Braces for a Healthier Bite
Conventional braces are a trusted, time-tested way to straighten teeth! Orthodontists have been using them successfully for decades to create beautiful smiles and improve jaw alignment.
Braces are a highly versatile orthodontic treatment option. They can be used to address a variety of conditions, ranging from moderate to complex, for children, teens and adults of all ages.
Braces are essentially made up of three basic elements: brackets, a flexible archwire, and sometimes elastic bands.
The brackets are fixed to the fronts of the teeth and hold the archwire in place. The archwire applies pressure to the teeth, moving them into the desired positions. Elastic bands apply more force in specific directions.
Modern braces are available in various sleek designs that offer a more discreet, lower-profile appearance for those who have a focus on aesthetics.
Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options
At i-Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to essential health care. To help our patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, we offer flexible, low down payment plans and convenient 0% financing options.
Types of Braces at i-Orthodontics
The type of braces we recommend will depend on several factors, including your specific orthodontic needs, treatment goals, and budget. At i-Orthodontics, we offer the following options:

Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are known for their efficacy, durability, and affordability. They involve metal brackets attached to the teeth, with archwires threaded through them to guide teeth into their desired positions. Elastic ties or metal wires hold the archwire in place.
The wires are typically made of metal alloys and have been optimized to provide enough force to straighten the teeth while also being as comfortable as possible for the patient.
Translucent Braces
'Translucent' is a bit of a misnomer in that these braces are not actually see-through – they just look that way. The brackets are made from a tooth-colored ceramic that blends in with your teeth, creating a transparent effect and making them less visible than standard metal braces.
While translucent braces might work well for many patients, others might benefit more from other options. Speak with Dr. Isaac to learn more about the different options and what might work best for you.

Living with Braces
Braces take a bit of getting used to at first, but you'll develop new routines around them in no time. Here are some ways that braces may change your daily life during treatment.
Adjustments
Adjustments are a key part of successful orthodontic treatment with braces. Approximately every four to eight weeks, you'll visit our office to have your braces adjusted. These appointments ensure your teeth continue to move according to your personalized treatment plan.
It's normal to experience some mild discomfort following an adjustment, but it typically subsides within a day or two.
Elastics
Elastics – also known as rubber bands – are an important part of treatment with traditional braces. They add gentle pressure to help guide your teeth into the right position.
To keep your treatment on track, it’s important to change your elastics at least twice a day. Many patients find it helpful to switch them out after each meal – it’s a simple habit that makes them easier to remember.
Always follow your orthodontist’s instructions when it comes to wearing your elastics. Please contact our office if you notice that your elastics are breaking frequently, or if a hook comes loose – we’re here to help!Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is very important when you have braces. Braces can create little spaces where plaque can build up, which can lead to tooth discoloration, cavities, and gum problems.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy during your braces treatment, be sure to brush after every meal with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We highly recommend using an electric toothbrush.
Flossing might seem tricky at first, but it’s easier than you think! Just slide the floss down through the space between the archwire and your teeth, gently pull the end toward the back of the tooth, and move the floss up and down between your teeth to clean thoroughly. A water or air flosser can also be used to help flush out stubborn food stuck around your braces.
Eating
While wearing braces, it’s important to follow a few dietary guidelines to keep your appliances safe and your treatment progressing smoothly.
Mouth Guards
If you're an athlete, braces don't have to keep you from playing the sports you love. However, to stay safe on the field, court, or rink, we strongly recommend wearing a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth, mouth, and braces from potential injury.
Retainers
After your active orthodontic treatment with braces is complete, you'll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new, straightened positions.
Questions About Braces? We've Got Answers.
If you're considering orthodontic treatment with braces, you likely have some questions. Get started by reading our braces FAQs to learn more about how they work, and their benefits.
-
How much do orthodontic braces cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the misalignment being addressed and the type of braces used. Your orthodontist will provide you with an estimate for your treatment cost at the beginning.
If you already have an estimate from your orthodontist, you can use our cost calculator to determine your approximate monthly payments.
-
Who is a candidate for braces?
Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces. Certain people with significant recession or oral health conditions may not be candidates.
Braces are available in various styles and can effectively address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, meaning there are very few limitations on who can benefit from them.
-
What are my options for low-profile braces?
We offer translucent braces at i-Orthodontics.
Translucent braces have ceramic brackets that match the color of your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about these braces types on this page under 'Types of Braces'.
Invisalign clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.
-
How long will I need to wear braces?
The average treatment time for braces ranges from 12 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly from patient to patient. The duration of your orthodontic treatment primarily depends on the type and severity of your misalignment. As you might expect, mild or moderate cases are treated more quickly than more complex ones.
-
How long until I get used to my braces?
You'll probably need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your braces after you first get them. You may find it hard to resist poking them with your tongue as you get used to how the wires and brackets feel.
You may also notice that some areas of your mouth rub against the braces and become sore. Placing orthodontic wax on the braces in these spots can help create a smoother surface with less friction as your mouth adjusts. This discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.
-
Can I change the color of my braces?
If you have metal braces with rubber bands, you can change the color of the bands during your adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics can come in a rainbow of different colors for you to choose from. Having the option to personalize your braces in this way can make the orthodontic treatment process a little more fun!
We also often use powerchain to close the spaces between teeth, and these come in lots of colors as well.
You can alter the color of your brace according to the season, upcoming holidays, or your personal style.
-
Do braces hurt?
You will almost certainly experience some discomfort at different points of your orthodontic treatment with braces. However, any pain you feel during your braces treatment is temporary and usually resolves over a few days or even hours.
Discomfort from braces usually happens for a week or so after you first get them and also for a few hours or days after your adjustment appointments as the teeth begin to shift. Patients tend to describe it as a sensation of pressure or an ache. This type of pain is usually easily managed with over-the-counter medication until it has passed.
A type of temporary discomfort during braces treatment occurs when brackets rub against the inside of your mouth, especially when first getting braces or after adjustments. Applying orthodontic wax to the affected areas can create a smoother surface.
-
Can adults get braces?
Yes, adults can get braces! More adults than ever before are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve their oral health and the appearance of smiles.
Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.
-
Can kids get braces?
Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young when development can be guided, instead of completely changed later on.
With all that being said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.
-
Do I have to brush more with braces?
Yes, brushing your teeth at least after each meal throughout your braces treatment is a good idea.
Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while you're wearing braces. Braces create tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these tiny spaces, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.
To avoid developing cavities (not to mention tooth discoloration and bad breath), extra vigilance with your oral hygiene is essential.
-
How do I floss with braces?
Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's pretty straightforward once you get used to it.
To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the archwire and your teeth. We supply floss threaders for our patients to make this easier. Pull the end of the floss gently towards the back of the tooth and draw the floss up and down between the teeth. Then repeat this process between each pair of teeth.
-
What can I eat while I'm wearing braces?
Eating with braces requires some extra care, but you should still be able to eat many of the foods you love.
You must avoid hard, crunchy, or overly sticky/tacky foods that can become stuck and damage your braces. In general, it's important to chew carefully while wearing braces and take your time. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob (cut your apple into bite-sized pieces and shell your corn instead!), and avoid chewing gum completely.
You can pretty much continue eating your normal diet with a few modifications.
-
Can I still play contact sports if I wear braces?
We generally recommend against participating in any sports that may involve regular direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.
Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.
For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.
It is best to have a discussion with Dr. Isaac to determine the best plan.
-
Braces vs. Invisalign: How do I choose which is best for me?
Both braces and Invisalign effectively treat orthodontic issues, yet they possess distinct differences that may influence their appropriateness for various individuals.
Factors to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign include your personal preferences and lifestyle, aesthetics, the nature and severity of your misalignment, and cost. You can learn more here.
Dr. Isaac will assess your specific case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.