Metal Braces - Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics

Trusted & Affordable

Metal braces from Dr. Steve Henseler and Dr. Paul Kocian are highly effective, reliable, durable, and cost-effective, making them a popular treatment option for patients of all ages in Stillwater and Woodbury.

Stillwater & Woodbury Braces

Traditional metal braces are the oldest treatment in orthodontics, and they're still the most popular treatment we offer at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics. Made from high-grade stainless steel, metal braces use a series of brackets and wires to move the teeth.

At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer the latest braces technology to our patients of all ages in Stillwater, Woodbury, and the surrounding areas.

Stainless steel braces have been the industry standard for corrective orthodontics for decades, but we use 3M brackets that are smaller than standard braces and more comfortable in your mouth.

Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues and work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments. That means you’ll spend less time in braces, and the time you do spend is more comfortable.

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. That makes them a great option for every smile!

What Makes Up Metal Braces?

Brackets

Dr. Henseler and Dr. Kocian use durable 3M stainless steel brackets with small spaces where we’ll thread a wire. Your orthodontist secures the brackets by placing an elastic over the wire.

Glue

This is how your orthodontist attaches the brackets directly to your teeth.

Wire

This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Dr. Henseler and Dr. Kocian shape and curve the wire to guide your teeth in the right direction. The wire typically attaches to all your bottom or upper teeth, but we might occasionally cut it if connecting just a few teeth is better for your treatment plan.

Elastics

If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. We normally string elastics between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook to pull your upper jaw backward to correct an overbite or the lower jaw back to correct an underbite. We use rubber bands for various 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

We use these tiny elastic rings to 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

Dr. Henseler and Dr. Kocian use these tiny rubber rings or bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastics are less rigid than spacers and come in dozens of colors.

Metal Braces FAQ

How do braces work?

The first step in your braces journey is taking records. The Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. We’ll use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth.

After the X-Ray and digital scan, Dr. Henseler and Dr. Kocian 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 position.

Your orthodontist will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to tilt, we place those brackets differently compared to brackets for teeth that need to be turned.

Once they attach your brackets, your orthodontist will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth.

What can I expect from today’s metal braces?

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 at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics also come with a fun twist without any extra cost—you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in several colors that let you showcase your personality whenever you want.

Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, or your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.

How long will I be in braces?

This is what everyone around Stillwater and Woodbury wants to know, but it’s something we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment differently. Treatment time with metal braces at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics will vary 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 and the treatment plan designed by your orthodontist.

We have some patients at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics in braces for as few as six months, but for complex issues, it can take over three years to complete the process. You’ll see signs of improvement in just a short time, and that gives you confidence during the treatment process.