Sugar Land Braces

Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they’re probably the most recognizable symbol of orthodontics in Sugar Land and the surrounding area.

All About Braces at
Amaya Orthodontics

At Amaya Orthodontics, metal braces continue to be the top orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. Dr. Malik has successfully treated and fixed all kinds of oral issues using traditional and self-ligating braces.

Dr. Malik chooses to use American Orthodontics braces for timely treatment, and you’ll find that our high-tech braces at Amaya Orthodontics look smaller and feel more comfortable than ever before.

Dr. Malik can also use metal braces to close gaps and align your teeth faster than by using other treatments, and so that can shorten your treatment time.

You can even customize your braces with WildSmiles custom brackets for the ultimate personal expression!

We are proud to serve you in the Sugar Land area.

What Are Braces Made Of?

Metal braces are a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. Metal braces are built from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces you’ll see at Amaya Orthodontics.

Brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connect to one another by an archwire, helping to guide your teeth where Dr. Mohni Malik wants them to move.

Brackets

The brackets that Dr. Malik uses are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. Amaya Orthodontics offers both traditional brackets and WildSmiles brackets, which come in over 25 shapes so you can show off your personality!

Brackets have little hooks or doors where Dr. Malik will thread a wire. The bracket can then be secured by closing the door, or by placing an elastic over the top of the wire.

Elastics

If Dr. Malik determines that you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.

This will pull the upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.

We may use rubber bands for many different situations, especially when we want to put extra pressure on the teeth or jaws.

Spacers

These small elastic “donuts” or rings can be used by Dr. Malik to create space in between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed. They’re also referred to as separators.

Glue

This is what Dr. Malik will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with orthodontic glue.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Malik will change the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction.

The wire will attach all of your bottom or upper teeth together in many cases. We might occasionally cut the wire if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Orthodontic Bands

These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands can provide an anchor for your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they’re not used for everyone.

Dr. Malik will determine if your treatment will benefit from orthodontic bands at your initial consultation.

Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors

These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to the brackets. They’re less rigid than spacers and at Amaya Orthodontics they come in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ

How do braces work?

Before applying the brackets, Dr. Malik and her Amaya Orthodontics team 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 an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.

After the X-Ray and optional scan, Dr. Malik 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 orientation.

Dr. Malik 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 than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Once the brackets have been attached, Dr. Malik will insert your 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.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious. But, because of modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before.

At Amaya Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Sugar Land and surrounding areas!

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 also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost - you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that Dr. Malik will fit around your brackets come in a wide variety of colors that let you showcase your personality whenever you want, and we offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.

The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!

How long will I wear my braces?

This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. 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 treatment plan from Dr. Malik.

At Amaya Orthodontics, we have patients in braces for as little as six months. But for more complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process.

With metal braces treatment with Dr. Malik and the team at Amaya Orthodontics, you can see signs of improvement in just a short time, which will give you confidence during the treatment process.

Metal Braces