Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

The most familiar option, metal braces are durable, effective, and suitable for a wide range of cases including complex alignment issues. Modern metal brackets are smaller and more comfortable than earlier generations.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic brackets blend with the natural color of the tooth, making them far less visible than metal. They offer the same mechanical effectiveness with a more discreet appearance, which many adult patients prefer.

Clear Aligners

For patients who prefer a removable, nearly invisible option, we also offer SureSmile and Invisalign, custom-fabricated aligner trays that gradually shift teeth without brackets or wires. These are particularly popular with teens and adults who want flexibility alongside results.

The advantages of orthodontic treatment go well beyond a straighter smile.

For younger patients, early orthodontic intervention can prevent more complex problems from developing as permanent teeth continue to come in. Across all age groups, the confidence that follows completed orthodontic treatment is something patients consistently describe as life-changing. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas and lowering the long-term risk of cavities and gum disease. A corrected bite reduces excessive wear on enamel and minimizes strain on the jaw joint.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Braces?

Braces are appropriate for a wide range of patients, and candidacy is best confirmed during a consultation.

Children and adolescents with crowded, gapped, or misaligned teeth are strong candidates, particularly when treatment begins before the jaw is fully developed. Adults who missed orthodontic treatment earlier in life, or whose teeth have shifted over time, are equally strong candidates. Patients with overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites can often be treated effectively with braces. Those committed to the care routine that braces require, including consistent oral hygiene and keeping scheduled adjustment appointments, tend to see the best results.

On the day braces are placed, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and dried. Each bracket is bonded directly to the tooth surface using a dental adhesive and cured in place. The archwire is then threaded through the brackets and secured with small elastic ties.

The appointment typically takes one to two hours. Patients may notice some pressure or mild soreness in the first day or two as the teeth begin responding to the appliance, which is a normal sign that the process is working.

What to Expect After Getting Braces

The first week with braces comes with a short adjustment period. Mild discomfort, sensitivity when biting, and some irritation along the cheeks and lips are common early on and typically resolve within a few days. Softer foods are recommended in the beginning, and certain foods should be avoided throughout treatment to protect the brackets and wires.

Follow-up adjustment appointments are typically scheduled every four to eight weeks. Each visit advances the movement plan and keeps treatment on schedule.

Good oral hygiene becomes more important while wearing braces. Brackets and wires create additional surfaces where plaque and food particles can collect, so brushing after every meal and flossing daily are essential habits throughout treatment.

Your dentist will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing technique for braces and may recommend additional tools such as interdental brushes or a water flosser to make the process easier. Routine checkups continue alongside orthodontic appointments to monitor overall oral health throughout treatment.