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Metal Braces London Waterloo and Marble Arch
How metal braces work
Metal braces or traditional braces as they are also called are some of the most popular treatments for straightening your teeth. They are very popular with teenagers and younger children; however, they are increasingly popular with adult patients in London as well lately. Metal braces are very effective at straightening teeth, from mild cases to cases requiring more complex teeth movement. They employ metal brackets, usually made of stainless steel, that are cemented to the front surface of the teeth along with a metal wire and bands to move and straighten your teeth.
Technology advancements to metal braces over the last few decades has meant that metal braces enable faster treatment times and are also more comfortable to wear for the patients. The treatment duration can vary from just a few months to a little over a year typically for most mild to moderate cases. More complex cases can take longer depending on the nature of tooth movement required.
How metal braces align teeth
Metal braces employ brackets, wires and bands made of stainless steel to gently move teeth over time. An orthodontist will bond a bracket to the front surface of each tooth, then place a thin wire over the brackets. Tiny elastic bands are used to keep the wire in place over the brackets.
Once the metal brackets and wires have been placed on the teeth, the braces move teeth by applying gentle pressure on each tooth – this repositions both the tooth’s root and crown gradually from its initial position to the desired final position. Over time, once all your teeth have been moved to their desired end positions – the braces treatment is then complete.
Which Orthodontic Braces Are Right For You?
Quick and discreet brace options available
“Most common type of braces usually made of stainless steel. Very effective at straightening teeth. Cost effective treatment.”
“Similar to metal braces, but the brackets are made of ceramic tooth coloured material. More discreet and more popular with adults. Also called clear braces.”
“New orthodontic brace system. Employs newer technology, allowing for faster treatment and less strain to the teeth.”
Prefer Invisalign Braces ?
Invisalign Braces
“The virtually invisible invisalign braces system provides excellent results whilst hardly being noticeable. Completely removable”
We Are One Of London’s Most Popular Metal Braces Clinics
Metal Braces Time Lapse Video
How metal braces move teeth over time
Have you ever wondered what it must look like to visually see teeth moving with metal braces over time. Look no further – our video here shows just that – teeth moving over time using metal braces.
This was a relatively easy case, with teeth alignment achieved in a little over 10 weeks. Most cases however take longer. Moderate to severe cases can take from anywhere between 12 months to 24 months to straighten teeth depending on the amount of teeth movement needed and the complexity of the case.
The good news is that metal braces are very good at moving teeth and providing precise control to the dentist to achieve this. Treatment times with metal braces are therefore some of the shortest that can be achieved compared to other brace systems.
Metal Braces vs Ceramic Braces
Metal braces are very efficient at moving teeth and are also cost effective. Ceramic are more aesthetically pleasing, however, treatment times can be longer and the price higher. Often popular with adults.
Metal braces are very good at correcting most orthodontic conditions, including complex ones. They can correct overcrowding, gaps between teeth, protruding teeth, crossbite, overbite and underbites. The orthodontist can exercise a high level of control on teeth movement in order to correct these conditions. Metal braces are also quick to produce results, with reduced treatment times. And best of all, metal braces are one of the most affordable brace options available to the patient.
Ceramic braces are aesthetically more pleasing compared to metal braces given ceramic brackets are tooth coloured. They are therefore more discreet in comparison to metal braces. They can also be more comfortable to wear than metal braces as they are less painful usually. However, they can be a little less effective at moving teeth, especially when it comes to complex cases. Treatment times can often take longer than metal braces as well. They are usually more expensive than metal braces typically.
Comparing metal and ceramic braces
| Metal | Ceramic | |
| Visibility | Most visible. Metal coloured brackets. | Less visible than metal. Tooth coloured brackets. |
| Suitability | Nearly all cases, including complex ones. | Most cases are suitable. |
| Treatment Speed | Fastest. | Usually a few months longer than metal. |
| Affordability | Most cost effective brace option. | More expensive than metal braces. |
Metal Brace Cost
More information on the cost of braces in London
| Braces Consultation | FREE |
| Invisalign | from £1,695 |
| Metal Braces | from £2,795 |
| Ceramic Braces |
from £2,995 |
| Damon Braces |
from £3,495 |
Experience With Metal Braces Is Absolutely Key To Achieve Predictable Good Results
Our Before & After Results
Reviews For Braces From Our Patients In London
Are Metal Braces suitable for Underbite problems?
Metal braces are a type of Fixed brace suitable for most types of teeth correction including underbite problems and will do so efficiently. If you have a mild underbite you may prefer a fastbraces solution, alternatively if you are not concerned with the fastest solutions, Invisalign provides a discreet method of correction, it can however require a longer period of treatment.
Metal braces are perhaps the most commonly thought-of in the world of teeth straightening. Their ability to apply controlled pressure makes them highly effective for a variety of alignment issues. From common problems like twisted teeth or gaps between them, to more complex bite issues like overbites, underbites, and overcrowding, metal braces can effectively move teeth into their desired positions for a healthier and more confident smile.
Metal Braces – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat with metal braces?
Yes ofcourse you can eat with metal braces. However, its important to be careful with what you eat and how you eat it. We suggest eating food items that are soft and that wont damage the orthodontic metal brackets and wires attached to your teeth. Our dentists suggest cutting up hard to chew food items into smaller pieces and avoid biting from your front teeth to prevent breaking the metal brackets and wires.
How much do metal braces cost?
Metal braces are one of the most cost effective ways to straighten your teeth. They are very popular with children and teenagers for this very reason. However, we find that adult patients are also increasing opting for metal braces given their cost effectiveness.
At Whites Dental, our metal braces are provided by some of the most experienced orthodontic practitioners. Please visit our braces homepage for more details or for specific information on the cost of fixed braces in London we have created various packages to provide you with a total cost from day1, throughout your treatment.
What is the process for straightening teeth with metal braces?
The metal braces treatment process starts with booking a consultation with one of our dentists who will be able to discuss your needs and provide you a treatment options best suited to your needs. We will provide you a full treatment plan for your metal braces treatment. Once you are ready to go ahead, we will book you in for an examination to determine your oral health. It’s important that any gum or tooth decay issues are addressed prior to starting metal braces treatment. We will then book you for a fit appointment, where we will place metal brackets and wires on your teeth to move your teeth into the desired positions. We will need you to come in for review appointments every 5-6 weeks typically to check your treatment is going according to plan. At the end of the treatment, we will remove your metal brackets and wires and provide you retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions. The retainers will need to be worn for life in order to prevent your teeth from moving back.
How long will the metal braces treatment take?
Treatment duration can vary a lot based on how much teeth movement is needed. Mild cases can typically take 6-7 months, moderate cases can take 9-10 months whereas severe cases can take anywhere from 14-18 months on average.
Does the metal braces treatment hurt?
Teeth straightening is not a painful experience to most patients. When braces are initially applied to the teeth, patients often experience some soreness in their teeth as the braces apply pressure to the teeth to enable them to move to their straightened positions. This soreness only lasts a few days typically for most patients. Our dentists often suggest using over-the-counter painkillers to reduce the discomfort.
Metal Braces – More Information
Interesting Information
The desire for straighter teeth dates back to ancient civilisations, with evidence of primitive wire and band devices found on mummies, true metal braces as we know them are a more recent invention.
The groundwork was laid in the 18th century by French dentist Pierre Fauchard, considered the “father of modern dentistry.” He developed early appliances to influence tooth position. Fast forward to the late 1800s in the United States, and Edward Angle is credited with creating the foundation for modern braces. His system used fixed bands and wires to move teeth gradually. Early 1900s braces were often made of gold, making them a luxury for the wealthy. Stainless steel became the material of choice in the 1930s, bringing down the cost but still requiring significant time and effort for both dentist and patient.
Over time, braces have continuously evolved. Brackets became smaller and more comfortable, and the introduction of bonding techniques eliminated the need to wrap wires around each tooth. Self-ligating brackets that don’t require additional wires for adjustments and lingual braces placed on the inside of teeth for a more discreet look are further innovations. There is also opportunity to further personalise your braces, and whilst opting for gold braces maybe a step too far, Whites Dental can provide a range of options to help you make a fashion statement or even illuminate them with glow in the dark bands! It is however important to not get too attached to your braces, they are designed to be worn temporarily and as such the time will come to have your braces removed and reveal your new straight white teeth.
Famous People with Braces
As for famous faces with braces, there are many! From actors like Tom Cruise and Emma Watson to the young footballer Lamine Yamal who aged just 16 was dazzling us with his football skills and winning smile at the euros earlier in 2024. Even members of the British Royal Family, braces have become a common experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
For more information on metal braces, please visit our main braces information page, this provides information on braces and the braces treatment process. You will find many helpful links to help you choose the right orthodontic solutions at the right price whether you are looking for braces as an adult or wanting a suitable treatment for your child.