Tried & True Treatment
Traditional metal braces and self-ligating braces are the most common orthodontic appliance for kids and teens in Duluth and the surrounding areas. Modern technology makes braces more comfortable and efficient than ever.
Duluth Braces
Made from high-grade stainless steel metal, we bond brackets to each tooth using a dental adhesive connected by a metal archwire.
With traditional braces, you can wear colored elastics around each bracket for a more unique and colorful smile.
Self-ligating braces use the same materials as traditional braces but don't require elastics, meaning fewer appointments and less friction on the tooth.
Self-ligating braces come with traditional metal or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces but use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth to place.
The clip helps reduce the pressure placed on the tooth and requires fewer adjustments because you won't have any elastics to replace.
What Are Braces Made of?
Brackets
Our doctors use braces made from a mix of durable metals with little hooks or doors where we thread a wire.
Your Balance Advanced Orthodontics braces experts secure your bracket by closing the door or placing an elastic over the top of the wire.
Glue
This is how your doctor attaches the brackets to your teeth.
Wire
This thin metal runs from one bracket to another and guides your teeth in the right direction. The wire attaches to your bottom or upper teeth, but 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. We usually string elastics between an upper and lower bracket hook. This pressure pulls your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite.
Orthodontic Bands
We cement these stainless steel rings to your teeth using dental bonding agents. These bands anchor your braces and orthodontic appliances, but they aren't always necessary.
Spacers
These tiny elastic “donuts” or rings create space between your teeth when needed, typically before we place your bands. People also refer to them as "separators.”
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 come in dozens of colors.