Metal Braces in Naperville & Algonquin
Modern Meets Tradition
Metal braces are a tried-and-true treatment option capable of correcting even the most complex smile issues — and at Frey Orthodontics, we use self-ligating metal braces for a modern update to this dependable classic.
All About Pitts21 Self-Ligating Braces
Metal braces have been around for a very long time and are probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics.
These orthodontic workhouses have a well-established history of successful treatment and are incredibly efficient at correcting oral issues ranging from mild to complex.
At Frey Orthondtics, we use the Pitts 21 self-litigating braces system to give you a comfortable and efficient treatment.
What Makes Self-Ligating Braces Different?
All metal braces may look the same, but it's what's under the hood that matters most. Pitts 21 changes what braces can do for your smile.
No More Color Ties
The first difference is that we don’t have to use colors ties anymore to hold the wire to the brace. Even though the color ties may look nice at first, they tend to fade quickly and absorb plaque at a high rate.
By getting rid of the ties, your oral hygiene is greatly improved because of one less thing trapping plaque in your mouth.
More Surface Area, Better Control
The inside of the brace is rectangular instead of square. That may not mean much to you, but the increased surface area gives control to Dr. Frey to quickly move your teeth more efficiently. This could mean less treatment time in braces.
Even though we value your treatment's results versus how long you're in treatment, we've noticed treatment times have been decreasing with self-ligating braces.
The Benefits of Self-Ligating Your New Smile
Self-ligating metal braces will align your bite and teeth to give you a smile you love. At Frey Orthodontics, we offer self-ligating metal braces that apply steady pressure to gently and more quickly move your teeth into their ideal positions.
Let’s look at some of the advantages of self-ligating braces.
Improved Comfort
Without elastics, self-ligating brackets can move on their own, resulting in less friction and discomfort.
Efficient Treatment
Self-ligating metal braces decrease the amount of friction required to align your smile. This means your teeth can move faster as the brackets slide more smoothly along the archwire.
Fewer Appointments
Dr. Frey won’t need to make as many adjustments or replace elastic ties or make frequent adjustments, so you won’t need to visit our office nearly as often.
Easier Maintenance
Without elastics, the smaller brackets of self-ligating braces are easier to brush and floss around.
Reliable Versatility
Like traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces work really well on a wide variety of cases—including super complex cases—for patients of all ages.
What to Expect With Metal Braces at Frey Orthodontics
Getting Started on Your New Smile
Before applying the brackets, Dr. Frey and our team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth.
Instead of the goopy impressions your parents endured, we'll use our iTero 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 an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.
Customizing Your Treatment Plan
Once we’ve reviewed your records and completed your optional scan, Dr. Frey will use the data to help customize a treatment plan to your unique needs.
This includes planning how we need to move each tooth to get it into the best possible position.
Based on this information, Dr. Frey will then decide how to place your brackets.
For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the positioning of those brackets will be different than the positioning of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.
Threading the Archwire, Straightening Your Grin
Once our team has attached your brackets, we’ll insert the archwire through each bracket. We’ll use bends in the wire to provide different types of pressure on different teeth.
This bend in the wire applies constant pressure to each tooth and encourages specific and precise teeth movements. Basically, this is how we align your teeth into a healthier, straighter grin.
Once the pressure stops—like when we remove your braces—each tooth will begin to settle into its new position.
Retaining Your New Smile for Life
Most teeth will start to drift back to their old positions over time. This is why Dr. Frey gives you and all our patients retainers at the end of your treatment.
When worn as directed, a retainer will help keep your teeth in their new, improved positions and prevent this natural drifting.
A Most Dynamic Duo
Introducing Our Combination Treatment Solution
At Frey Orthodontics, you don’t have to choose between braces and clear aligners.
With our hybrid braces-and-clear aligners plan, you can enjoy the near-invisibility of aligners even if you have jaw and bite issues complex enough to require braces.
Here’s how combination treatment works:
- Start with metal braces: Let braces do the heavy lifting to correct malocclusion issues while shortening your overall treatment time.
- Switch to clear aligners: Once your smile is headed in the right direction, you’ll transition to clear aligners so you can fly the rest of your treatment under-the-radar.
- Show off your new smile: Enjoy a future to smile about with your new confident, comfortable, lifetime grin.