Traditional braces remain one of the most reliable and affordable ways to straighten teeth, correct bite problems, and build a smile that functions properly for a lifetime. As a core treatment within our orthodontics program at Crosstown Dental Group, metal braces use a system of brackets, archwires, and small elastic ties to apply steady, controlled pressure that gradually guides teeth into their ideal positions. If you have been searching for a trusted dentist near me for orthodontic care in Concourse and Highland Row, our team has decades of combined experience fitting braces for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Part of Our Orthodontics Program
While clear aligners and ceramic options have become more popular, traditional braces still offer advantages that make them the right choice for many patients - particularly for complex bite corrections, severe crowding, and younger patients who may not have the discipline required for removable aligners. Today's metal brackets are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the braces of decades past, and the wires are engineered to move teeth more efficiently with fewer office visits. Our Concourse and Highland Row clinic also maintains availability as an emergency dentist in Concourse and Highland Row, so if a wire or bracket ever needs urgent attention between scheduled visits, our team is ready to help.
Many orthodontic issues develop gradually, which means the signs are not always obvious until they start affecting how you eat, speak, or clean your teeth. A thorough exam at our clinic can confirm whether braces are the right next step, but the following indicators are common reasons patients come to us for an orthodontic consultation.
Traditional braces are suitable for a wider range of cases than most other orthodontic options, which is part of why they remain a go-to recommendation for patients of nearly any age. Whether your child is just getting their adult teeth or you are an adult finally ready to address a smile you have lived with for years, our orthodontic team will evaluate your bite, jaw alignment, and dental history before recommending a treatment plan.
A full evaluation includes digital X-rays, a bite assessment, and a conversation about your goals and lifestyle. From there, we can tell you honestly whether traditional braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners will deliver the best result for your specific case.
"Traditional braces" covers more variety than most patients expect. We fit each patient with the bracket and wire system best suited to their bite correction needs, comfort preferences, and budget, and we walk through every option at your initial consultation so there are no surprises.
Straightening your teeth is about far more than appearance, although the cosmetic improvement is often what motivates patients to start treatment in the first place. A properly aligned bite distributes chewing forces evenly, makes daily hygiene easier, and can prevent a range of dental problems from developing years down the road.
Getting braces is a process, not a single appointment, and understanding each stage helps you feel prepared from your first consultation through the day your braces come off.
We take digital X-rays, photos, and impressions or digital scans of your teeth to map out exactly how your bite needs to move and build a customized treatment plan.
Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected with an archwire. This appointment is painless and typically takes 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish.
Every four to eight weeks, we tighten and adjust your wires to keep teeth progressing toward their final positions on schedule.
We periodically review bite alignment and x-rays to confirm your teeth and jaw are responding as planned, adjusting the approach when needed.
Once your bite and alignment goals are met, brackets are gently removed and teeth are polished, revealing your finished smile.
A custom retainer preserves your new smile. We provide wear instructions and schedule follow-up checks to make sure your results last.
Choosing where to get braces is a long-term commitment, often spanning a year or more of regular visits. We built our orthodontics program so patients and families feel confident, informed, and comfortable at every appointment, from the first consultation to the final retainer fitting.
Most patients wear traditional braces for 18 to 30 months, though this varies based on the severity of crowding, spacing, or bite correction needed. Simple cases may finish sooner, while complex bite corrections can take longer. We will give you a personalized estimate after your consultation.
Placement itself is painless. You may feel soreness or pressure for two to three days after initial placement and after each adjustment as your teeth begin shifting, which is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients adjust quickly and find the discomfort minimal after the first week.
Adults are excellent candidates for traditional braces, and we treat adult patients regularly. As long as your gums and bone are healthy, age is not a barrier to moving teeth safely and effectively. Many adults choose traditional braces for more complex corrections that clear aligners cannot handle as predictably.
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as popcorn, hard candy, caramel, and whole apples or carrots unless cut into small pieces. These can bend wires or loosen brackets. We provide a full list of foods to avoid and foods that are safe at your bonding appointment.
We recommend brushing after every meal, using a floss threader or water flosser to clean around wires and brackets, and attending regular dental cleanings throughout treatment. Our hygiene team will show you proper technique at your bonding appointment and check your progress at each adjustment visit.
Call our office right away. Minor issues, like a poking wire, can often be managed temporarily with orthodontic wax until we can see you. As an emergency dentist in Concourse and Highland Row, our team keeps appointment slots open for urgent orthodontic issues so broken brackets and wires get addressed quickly.
Crosstown Dental Group
Comprehensive, comfortable dental care for every member of your family — schedule your appointment at Crosstown Dental Group today.
