Metal Braces for Kids, Adults, and Teens in the Dallas Area

Since we customize braces treatment to your unique smile, treatment time varies, depending on several variables, such as:

• The severity of your bite problem, if applicable
• Your age and growth stage
• How your teeth respond to treatment
• Your overall oral health, and more

The duration of treatment with self-ligating braces varies for everyone, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years. However, thanks to their efficient design, treatment time can often be shorter compared to traditional braces. Dr. Tongco and your care team will be able to give you our best estimate of the most effective treatment duration for your unique situation.

Metal braces are designed to be a part of your day-to-day life, and most people adjust quickly to having them. That said, there might be a few changes you’ll need to make to ensure your braces stay in good shape and your treatment progresses smoothly.

• Sports: A mouthguard is highly recommended, particularly for contact sports. Good news: We’ll custom-make you one for free.
• Playing Musical Instruments: Some musicians find that using special orthodontic wax over the braces helps ease discomfort — and we’ll make sure you have some!
• Eating: Sticky, hard, or overly chewy foods can damage your braces and should be avoided.
• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more crucial with braces.
• Speaking: Some people might notice a slight difference in their speech when they first get their braces, but this is temporary.

Generally, braces do not hurt. However, you may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately after you first get them. This soreness is normal, and it will not last long. A saltwater rinse can help relieve soreness and inflammation. Dissolve a single teaspoon of salt in a full cup of lukewarm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes. If soreness persists, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you experience lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly.

Regular visits to your orthodontist are an important part of your treatment when you have braces. These check-ups allow us to monitor treatment progress and make necessary adjustments to keep treatment on track.

With self-ligating braces, you’ll likely need fewer adjustments, which means fewer visits to your local Smile & Co. Family Orthodontics clinic. Typically, appointments are scheduled every 8 to 10 weeks (about 2 and a half months). We’ll discuss an approach that works for your unique smile during your free consultation.

The cost of self-ligating braces varies based on the duration of treatment, the complexity of the case, and the extent of insurance coverage. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that everyone can have a smile they are proud of, and we are committed to making the treatment as affordable as possible. This includes maximizing insurance benefits (as we accept most plans) and offering  flexible financing with budget-friendly payment plans.

Absolutely! One popular option for less noticeable braces is ceramic braces. Very similar to the traditional metal braces in that brackets and wires guide your teeth into the correct position, they’re more discreet. Instead of stainless steel, ceramic brackets are white or clear ceramic that blend in with your teeth. You can also consider Invisalign® aligners if you’re looking for a completely wire-free experience (and you’re a good candidate for it).