Metal Braces - Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics

Built to Last

Metal braces are a more traditional type of treatment at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics. These orthodontic stalwarts have a distinguished history of successfully straightening smiles at every age for patients around Richmond and the surrounding areas.

Richmond Braces

At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest technology to our patients of all ages in Richmond and surrounding areas. The braces that Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics offer are smaller and less conspicuous than other types of metal braces.

Braces are an excellent choice for achieving a straight, healthy and beautiful smile. They can close gaps and align teeth quicker than similar treatments.

The orthodontists at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontists want our patients to choose what type of braces they feel comfortable with.

At the complimentary consultation, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan and our team will discuss our flexible payment plans.

What Are Braces Made of?

Brackets

Dr. Mahlman & Dr. Borders use sturdy braces brackets made from stainless steel, nickel, and other metals and have little hooks or doors where we thread a wire.

Your Richmond braces specialists secure your bracket by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Adhesive

This is how Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders affix the brackets to your teeth. It's common to adhere the bracket directly to your tooth.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. To help your teeth move in the correct direction, Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders shape and curve the wire.

Typically, the wire attaches to all of your bottom or upper teeth, but we might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Elastics

If Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders need to amend your bite, elastics are crucial. We ordinarily string elastics between an upper and lower bracket hook.

Pressure from the elastics pulls your upper jaw backward to clear up an overbite. But to repair an underbite, pressure draws the lower jaw back. At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Orthodontic Bands

We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances, but we sometimes use them for everyone.

Spacers

Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders uses these tiny elastic "donuts" or rings to create space between your teeth when needed, typically before we place your bands. People also refer to them as "separators."

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders uses these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers, and you can get them in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders and the team at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we'll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth.

If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides a highly accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders 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. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to tilt, Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders place those brackets differently than those that need turning.

Once we attach your brackets, Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on other teeth. Most orthodontists like
Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders create precise movements using this bend in the wire.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you'll have less irritation in your mouth.

Traditional metal braces at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics also come with a fun new twist without extra cost—you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in various colors, letting you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, or even your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.

How long will I be in braces?

Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their way. Treatment time with metal braces at Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics 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 and the treatment plan Dr. Mahlmann & Dr. Borders designed, but for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces from Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, you'll see signs of improvement quickly, which gives you confidence during the treatment process.