Metal braces

Strong & sturdy

Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and people around Louisville and Mt. Washington probably think of braces as a symbol of orthodontics.

These sturdy orthodontic tools have a long history of successful treatment and Dr. Jennings uses them to correct many kinds of oral issues.

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Rhodium brackets

In addition to traditional metal braces, Jennings Orthodontics offers Rhodium brackets and archwires.

Rhodium creates a completely matte finish that diffuses light, making the brackets less-visible. You won’t have to wait until you’re done with treatment to show your confident smile. Your braces won’t need tightening as often, and many of our patients have shorter treatment times. No elastics means no staining or trapped bacteria. The Rhodium whitened brackets will stay clean discrete during your entire treatment.

Teens and adults at Jennings Orthodontics love the comfort and aesthetic look of this option. A complex orthodontic problem doesn’t mean you have to hide your smile.

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What are braces made of?

  • Brackets

    The brackets are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. A bracket can be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

  • Glue

    This is what Dr. Jennings will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.

  • Wire

    This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Jennings will change the wire's shape and curvature to move your teeth in the right direction. The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

  • Elastics

    If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They are generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook. This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

  • Orthodontic bands

    These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they are not used for everyone.

  • Spacers

    These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They are also referred to as separators.

  • Elastic ties/o-rings/ligatures/colors

    These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They're less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.

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Braces FAQ