The Most Reliable Way to Straighten Teeth Still Works
Metal braces have been the standard in orthodontic treatment for decades because they work for cases that other options cannot handle. Fixed brackets and archwires give Dr. Cappetta continuous, precise control over tooth movement for the entire length of treatment. That control matters most for patients with significant crowding, complex bite issues, or cases where teeth need to move in ways that clear aligner trays cannot reliably accomplish.
Dr. Chris Cappetta, DDS, holds orthodontic training certification through the Academy of General Practice Orthodontics, a credential that distinguishes him from general dentists offering braces without specialized orthodontic training. Patients from Stone Oak and Alamo Heights come to Fountain of Youth Dental because Dr. Cappetta evaluates honestly before recommending. He is equally comfortable recommending invisible braces when Invisalign fits and traditional braces when the clinical picture calls for them. The practice sits on Medical Dr inside San Antonio’s South Texas Medical Center. For a full overview of alignment and cosmetic services, see the cosmetic dentistry page.
How Traditional Braces Work
Traditional braces use small brackets bonded to the front surface of each tooth and connected by a metal archwire. The wire applies consistent pressure that moves teeth gradually into their target positions. Dr. Cappetta adjusts the wire tension at each appointment, typically every four to six weeks, to continue guiding the teeth through each phase of movement.
Unlike removable aligners, braces work continuously because they are fixed in place. There is no compliance variable. The treatment works the same whether the patient is disciplined about their habits or not, because removal is not an option. Modern metal brackets are smaller and lower-profile than the hardware patients remember from childhood photos. They are still visible, but considerably less bulky than older designs.
Ceramic Braces: The Tooth-Colored Fixed Option
Not every patient who needs fixed appliances wants metal brackets. Ceramic braces work exactly the same way as traditional metal braces, using the same bracket-and-archwire mechanics, but the brackets are made from a tooth-colored or clear ceramic material that blends with the natural color of the tooth. The result is a fixed appliance that is significantly less visible than metal while still providing the precision and continuous force control that clear aligners cannot match.
Ceramic braces are a strong option for older teenagers and adults who need the clinical precision of fixed appliances but have aesthetic concerns about metal. There are two trade-offs worth understanding. Ceramic brackets are slightly more brittle than metal, so they require more care around hard foods. They also stain more readily than metal if patients consume a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine throughout treatment. Dr. Cappetta discusses both options at the consultation and helps patients weigh clinical need against lifestyle preference before deciding on a bracket type.
