Metal Braces FAQ
have been a trusted orthodontic treatment for generations, helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles through precise tooth movement. While they remain an excellent option for many people, today’s patients have more choices than ever before. In fact, many individuals who assume they’ll need traditional braces may actually be candidates for Invisalign®. At Mergen Orthodontics, our orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA, helps patients explore all available treatment options before recommending the one that’s best for their smile.
What Are Metal Braces?
use stainless steel brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Periodic adjustments allow your orthodontist to guide your teeth into healthier positions while correcting bite issues such as crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than the braces many adults remember from years ago.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Metal Braces?
Metal orthodontic braces can successfully treat mild, moderate, and complex orthodontic problems. They are an excellent choice for patients who need significant tooth movement or who prefer a treatment that doesn’t require remembering to wear removable aligners.
However, many patients are surprised to learn that they aren’t limited to braces. Invisalign technology has advanced dramatically over the years, allowing many cases that once required metal braces to be treated successfully with clear aligners.
The only way to know which option is right for you is through a professional orthodontic evaluation.
Do Metal Braces Hurt?
Most patients experience mild soreness for a few days after braces are first placed or following adjustment appointments. This discomfort is temporary and is a normal sign that your teeth are moving.
Modern braces are designed with smoother brackets and lighter wires than previous generations, making treatment more comfortable than many people expect.
Can I Eat Normally with Metal Braces?
Certain foods should be avoided during treatment because they can damage brackets or wires. Sticky candy, popcorn, hard nuts, chewing ice, and crunchy foods are common examples.
Patients with Invisalign have greater flexibility because they remove their aligners before eating. This allows them to continue enjoying virtually all of their favorite foods without worrying about damaging orthodontic appliances.
For many adults and teens, this convenience becomes one of Invisalign’s biggest advantages.
How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Invisalign Instead?
This is one of the most common questions orthodontists hear today. Many patients schedule a consultation assuming they’ll receive metal dental braces, only to discover they’re excellent candidates for Invisalign.
Advances in Invisalign have made it possible to treat many cases involving crowding, spacing, bite correction, and tooth movement that previously required braces. Every smile is unique, so your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, bite, and treatment goals before recommending the most effective solution.
Rather than assuming braces are your only option, it’s worth asking whether Invisalign could achieve the same results.
Explore All Your Treatment Options
Metal braces continue to be an outstanding orthodontic treatment, but they aren’t automatically the right choice for every patient. Thanks to modern orthodontic technology, many teens and adults who believe they need braces may actually qualify for Invisalign instead. At Mergen Orthodontics, every treatment recommendation is personalized to your individual smile—not based on assumptions.
Book Your Orthodontic Consultation
Schedule a consultation today to learn whether braces or Invisalign is the best fit for you. Our orthodontist in Coralville and Iowa City, IA, is committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile with the treatment option that best fits your lifestyle.