Traditional Braces by Solventum®

Traditional metal braces use a system of brackets, archwires, and elastics to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Each bracket is bonded to a tooth and connected by a thin wire, which your orthodontist adjusts over time to apply gentle pressure. This consistent force encourages bone remodeling, which moves your teeth into their ideal positions. At Tend, we use modern low-profile brackets that are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than older styles, with customized treatment plans for faster, more predictable results.

That depends on your orthodontic needs. Metal braces are typically recommended for more complex cases, like significant bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite), overcrowding, or severe misalignment. Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, are great for milder cases and those looking for a more discreet option—but they require strict wear compliance. If you're unsure, our orthodontists can walk you through your options and help you choose the best path based on your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Braces shouldn’t be painful, but it’s normal to feel some pressure or soreness—especially after your braces are first placed or following adjustments. This is a sign your teeth are moving! Most discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and usually subsides in a day or two. Our orthodontists are here to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and we’ll share plenty of tips to ease any tenderness.

Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but treatment time varies based on how much correction is needed and how your teeth respond. During your free consultation, we’ll provide an estimate tailored to your smile goals. We also track your progress at every visit, and we’ll let you know if we can speed things up—or if more time is needed to get the best results.

Yes! Braces aren’t just for kids or teens. In fact, adult orthodontics is more popular than ever. Many adults choose metal braces for their affordability and effectiveness—especially in cases where clear aligners aren’t recommended. If you're ready to fix crowding, spacing, or bite issues you’ve lived with for years, it’s never too late. Plus, Tend makes the experience more comfortable and supportive than you might expect.

You’ll usually visit us every 4–6 weeks. These check-ins are quick, but important—they allow your orthodontist to make small adjustments to the archwire, change elastics, and monitor progress. If something feels off between visits (like a poking wire or loose bracket), just reach out. We’ll fit you in right away.

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits—especially for children and teens, though some cover adults too. Our team will handle all the heavy lifting: we’ll verify your coverage, break down what’s included, and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer interest-free monthly payment plans to help make braces more affordable.

Mostly, yes—but there are a few foods you’ll want to avoid. Sticky, chewy, or super hard foods can damage brackets or wires. That means skipping things like gum, caramel, popcorn, and ice. Don’t worry—we’ll give you a full list of what to watch for, and most people adjust quickly. Bonus: it’s a great time to try new recipes and soft snacks!

Brushing and flossing with braces takes a little extra care, but we’ll show you exactly how to keep your smile healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and consider a water flosser or interdental brushes to clean around brackets and wires. Keeping up with your hygiene is key—it prevents cavities, plaque buildup, and staining around the brackets.

Once your braces come off, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Retainers are crucial—they help maintain your beautiful new smile by preventing teeth from shifting back. Depending on your case, you might wear your retainer full-time at first, then switch to nighttime wear. We’ll give you a personalized retention plan and make sure your results last.

If something breaks or feels off, don’t panic—just give us a call. A loose bracket or poking wire is usually a quick fix, and we’ll get you in for a repair appointment ASAP. Avoid trying to fix it yourself, and in the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spots and ease irritation.

The cost of traditional metal braces can vary depending on the complexity of your case and how long treatment will take—but at Tend, we’re upfront about pricing from day one. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan along with a clear breakdown of total costs. Most insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, especially for children and teens, and we’ll work directly with your provider to help you maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible monthly payment options to fit your budget—so you can get started without financial stress.

You’ve got options! Every time your braces are adjusted, you’ll have the chance to choose a new rubber band color. From fun, bold shades like teal, pink, and neon green to more subtle tones like navy or silver, the color combos are endless. For adults or anyone wanting a lower-profile look, we also offer clear or tooth-colored elastics that blend in with your natural teeth. These give your braces a more discreet appearance—perfect for work or events where you want your smile to look a little more under the radar.

Each orthodontic option—traditional braces and Invisalign— comes with its own benefits, and the best one for you depends on your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and the complexity of your case.

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Traditional braces are the most effective and versatile choice for treating moderate to severe misalignment, bite issues, and overcrowding. They’re fixed to your teeth, so there’s no need to remember to wear them. They’re visible (though more discreet than they used to be), and they do come with eating restrictions, but they’re consistent, reliable, and often the most affordable option. For teens or adults who need precise, hands-on correction, traditional braces are a solid choice.

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Invisalign aligners are removable and nearly invisible. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, and they generally come with fewer lifestyle adjustments. The adjustment period is shorter, and there’s less impact on your speech. However, they only work if worn consistently, at least 22 hours a day. Invisalign is great for mild to moderate cases, but may not be the best fit for more complex needs.

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If you’re not sure which is best, we’ll walk you through your options at your free consultation. Our orthodontists will assess your case and help you choose the treatment that works for your smile and your schedule.