Pitts21 Metal Braces
Metal braces go to work as soon as they’re on, and they stay in place throughout treatment. At Peterson Family Orthodontics in San Tan Valley, AZ, we use Pitts21 metal braces. Each bracket has a small door that holds the wire in place, so the brackets don’t need the tiny ties you may remember from traditional braces.
Whether you’re looking into braces for yourself or your teen, it helps to picture what wearing them will be like. At a free consultation, Dr. Scott Peterson will check your bite, show you the brackets, and talk through what treatment could look like for you.
Are metal braces right for you?
Crowding & gaps
Metal braces can help straighten crowded teeth, close gaps, and improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Fixed treatment
They stay on between visits, so there’s no tray to put back in after lunch.
Daily care
You’ll spend a little extra time brushing and flossing around the brackets. Cutting an apple into slices is one small change that can make meals easier.
Why choose Peterson Family Orthodontics?
When Dr. Peterson plans your care, he looks at how your teeth meet when you bite and how they sit when you smile. If two options could work for you, he’ll walk you through the differences so you can weigh what each would mean for your routine. You’ll also see him for follow-up visits as your teeth move.
How do Pitts21 braces compare with other options?
Pitts21 vs. conventional metal braces
Both use brackets and a wire to guide teeth into position. Conventional braces typically use small elastic or metal ties to hold the wire. Pitts21 uses a built-in door instead. That’s what makes the brackets self-ligating.
Metal braces vs. clear ceramic braces
Both stay attached throughout treatment. Metal brackets are more visible, while clear ceramic braces blend in with your teeth. Dr. Peterson can show you what each looks like and explain which options suit the tooth movements you need.
Metal braces vs. clear aligners
You take clear aligners out for meals and brushing, then put them back in to stay on track with your wear schedule. With braces, you can eat without taking anything out, but you’ll need to clean around the brackets and watch out for foods that can loosen them.
What happens during metal braces treatment?
Plan your treatment
At your first visit, Dr. Peterson examines your teeth and bite. He’ll explain what needs to move and give you an idea of how long treatment could take.
Get braces and have checkups
We attach your brackets, fit the wire, and show you how to clean around your braces. At checkups, Dr. Peterson tracks your progress and adjusts the wire as needed.
Maintain your results
After your braces come off, dental retainers help keep your teeth in place. We’ll explain when to wear your retainer and show you how to care for it.
How much do metal braces cost?
Your cost depends on the correction your teeth and bite need. At your consultation, ask what your estimate covers, whether it includes retainers, and what you’d pay after insurance. Our team can review your orthodontic benefits and walk you through payment options.
Where can you get metal braces in San Tan Valley?
We welcome patients from Queen Creek, Florence, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and nearby East Valley communities. Your appointments take place at our San Tan Valley office at 40615 N. Gantzel Rd., Suite 107, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140.
Metal braces FAQs
How long will I wear metal braces?
How long you’ll wear braces depends on how far your teeth need to move and how much your bite needs to change. After checking your teeth and bite, Dr. Peterson can give you a timeline for your case.
What do metal braces feel like at first?
Your teeth may feel tender for a few days after you get braces or have the wire adjusted. Softer foods can make meals easier while your mouth gets used to the pressure. If a bracket rubs your cheek, our team can show you how to use orthodontic wax.
Will I need rubber bands with Pitts21 braces?
You might. The bracket door holds the wire, while rubber bands between the upper and lower braces help guide how your teeth come together. Dr. Peterson will tell you whether they’re part of your treatment plan.
Why do some brackets sit higher on the teeth?
Dr. Peterson chooses where to place each bracket based on how the tooth needs to move and how it fits into your smile. At your visit, ask why braces can sit higher on the teeth and what that placement means for you.
Find out if metal braces fit your smile
Bring your questions to our San Tan Valley office. Whether you’re choosing braces for yourself or your teen, we’ll help you understand your options and what it would take to get started.