Metal braces are tried & true.
Time to get braces, you say? That’s funny because Dr. Brice McMurphy heard that it’s time to unlock your superpower!
Getting braces at McMurphy Orthodontics is like going on a growth journey, and, in the end, you get to come out with a beautiful new smile.
Biloxi & Ocean Springs braces.
At McMurphy Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and the surrounding communities. Traditional metal braces are strong, durable, and affordable, making them the top treatment for orthodontic patients at McMurphy Orthodontics every year.
Metal braces have a reputation for being awkward and noticeable. But, thanks to modern orthodontics, you’ll benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before.
Traditional braces use stainless steel brackets and archwires to straighten your teeth, and Dr. McMurphy uses them to work wonders when correcting complex tooth issues. They can even work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments, which might even shorten your treatment time at McMurphy Orthodontics.
Metal braces are also cost-effective because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. Plus, you get the option of adding brightly colored rubber bands to show off a fun and colorful smile.
What are braces made of?
Brackets.
Dr. McMurphy uses durable brackets made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals.
Brackets have little hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. Dr. McMurphy can secure a bracket by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue.
This is what Dr. McMurphy will use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to attach the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Wire.
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. McMurphy 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.
Elastics.
If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They’re generally strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook.
Elastics pull your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite, or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. 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 don’t always use them for everyone.
Spacers.
Dr. McMurphy 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".
