Braces & Clear Aligners

Braces use brackets bonded to your teeth and wires that apply gentle pressure. Over time, this pressure moves teeth into their ideal positions. Adjustments and new wires guide the progress.

You may feel mild soreness after placement and adjustments, but braces don’t usually cause significant pain. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers and soft foods help during the first few days.

Costs vary by type and complexity. Traditional metal braces typically range from $2,750–$7,500, ceramic braces $3,000–$8,500 and lingual braces $5,000–$13,000. Clear aligners usually cost $3,250–$8,250. Many dental plans cover roughly half of orthodontic fees up to a lifetime maximum, so your out‑of‑pocket portion may be much lower. We also offer interest‑free financing and flexible payment plans.

Most PPO dental plans cover about half of orthodontic costs up to a lifetime maximum benefit. Clear aligners are often included, but some policies classify them as cosmetic. Our team will verify your benefits, explain any out‑of‑pocket costs and help you maximize coverage.

Most aligner treatments last 6–18 months, depending on your case. You need to wear them 20–22 hours per day and change trays as directed. Severe crowding or bite issues may take longer and require braces first.

Braces pricing depends on the type of appliance, your case complexity and treatment length. Without insurance, total fees can range from $2,750 for simple metal braces to over $13,000 for complex lingual systems. With insurance, you typically pay only a portion of this total after your benefits are applied. We’ll provide a detailed estimate and discuss how insurance and financing can reduce your personal cost.

Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible—ideal for mild to moderate cases and adults who want flexibility. Braces are fixed and work for all levels of complexity, including severe crowding, rotations and bite corrections. We’ll recommend the right option after your consultation.

Self‑ligating braces like Damon use clips instead of elastic ties. This reduces friction and may shorten treatment time and require fewer adjustments. Traditional braces use elastic ligatures to hold the wire. Both options straighten teeth effectively.

Yes—aligners are removed during meals, so there are no food restrictions. Just brush before putting your aligners back in to keep them clean and stain‑free.

Adult orthodontics can align remaining teeth and create space for implants or bridges. We coordinate with your restorative dentist to plan implant placement after orthodontic treatment.

Speed depends on your starting alignment and the appliance used. Minor crowding can be corrected in as little as 6 months, while complex cases may take up to 24 months. Self‑ligating braces and accelerated techniques can shorten the timeline.

Damon braces are self‑ligating brackets that use a sliding mechanism instead of elastic ties. This reduces friction and may allow teeth to move faster and more comfortably. They can also require fewer adjustments.

Braces adjustments are usually every 6–8 weeks. Aligners are checked every 8–10 weeks to ensure proper movement and deliver new trays.