Modern Braces

It’s totally normal to be a little confused about how braces work. How is it possible for metal brackets and wires to physically move the teeth in your jaw?

Well, Dr. Bernstein can explain.

Braces apply constant, gentle pressure to your teeth, which moves your teeth into their proper positions over time. Your braces are at work every moment during your orthodontic treatment.

Those poor braces never get a break!

The two main components of your braces are the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects all the brackets.

This archwire is bent to reflect how Dr. Bernstein wants your teeth to look after treatment. As this wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth.

Makes sense, right?

After an X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Bernstein will use this information to create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.

Dr. Bernstein will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Bernstein will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.

For example, a bend can help a tooth that is twisted to turn and face the right way or align one tooth that is too far forward with one too far back. This tooth movement process is called remodeling, and it involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth.

These braces are unique because the brackets use less force and create less friction to move your teeth into place. And they do it all with greater control and better results.

Instead of holding the wire in place with elastic bands, Pitts 21 brackets use a slide mechanism. This puts less pressure on your teeth and makes treatment more comfortable.

The brackets are smaller too, which makes them more comfortable and less noticeable than other types of brackets.

This treatment meets our standard of care and is the only type of metal braces we offer. It provides a low-friction, light force to move teeth into place with optimal control to provide greater comfort and better results.

The brackets are smaller, providing a more comfortable and discreet orthodontic look. With the treadlock pattern, Dr. Bernstein can achieve greater bond strength to help keep brackets in place.

Using this technology saves you time too! Self-ligating braces require fewer appointments so you don’t have to miss as much school and/or work for wire adjustments.

Everyone wants to know this, but it’s one Dr. Bernstein doesn't have a concrete answer. Every mouth is different, and yours will uniquely respond to treatment.

Treatment time with metal braces will be different every time. The average time spent in metal braces is around 18 to 22 months but could be shorter or longer, depending on the individual.

Dr. Bernstein has patients in braces for as little as six months. But for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces, you can see signs of improvement quickly, giving you confidence during the treatment process.