METAL BRACES

Align your smile with classic, metal braces

If you or your child needs braces, you become faced with the decision of what type of dental braces would be best to straighten the teeth. Your orthodontist may make a recommendation for you, but often people are left with the choice between classic braces, clear (ceramic) braces, or clear aligners.​  Deciding which type of braces to choose can be a difficult decision, and one that may have affect your daily routines. 
Orthodontic treatment to align your teeth and bite will impact your long-term oral and general health, confidence, and emotional well-being.  Metal braces are a common and popular option. Here, you’ll find helpful information about metal braces. Learn if they might be the right fit for you or your child.
A teen girl with long brown hair and Metal Braces smiles outdoors in Zionsville, IN, wearing a denim jacket. The background at Godley Family Orthodontics features trees and vibrant wall art.

What are Metal Braces?

Metal braces are a trusted, classic form of orthodontic treatment. Made of high-quality stainless steel, these braces use a system of small metal brackets that gently guide your teeth into their ideal, planned positions over time. While traditional, metal braces have been around for decades, today’s modern versions are smaller, more comfortable, and very efficient, making them a reliable choice for anyone. At Godley Family Orthodontics, we use advanced materials to ensure your experience with braces is as smooth as possible.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT METAL BRACES


COMFORT:
Classic metal braces are more comfortable than ever before thanks to advances in design and materials. While there’s an initial adjustment period with any type of braces—typically 3 to 5 days—when your teeth may feel tender or sore as they begin to move, most patients adapt quickly. Orthodontic wax, tools recommended by your orthodontist, and over-the-counter pain relief can help ease the transition.

APPLICATION:
Metal braces are securely bonded to each tooth using a dental adhesive. They are then connected with a thin archwire that gently guides the teeth into alignment. The application process is fairly comfortable and straightforward thanks to the pre-pasted brackets our orthodontist uses. Metal braces are known for their durability throughout treatment. Their tried-and-true design makes them a reliable choice for patients of all ages.

MECHANISM:
Metal braces use brackets and archwires to apply consistent, gentle pressure to your teeth over time. This pressure gradually shifts teeth into their ideal and planned positions, correcting alignment, overbite, spacing, and other orthodontic issues.

TREATMENT:
Metal braces can correct a wide range of orthodontic problems—including overbite, underbite, crossbite, spacing, crowding, protruding teeth, open bite, and midline discrepancies. Because they’re effective at addressing complex dental and jaw alignment concerns, they remain a trusted option for orthodontic treatment.

EFFECTIVENESS:
When it comes to performance and capability, metal braces are a winner. Their strength and precision make them a top choice for achieving excellent, efficient results.

STRENGTH:
Made from high-grade stainless steel, metal braces are strong and less prone to breakage compared to ceramic alternatives. This could potentially mean fewer emergency visits and more peace of mind during treatment—especially for children or those with active lifestyles.

APPEARANCE:
While metal braces are more visible than clear or ceramic options, today’s modern brackets are smaller and sleeker than ever. Many patients embrace the look of metal braces, adding style with colorful elastic ties to personalize their smile and make the experience fun. With dozens of color combinations available at Godley Family Orthodontics, you can switch up your look at every visit.

Are metal braces right for you?

Having braces can be a lifestyle change.  For people who desire to straighten there teeth with effective, strong braces that they can style, metal may be the perfect option.  They deliver the smile results you want, with effectiveness and precision when planned by an orthodontist. They let you add flare and style to your natural look on your way to a straighter smile.
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Metal braces are a common choice among all age groups, but particularly with kids and teens. Their bold brackets and options for color tie choices make orthodontic treatment fun and personalized.  Our orthodontist utilizes premium metal braces, which are modern, smaller in size than other brands, and are known to have a more hygienic attachment to the tooth.

Can you change the colors on your braces?

Yes!  Each adjustment visit with our orthodontic team involves removal of previous color ties, and the the chance to change and add some new, fun colors to the braces.  Colored elastic ties come in both subtle and vibrant colors.  At Godley Family Orthodontics, we offer colors ties in nearly every color, which offers full creative control to those who want more colorful braces for a more fun and memorable experience along with a perfect smile.​
A plastic tray holds assorted orthodontic elastic ligatures in blue, pink, and purple — commonly used with Metal Braces — at Godley Family Orthodontics in Zionsville, IN. These vibrant Braces Color options let patients personalize their smiles.

Are Metal Braces Safe?

Yes, metal braces are safe for almost everyone. The metal braces materials, like stainless steel and other high-grade metal alloys, are carefully chosen to be both effective and safe for daily wear. For people who are sensitive to metals like nickel, orthodontists can offer alternative, nickel-free braces options that work just as well. Metal braces are FDA-approved, which means they meet strict safety standards and are safe for children, teens, and adults. If you’re concerned about allergies or specific materials, your orthodontist can guide you to the best options, making sure your braces journey is smooth and safe.

The metals used in braces are designed to resist corrosion from saliva and food particles, so they won’t rust or weaken. This biocompatibility—meaning the materials work well with your body—helps prevent allergies or reactions. All in all, these materials are carefully selected to ensure braces are strong, safe, and comfortable for daily wear.

Alternatives to Metal Braces

If metal braces don’t seem to be the right fit, there are other options available. Ceramic, clear braces work similarly to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored materials, making them less noticeable. Braces can also be coated or plated, such as Gold braces or Rhodium braces – which are coated brackets and highly aesthetic due to their low reflective matte finish. Clear aligners are another popular choice – these are nearly invisible, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into place. If you have a metal sensitivity, or feel metal braces are not the right fit for you, your orthodontist can help you decide which option best meets your needs.

Cost of Metal Braces

The cost of orthodontic treatment with metal braces typically depends on the complexity of your orthodontic needs.  Our orthodontist will determine a treatment fee that fits your needs, and we’ll create a payment plan that fits your budget.
 
You’ll love to know that  at Godley Family Orthodontics, metal braces are very affordable.  We offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts to make payment convenient.  We even check with your dental insurance company for orthodontic benefits and file your claims.  Our treatment coordinator will be happy to review the cost with you at your free consultation at our Zionsville, IN orthodontic office.
Smiling with metal braces at Godley Family Orthodontics in Zionsville, IN

Interested in exploring your orthodontic treatment options or seeing what metal braces look like?  Reserve your free orthodontic consultation with our orthodontist.  Our team will answer any questions you may have, and provide you with the information you need to determine which treatment is right for you.  At Godley Family Orthodontics, we are here to support you as you make the best decision for your oral health.