What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances designed to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. They consist of three main components: brackets bonded to each tooth, archwires that connect the brackets, and ligatures or elastics that hold everything in place. If you’re dealing with crowding, gaps between teeth, bite issues, or jaw alignment concerns, braces offer a reliable way to create a healthier, more attractive smile.
At Ward Family Orthodontics, we treat smiles of all ages. Little smiles, developing smiles, and full-grown smiles all deserve to be perfect! Braces work just as well for adults as they do for kids and teens. The key is finding the right approach for your situation.
How Braces Work: The Treatment Process
Braces work by applying continuous gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into alignment over 12-24 months. Brackets bonded to each tooth connect through an archwire that guides movement, while regular adjustments every 4-8 weeks fine-tune the pressure. Bone tissue remodels around the tooth roots, allowing safe, permanent positioning by the end of treatment.
Your treatment at Ward Family Orthodontics starts with a free consult where we take diagnostic images and create a personalized plan for moving your teeth. Dr. Adam Ward, a Board Certified Orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics, examines your bite, jaw alignment, and tooth positioning to map out exactly how your smile will change.
Once we bond the brackets to your teeth and connect them with an archwire, the real work begins. The wire applies gentle, continuous pressure that slowly guides each tooth toward its ideal position. Your bone tissue responds to this pressure by remodeling around the tooth roots, allowing movement to happen safely over time.
You’ll visit our practice every 4-8 weeks for adjustments. During these appointments, we swap out wires, check your progress, and make sure everything stays on track. Most kids, teens, and adults wear braces for 12-24 months, though your timeline depends on how much movement your teeth need.
After your braces come off (we call it deband day!), retainers keep your teeth from shifting back. This step is just as important as the treatment itself.
Benefits of Braces
Straight teeth do more than look great. They’re easier to clean, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease. When teeth overlap or crowd together, brushing and flossing can miss hidden spots where bacteria thrive.
How Do Straight Teeth Improve Oral Health?
A corrected bite takes pressure off your jaw joints and prevents uneven wear on your tooth surfaces. Many families notice less jaw tension and fewer headaches after treatment. Chewing becomes more efficient too, and speech clarity often improves once bite issues are addressed. Teeth play a bigger role in pronunciation than most people realize, especially for kids learning new sounds.
Can Braces Boost Confidence?
Absolutely. Smiling without feeling self-conscious changes how you interact with the world. Teens especially benefit from this, since confidence is key during those formative years. Adults often share how their new smile transformed their willingness to laugh in photos, speak up in meetings, or simply meet someone’s eyes across the room. The long-term payoff? Healthier teeth that last a lifetime when you stick with your retainer routine.
Types of Braces Compared
Choosing the right braces depends on your case, your lifestyle, and what works for your family. Here’s how the options stack up:
| Type | Visibility | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Metal | Most visible | All case types, families watching costs | Durable, effective, most affordable option |
| Ceramic | Tooth-colored brackets | Smiles wanting a subtler look | Slightly higher cost, brackets can stain |
| Self-Ligating | Similar to metal or ceramic | Smiles wanting fewer appointments | No elastic ties, may reduce friction |
| Lingual | Hidden behind teeth | Adults needing invisible treatment | Higher cost, adjustment period for tongue |
| Clear Aligners | Nearly invisible | Mild-to-moderate cases | Removable, requires discipline to wear |
Metal braces remain the most popular choice for good reason. They handle complex cases with ease and cost less than other options. Ceramic braces offer a more discreet appearance while still delivering excellent results.
Self-ligating systems use a special clip instead of elastic ties, which some teens and adults find more comfortable. Lingual braces hide completely behind your teeth but require specialized training to place.
Clear aligners work well for many cases, though they aren’t ideal for severe crowding or major bite corrections. During your consultation, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs.
What Affects the Cost of Braces?
The cost of braces depends on three main factors: the type of braces you choose, treatment complexity, and how long your case takes. Metal options typically cost less than ceramic or lingual styles. More complex movements require additional appointments and materials, which adds to the total cost over the length of treatment.
The type of braces you choose plays a significant role. Metal braces typically cost less than ceramic or lingual options. Clear aligners fall somewhere in the middle for most cases.
Treatment complexity matters too. Moving teeth a short distance takes less time than correcting severe crowding or a major bite issue. Longer treatment means more appointments and materials.
Your total cost usually wraps in the initial diagnostic records and imaging, every adjustment appointment along the way, retainers for the retention phase, and follow-up visits after your braces come off. Some families also need two-phase treatment, which involves early intervention during childhood followed by a second phase once permanent teeth come in. Each phase has its own pricing structure.
We make sure treatment is affordable for all. Our practice offers low monthly payment options, and we have a payment calculator on our website so you can see what works before your first visit. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment too. Families across Eugene appreciate seeing the numbers upfront.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?
Almost anyone with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from braces. Age isn’t a barrier, orthodontics is for everyone.
Children
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7, per the American Association of Orthodontists. At this age, we can spot developing issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth patterns before they get tougher to correct. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. Sometimes we simply monitor growth and wait for the right time to start.
Teens
Teens make up the largest group of braces wearers. Most permanent teeth have erupted by this point, making it an ideal time for treatment. For teens, confidence is key, and a great smile is one of the top ways to boost your teen’s self-esteem.
Adults
Adults are great candidates for treatment too. Whether it’s a minor touch-up or a complete smile redesign, braces work at any age. More adults across Eugene than ever are choosing to upgrade their smiles.
Good candidates typically have one or more of these concerns: crowded or overlapping teeth, gaps or spacing issues, an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, or teeth that don’t meet properly when biting.
Healthy gum tissue and adequate bone support are needed before starting. If gum disease or other issues exist, we’ll work with your dentist to address those first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Do braces hurt?
Braces cause mild tenderness for a few days after placement and after each adjustment, but most kids, teens, and adults find it very manageable. You’ll feel some pressure as your teeth begin shifting, which is normal and means treatment is working. Over-the-counter relief and soft foods help during these brief periods.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment typically takes 12-24 months, though your timeline depends on your specific case. Minor corrections might finish faster, while complex movements take longer. Dr. Adam Ward, Board Certified Orthodontist, will give you a realistic estimate during your consultation based on your diagnostic records.
Can adults get braces?
Absolutely. Adults of any age can straighten their teeth as long as their gums and bone are healthy. Many adults choose ceramic braces or clear aligners for a more discreet appearance during treatment.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy can break brackets. Sticky foods like caramel and taffy pull on wires and brackets. Very chewy foods take extra caution. We’ll give you a complete list when you start treatment, plus tips for enjoying your favorite meals safely.
How often will I need adjustment appointments?
Plan on visiting our practice every 4-8 weeks throughout your treatment. These appointments are quick, usually under 30 minutes, and keep your progress on track. Life can get hectic, but orthodontic treatment definitely shouldn’t be!
Will I need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic care after braces or clear aligner treatment. They help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back. Most families wear retainers full-time initially, then transition to nighttime wear long-term.
Ready to learn more about upgrading your smile? Ward Family Orthodontics has been creating award-winning smiles for families throughout Eugene for years. If you have questions about braces or want to see what your options look like, a free consult with Dr. Adam is a great place to start. We can’t wait to meet you!