Metal Braces

“Metal braces move the teeth continuously, 24/7, with no need to remember to wear them.”

As a licensed orthodontic specialist with 10+ years of experience, Dr. Connie Ling provides expertly designed metal braces treatment plans tailored to each patient’s teeth and bite. Metal braces remain a reliable and highly effective option for straightening teeth, improving bite function, and achieving long-term stability.

A Brief History of Metal Braces

Orthodontic appliances have a fascinating history:

• Metal bands, braces, and archwires have been used since the 1800s.

• Self-ligating brackets, introduced in the 1950s, revolutionized orthodontics by reducing the need for elastics, using a built-in metal door instead.

• Today’s metal brackets are smaller, more comfortable, and more precise, applying gentle, continuous pressure to guide teeth efficiently.

These historical innovations have made modern metal braces both effective and patient-friendly, while retaining their reputation as the most versatile orthodontic appliance.

How Modern Metal Braces Work

Metal brackets are bonded to the surface of your teeth, with a slot or tunnel for the U-shaped archwire. The archwire applies gentle, continuous forces, gradually moving your teeth into proper alignment.

Modern advancements mean:

• Smaller, more comfortable brackets

• Reduced need for elastics thanks to self-ligating designs

• Predictable results for a wide range of cases, including moderate to complex crowding, spacing, and bite issues

Why Choose a Licensed Orthodontic Specialist?

Every step of your metal braces treatment is planned and overseen by Dr. Ling, ensuring:

• Proper bite function and tooth alignment

• Integration with your family dentist when needed and with your consent

Specialist-Led care, Exclusively Directed by Dr. Connie Ling

Every patient’s diagnosis, treatment planning, and progress at each visit are exclusively directed by Dr. Connie Ling, our lead orthodontist. Even when routine procedures are performed by our orthodontic team, Dr. Ling personally reviews and approves all work to ensure seamless and consistent care throughout.

All treatment decisions remain under Dr. Connie Ling’s direct supervision, combining specialist expertise with hands-on team support - a standard practice in modern dentistry and orthodontics.

What if my wire or bracket comes loose?

It’s actually quite common for braces patients to experience a loose bracket or a wire that starts to poke. This can happen if you accidentally bite into hard or sticky foods, have a sports bump, or sometimes just from normal wear and tear.

The good news is that this is usually a simple, temporary issue and part of the braces journey — nothing to worry about. Always let Dr. Connie Ling and our team know right away so we can guide you on the best next step and keep your treatment on track.

For practical tips on handling these situations at home until your appointment, check out our Braces Tips pages.

Key Benefits of Modern Metal Braces

• Highly effective for mild, moderate, severe overcrowding and spacing cases

• Effectively corrects most types of bites including openbite, underbite, and crossbite issues

• Smaller, more comfortable, and designed to minimize discomfort while achieving more precise results

Book a Free Consultation

Discover how metal braces can straighten your teeth, improve your bite, and enhance your smile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Connie Ling, a licensed orthodontic specialist with 10+ years experience, and start your journey toward a confident, functional smile today.