Metal Braces

How do I take care of my braces?

Proper care is essential to keep your metal braces—and your smile—in great shape. Here are a few key tips to follow:

1. Watch What You Eat: Avoid chewy or sticky foods like soft candies, gum and caramel, as they can easily get stuck in your braces and be difficult to clean. For harder foods, cut them into smaller pieces to reduce the risk of damaging brackets or wires.
2. Brush and Floss Regularly: Good oral hygiene is always important, but it’s even more critical with braces. Brackets and wires create extra crevices where food and plaque can build up. Brush thoroughly after every meal and floss daily using tools like a floss threader or water flosser.
3. Keep Up with Dental Appointments: Attend all scheduled visits for adjustments and monitoring. Regular checkups allow your dentist to make timely changes and ensure that your treatment stays on track.

With the right care and consistency, your braces can deliver a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

What are the different types of braces?

Metal or traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They consist of stainless steel brackets attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth, connected by flexible wires or archwires. In some cases, rubber bands or metal ties are added to increase pressure and help move the teeth more effectively. Your orthodontist may also recommend wearing a headgear device at night, which provides additional pressure and can be removed when not in use.

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but offer a more discreet option. The brackets are made from tooth-colored or clear ceramic materials, making them less noticeable. These brackets can also be made from stainless steel, clear components or even gold, depending on your preference.

Lingual braces are similar in structure to traditional braces, but the brackets are placed on the backs of the teeth, facing the tongue. This makes them much harder to see from the outside, though they may take some time to get used to due to their placement.

Clear aligners, sometimes called invisible braces, are transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. They gently apply pressure to move your teeth into alignment. Clear aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for meals, brushing and flossing. However, for effective results, they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. In some cases, your orthodontist may place small, tooth-colored attachments on certain teeth to help secure the aligners and guide movement more precisely.

How much do braces cost?

The cost of braces or clear aligners varies based on the severity of your orthodontic needs and the treatment plan recommended by your dentist. On average, treatment typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.

Your final cost will depend on factors like insurance coverage, available payment options, and the complexity of your case. Because every smile is different, we’ll work with you to create a solution that fits both your dental goals and your budget.