The Strong Standard

Traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably what most people around Charlotte and Huntersville imagine when they think “orthodontics”. Dr. Robert Selden has transformed smiles for a huge number of patients using this treatment option in the Charlotte and Huntersville area.

Traditional Metal Braces

Charlotte & Huntersville Braces

Dr. Selden uses orthodontic braces to correct crooked and crowded teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw problems. You’ll also often find that braces help with any trouble you may have eating, speaking, or cleaning your teeth, as these are often tied to issues with tooth and jaw alignment.

Forget what you may have heard about traditional metal braces — today’s appliances are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever!

Orthodontics Charlotte NC

What Are Braces Made Of?

For traditional braces, Dr. Selden will attach metal brackets to each tooth with a special adhesive and then connect these brackets via a wire.

The wire will guide the periodic adjustments Dr. Selden will make to let changes in pressure gently realign the position of your teeth and jaw.

Brackets

Dr. Selden uses special brackets, made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals, that feature little hooks or doors used to hold the wire in place.

Your helpful Charlotte and Huntersville braces team will then close the door or affix an elastic over the wire top to secure it in place.

Elastics

Elastics are a powerful tool in Dr. Selden’s arsenal for correcting your bite. We’ll usually string elastics between an upper and a lower bracket hook if necessary.

This will allow pressure to pull your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. At Selden Orthodontics, we use rubber bands for all sorts of orthodontic issues, particularly if we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Glue

Dr. Selden uses a special orthodontic glue to attach the bracket securely to your teeth. Don’t worry—this is a perfectly normal part of the process.

Wire

We’ll thread this thin piece of metal through your brackets to guide the direction of treatment. Dr. Selden can shape and curve the wire to help your teeth into their perfect positions.

Typically we’ll attach the wire to all of your bottom or upper teeth, but Dr. Selden may leave out specific sections by cutting the wire if he feels it’s the best thing for your treatment plan.

metal braces and rubber bands

Orthodontic Bands

Dr. Selden will expertly bond stainless steel rings to your teeth, creating a sturdy anchor for your braces and other orthodontic devices. Not every smile journey requires these bands — Dr. Selden tailors each treatment to your unique needs!

Spacers

Dr. Selden skillfully employs mini elastic "donuts," also known as separators, to craft the perfect amount of space between your teeth. This is usually done before placing your bands. Each separator is a small but crucial step on your personalized path to a stunning smile!

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

Dr. Selden uses these tiny bands or rubber rings to attach your archwire and brackets. Dr. Selden prefers these to spaces, as they’re less rigid. Plus, you can spice up your treatment by choosing from a variety of fun colors.

Metal Braces FAQs

Common Braces Questions in Charlotte & Huntersville

Champagne braces Charlotte

Go for the Gold With Champagne Braces

Our champagne-colored brackets are as durable as metal braces and as discreet as ceramic braces. Their unique color helps them blend in beautifully with your smile.

Learn More

Orthodontics Charlotte NC

Schedule Your Free Consultation

We can’t wait to get started on your perfect smile at Selden Orthodontics of Charlotte and Huntersville. Consultations are always free, so fill out the form below right now, and we’ll see if metal braces are the perfect choice for you.