A Reliable Way to Straighten Teeth and Improve Bite Alignment
Traditional braces remain one of the most dependable orthodontic treatments for straightening teeth and correcting bite concerns. They can help children, teens and adults improve crowded teeth, spacing, crooked teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, provides traditional braces in Santa Monica, California, with personalized treatment planning for each patient. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teeth, bite and smile goals to determine whether traditional braces are the right option for you.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment to schedule a braces consultation at Santa Monica Orthodontics.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces use metal brackets, wires and small elastic ties to gradually move teeth into better alignment. The brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth, and the orthodontic wire applies gentle pressure to guide tooth movement over time.
Because braces are fixed in place, they work continuously throughout treatment. This makes them a strong option for many patients, especially those who need more controlled tooth movement or who may not be ideal candidates for removable clear aligners.
What Can Traditional Braces Correct?
Traditional braces can be used to address a wide range of orthodontic concerns. Depending on your needs, braces may help improve both the appearance of your smile and the way your teeth function together.
Traditional braces may help correct:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbite concerns
- Underbite concerns
- Crossbite concerns
- Open bite concerns
- Rotated teeth
- Teeth that do not fit together properly
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
During your consultation, Dr. Khan will explain what braces can realistically accomplish for your smile and whether another option may be better for your case.
Who Can Benefit From Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces can be a good option for children, teens and adults. They are often recommended when permanent teeth have erupted and the patient needs consistent, controlled tooth movement.
Children and teens may benefit from braces to guide developing smiles and correct alignment concerns before they become more difficult to treat. Adults may choose braces to correct long-standing crowding, bite issues or shifting that occurred after previous orthodontic treatment.
Santa Monica Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults, with treatment recommendations based on each patient’s needs.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are widely used because they are effective, versatile and predictable for many orthodontic cases. They may be especially helpful when more complex tooth movement is needed.
Benefits of traditional braces may include:
- Reliable correction for many alignment and bite concerns
- Fixed treatment that does not depend on remembering removable trays
- Strong control for rotating teeth and closing spaces
- An option for children, teens and adults
- Consistent progress with regular orthodontic adjustments
- A time-tested treatment for comprehensive orthodontic care
Traditional braces may not be the most discreet option, but they remain one of the strongest choices for many patients who need dependable orthodontic correction.
Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign Clear Aligners
Traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners can both straighten teeth, but they work differently. Braces are fixed to the teeth, while Invisalign treatment uses removable clear aligners that must be worn as directed.
Invisalign can be a great option for many patients who want a more discreet and removable treatment. However, traditional braces may be better for certain complex movements, younger patients who may not wear aligners consistently or cases that need more precise control.
As a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider, Dr. Khan can help you compare Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces honestly so you can choose the option that fits your treatment needs and lifestyle.
Traditional Braces vs. Ceramic Braces
Traditional braces and ceramic braces work in similar ways. Both use brackets and wires to move the teeth. The main difference is appearance. Traditional braces use metal brackets, while ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that are less noticeable.
Some patients choose ceramic braces because they want a more discreet look. Others choose traditional braces because they are durable, practical and often a good fit for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Dr. Khan can explain which option is better suited to your case.
What to Expect When Getting Traditional Braces
Your braces treatment begins with an orthodontic consultation. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw relationship and smile goals. Treatment planning may include digital records, photos, scans or imaging when appropriate.
If traditional braces are recommended, the brackets will be bonded to your teeth and connected with an orthodontic wire. You will visit our office throughout treatment so Dr. Khan can monitor your progress and make adjustments as your teeth move.
Our team will also explain how to brush and floss with braces, what foods to avoid and what to do if a bracket or wire feels uncomfortable.
Life With Traditional Braces
Braces require some daily adjustments, especially when it comes to eating and oral hygiene. You will need to avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires. You will also need to brush carefully around your braces and floss consistently to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
Some soreness is normal after braces are placed or adjusted. This usually improves as your mouth adapts. Orthodontic wax, soft foods and warm salt water rinses can help with temporary irritation.
For more detailed guidance, visit our life with braces page.
How Long Do Traditional Braces Take?
Treatment time depends on your age, alignment, bite, case complexity and how your teeth respond to movement. Some patients need limited tooth movement, while others need more comprehensive orthodontic correction.
During your consultation, Dr. Khan can provide a more personalized estimate based on your treatment plan.
How Much Do Traditional Braces Cost?
The cost of traditional braces depends on the complexity of your case, the expected treatment length and your orthodontic needs. Our team can review your estimated cost, insurance benefits and available payment options during your consultation.
You can also visit our financial options page to learn more about making orthodontic treatment more manageable.
Why Choose Santa Monica Orthodontics for Traditional Braces?
Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, completed a three-year orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. She has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has treated thousands of orthodontic cases involving braces and clear aligners.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, treatment planning may include iTero digital scanning, CBCT/3D imaging when appropriate, digital photography and digital treatment planning. These tools help Dr. Khan evaluate your teeth, bite and jaw relationship before recommending treatment.
Our goal is to provide clear guidance and personalized orthodontic care. If traditional braces are not the best option for your smile, Dr. Khan can also discuss clear aligners, Invisalign treatment, ceramic braces, lingual braces or another orthodontic option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Braces
Are traditional braces still a good option?
Yes. Traditional braces remain a reliable option for many orthodontic cases, especially when controlled tooth movement or more comprehensive correction is needed.
Do traditional braces work better than clear aligners?
Not always. Traditional braces may be better for some cases, while clear aligners may be better for others. The right choice depends on your teeth, bite, treatment goals and ability to wear aligners consistently.
Can adults get traditional braces?
Yes. Adults can benefit from traditional braces if their teeth and supporting structures are healthy enough for orthodontic movement. Dr. Khan will evaluate your oral health before recommending treatment.
How often will I need braces adjustments?
Your visit schedule will depend on your treatment plan. During these visits, Dr. Khan monitors progress and makes adjustments to help guide your teeth into better alignment.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
You should avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that can damage brackets and wires. Our team will give you specific instructions after your braces are placed.
Will I need retainers after braces?
Yes. Retainers help maintain your results after braces. Our team will explain your retention plan when active treatment is complete.
Schedule a Traditional Braces Consultation in Santa Monica
If you are considering traditional braces in Santa Monica, CA, Santa Monica Orthodontics can help you understand your options and choose the right treatment for your smile. Dr. Khan provides personalized orthodontic care for children, teens and adults.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment online to schedule your traditional braces consultation.