METAL BRACES IN CARY, NC

Metal braces are the most common type of braces for orthodontic patients. Today's metal braces are much smaller, flatter, and more comfortable than in the past. Patients of all ages choose metal braces to help them achieve straight, beautiful smiles.
These time-tested appliances have undergone significant improvements in recent years, combining reliability with enhanced aesthetics. The brackets used in modern metal braces are less noticeable and more streamlined, reducing irritation to the lips and cheeks. Despite the rise of clear aligner options, metal braces remain the go-to choice for many orthodontists due to their versatility in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, from simple to complex cases.

What Braces are Made Of
Traditional metal braces are made of high quality stainless steel or titanium. The three main parts of your braces are:
- Brackets — Brackets are attached to the teeth using special glue that bonds them to the tooth surface and holds them in place.
- Archwire — The archwire is the thin metal wire that connects each bracket and puts pressure on the teeth to help guide them into place.
- Ligature Elastic (also known as the “rubber bands”) — Elastics, or rubber bands, are the colored ties that hold the archwires to the brackets. Your orthodontist will change the elastics at each appointment. Elastics may come in a variety of colors.
How Braces Work
Once placed on your teeth, braces place constant pressure on your teeth, and the force of the pressure helps move teeth into proper position. At each appointment, your orthodontist may tighten the archwires. In addition to braces, some patients may need to wear rubber bands or headgear. Patients wearing braces may notice their teeth feeling a little loose. This is normal and temporary; once the teeth are done moving this feeling will go away.
Metal Braces for All Ages
Traditional metal braces are still the most popular, quickest, and most cost-effective orthodontic treatment available. Your orthodontist can help you determine what treatment is best for your individual case. Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about how braces can enhance your smile.
He is active in continuing education seminars and study groups through his memberships with the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, Southern Association of Orthodontics, and the North Carolina Association of Orthodontics.
Dr. Bernstein is passionate about building a relationship with his patients. He wants the orthodontic office to be like another family, where you can have fun and express yourself. What excites Dr. Bernstein about work is transforming patients from their first appointment to their last.
When he’s not in the office, Dr. Bernstein enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Jordan, his two dogs, Daisy and Ash, and his large extended family—13 nieces and nephews and one more on the way!
Dr. Bernstein is passionate about playing and watching golf and tennis, college football and basketball, and the NFL. He’s a big sports fan!
Giving back to the community is the backbone of Bernstein Orthodontics’ philosophy. Helping and giving back to the less fortunate is what it is all about, and Dr. Bernstein embodies this through his work with Rotary International, Relay for Life, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.