 1 million VND per month to achieve your desired smile. Additionally, the clinic provides promotional programs and special offers during certain occasions. For more information, please contact the clinic’s hotline at 0914210988 for support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Metal Braces with Elastic Ligatures

A compilation of common concerns and worries from patients before deciding to use traditional metal braces.

Currently, braces are divided into two types: traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures and self-ligating metal braces. Self-ligating braces are an improved version of the traditional method, offering notable advantages in both design and functionality.

For traditional metal braces with elastic ligatures, follow-up visits are typically scheduled once a month. During these visits, the dentist will tighten the braces and adjust the archwire to move the teeth. Follow-up appointments are extremely important and should not be delayed.