Metal braces can be made of many different kinds of metal, combined into a mixture known as an alloy.
The most effective metal braces are made of titanium alloys, combined with a small amount of nickel and/or chromium. Chromium-nickel-cobalt alloys are also popular and effective. Incognito® lingual braces use a gold alloy for their brackets, which are affixed to the inside of the teeth.
All metal braces alloys should be designed for corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, to ensure they do not cause inflammation or irritation of the mouth, gums, and lips when affixed for treatment. (Some irritation or discomfort is normal at the beginning of treatment, as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance). Ask your orthodontic provider about what kind of metals they use for their braces.
Metal braces need to be made of corrosion-resistant materials because your saliva works hard to break down anything in your mouth ?? that ??s how your body digests food.
No metal is entirely corrosion-proof, but the metal alloys used in metal braces corrode very slowly and will remain in excellent condition throughout the length of your treatment. For that reason, corrosive metals like iron are rarely used in braces, or used in very small quantities.