Braces have been the backbone of orthodontics for a century for one reason: they work on cases nothing else can touch. Brackets bonded to each tooth and a wire connecting them give us continuous, three-dimensional control, so severe crowding, rotated teeth, deep bites, open bites and crossbites are all treatable. They also work whether or not the patient remembers anything, which matters more than most families expect.
At San Elijo Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we place braces for children finishing a two-phase plan, for teens in their main growth window, and for adults who want the most predictable result in the shortest time.
We will recommend a specific type based on your case, not on a package. If two options genuinely both work, you choose.
Crowding when there is not enough room for the permanent teeth. Spacing and gaps. Overbite, where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower. Underbite, where the lower teeth sit ahead of the upper. Crossbite, which can wear enamel and shift the jaw to one side. Open bite, where the front teeth never meet. Rotated or tipped teeth that aligners cannot reliably turn. Teeth that have not erupted and need to be guided into place.
1. Consultation. Exam, photos, digital scan, and a clear explanation of the problem and the options, with cost and timeline. 2. Placement. Bonding brackets takes about an hour to 90 minutes. It does not hurt; there are no shots. Expect tenderness for two to four days afterward as the teeth begin to move. 3. Adjustments. Short visits every six to eight weeks to change wires and elastics and check progress. 4. Debanding. Brackets come off, teeth are polished, and we take retainer records the same day. 5. Retention. A retainer keeps everything where we put it.
Most comprehensive cases take 12 to 24 months. Limited treatment can be as short as six months.
Cost depends on complexity and treatment length, not on a list price, so any office quoting a single number sight-unseen is guessing. What we commit to is this: after your consultation you get the full fee in writing, your verified insurance benefit, a monthly payment option with no surprises, and confirmation of whether an FSA or HSA can be applied. Most plans with orthodontic coverage pay a lifetime maximum toward braces. We check the specifics before you commit to anything.
Skip anything hard, sticky or chewy: ice, hard candy, caramel, popcorn kernels, whole apples and carrots unless they are cut up. Brush after every meal and use the interdental brushes we give you; braces make plaque easy to hide and white spots are permanent. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports. If a wire pokes or a bracket comes loose, call us, cover it with wax, and come in for a quick repair. Orthodontic emergencies are almost always simple when they are handled early.
What age should braces go on? Most patients start between 10 and 14, once enough permanent teeth are in. There is no upper age limit for adults.
Do braces hurt? Placement does not. The first few days afterward and the day after each adjustment involve mild soreness that responds to over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods.
How often are appointments? Every six to eight weeks, and most are short.
Can I get braces on the bottom teeth only? Sometimes. Limited single-arch treatment is possible when the bite allows it. We will tell you at the consultation if it is an option in your case.
Will I need a retainer? Yes, permanently in some form. Teeth continue to shift throughout life.
