Fixed brackets & wires
Broad orthodontic versatility
No daily tray wear to remember
Consultations across 3 Bright Smiles officesHow do traditional braces work?
Brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire. Adjustments to the appliance apply controlled force that gradually moves teeth toward the planned positions.
Who can wear braces?
Children, teens and adults can all be candidates. The decision depends on dental development, gum and bone health, bite problems and the movements needed.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies by case. Many comprehensive treatments take months to a few years, depending on the bite, tooth movement, growth and how treatment progresses.
Do braces require special care?
Yes. Brackets and wires create extra places for plaque and food to collect, so brushing, cleaning between the teeth and protecting the appliance are especially important.
A FIXED APPLIANCE WITH A LONG CLINICAL TRACK RECORD
Why traditional braces still matter
Clear aligners have expanded the number of orthodontic choices available to patients, but fixed braces remain a useful treatment tool. The brackets stay bonded to the teeth and the wire stays engaged between visits, so the planned force is not dependent on daily tray wear.
That fixed design can be helpful when a case requires a broad range of tooth movements, when bite correction is a major goal, or when remembering removable aligners would be difficult.
Braces are not automatically better than aligners, and aligners are not automatically better than braces. The right appliance is the one that fits the diagnosis, mechanics and patient.
WHY A FIXED APPLIANCE MAY FIT THE CASE
Traditional braces give us a different kind of control
The advantage of a fixed appliance is not that it is “old fashioned.” It is that the appliance remains engaged continuously and can be modified over time as the teeth and bite respond.
Fixed throughout treatment
The appliance stays attached to the teeth, so treatment does not depend on remembering to put trays back in after meals or activities.
Useful across many malocclusions
Braces can be used for crowding, spacing, rotations and many bite problems, with additional auxiliaries added when the treatment plan requires them.
Direct mechanical control
Brackets, wires, elastics and other auxiliaries give the treating doctor multiple ways to apply and modify force as treatment progresses.
Works for teens and adults
Age alone does not determine whether braces are appropriate. Dental development, periodontal health, bite, goals and cooperation matter more.
The goal is not simply straighter front teeth. It is a healthy, functional bite with tooth positions that can be maintained after treatment.
WHAT TREATMENT LOOKS LIKE
From the first records to retainer wear
Braces treatment is a sequence of diagnosis, controlled tooth movement, monitoring and finishing. The exact schedule and mechanics depend on the case.
01
Consultation & diagnosis
We evaluate tooth position, the bite, gum health, dental development and your goals, then determine whether fixed braces are the right category of treatment.
02
Records & planning
Photographs, scans or impressions and the diagnostic records needed for the case are used to plan tooth movement and bite correction.
03
Braces placement
Brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected with an archwire. We review home care, foods to avoid and what to expect during the first several days.
04
Adjustment visits
At follow-up visits, wires, elastics or other components may be changed as the teeth move and the bite develops.
05
Finishing & detailing
The later phase focuses on refining tooth positions, contacts and the bite rather than simply making the front teeth look straight.
06
Retention
After the braces are removed, retainers are used to help maintain the result. Retention is an essential part of orthodontic treatment.
CANDIDACY
When traditional braces may be a strong option
Braces can be used across a wide range of orthodontic problems, but appliance choice still depends on the individual diagnosis. Growth, periodontal health, restorative dentistry, missing teeth and the severity of the bite problem can all affect the plan.
Crowding & rotations
Braces can create space, align crowded teeth and correct many rotations using a fixed appliance that remains engaged between visits.
Spacing
Fixed braces can close spaces while the treatment plan also considers tooth proportions, gum health and the final bite.
Overbite, underbite & crossbite
Many bite problems can be treated with braces, sometimes together with elastics or other orthodontic appliances.
Root and tooth-position control
Brackets and wires allow the treating doctor to modify tooth position in three dimensions as treatment progresses.
Teens who may not want tray responsibility
Because braces stay on the teeth, there is no need to remember to wear removable trays for most of the day.
Adults who prefer a fixed option
Adults can also be candidates for braces when the teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy enough for orthodontic movement.
CHOOSING THE APPLIANCE
Traditional braces, Fastbraces® and clear aligners
Bright Smiles offers more than one orthodontic pathway. We recommend the appliance based on what needs to move, how the bite needs to change, oral health, lifestyle and patient preferences.
Traditional Braces
Fixed metal brackets and wires that stay on the teeth. A strong choice when continuous appliance engagement and broad mechanical control are useful.
Fastbraces®
A different fixed-braces system available at Bright Smiles. Whether it fits depends on the tooth movement and bite correction required.
Clear Aligners
Removable trays that can be taken out for eating and oral hygiene. They require consistent daily wear and are not the best fit for every case.
Combination / Hybrid Plans
Some cases may use more than one appliance or treatment phase when that gives the doctor better control of different parts of the problem.
LIVING WITH BRACES
The appliance works every day — home care protects the result
Braces stay on the teeth between visits, so oral hygiene and protecting the brackets and wires become part of the treatment routine.
Brush carefully
Brackets create extra surfaces where plaque can collect. Brush thoroughly around the gumline, brackets and wires with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between teeth
Floss threaders, interdental brushes or a water flosser can help clean around wires and between teeth where a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
Protect the appliance
Hard, sticky and chewy foods can damage brackets or wires. Many foods can still be enjoyed when cut into smaller pieces and chewed carefully.
Use a mouthguard for sports
A properly fitted mouthguard can help protect the lips, cheeks, teeth and orthodontic appliance during contact or collision sports.
COST, INSURANCE & FINANCING
The fee depends on the treatment plan
The cost of braces varies with the complexity of the bite, whether one or both arches are treated, treatment length, additional appliances and whether treatment is comprehensive or limited.
Bright Smiles orthodontic consultations are $98. Current promotions may waive or change that fee, so confirm the offer that applies when you schedule.
We accept your insurance and will help you maximize your available benefits. Orthodontic benefits vary by plan, age and treatment. Our team can review the benefits that may apply and discuss financing options.
CARE CLOSE TO HOME
Start your braces consultation at the office that works for you
Choose Cumming, Lawrenceville or Dawsonville. We will evaluate the teeth, bite, oral health and treatment goals before recommending traditional braces or another orthodontic pathway.
Cumming
907 Buford Rd, Suite 100
Cumming, GA 30041
678-922-8282
Orthodontic consultations available
Lawrenceville
845 Scenic Hwy S, Suite 300
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-5588
Orthodontic consultations available
Dawsonville
78 Dawson Village Way N, Suite 170
Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-525-7127
Orthodontic consultations available
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Traditional braces questions, answered clearly
How do traditional braces move teeth?
Brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected by wires. The appliance applies controlled force over time, and the wires or other components are adjusted as the teeth move toward the planned positions.
Are traditional braces only for teenagers?
No. Children, teens and adults can all be candidates. The decision depends on dental development, periodontal health, the orthodontic problem and the movements needed.
How long will I wear braces?
Treatment length varies. Comprehensive treatment often takes months to a few years, depending on the starting bite, the amount of tooth movement, growth and how treatment progresses.
Do braces hurt?
It is common to feel pressure or soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted. The discomfort usually improves as the mouth adapts. Contact us if pain is severe, persistent or caused by a broken appliance.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Hard, sticky and chewy foods can damage brackets or wires. Foods such as whole apples or raw carrots can often still be eaten when cut into small pieces. We will review specific instructions when treatment starts.
How do I floss with braces?
Floss threaders, orthodontic flossers, interdental brushes and water flossers can help clean around wires and between teeth. The important goal is thorough daily cleaning between the teeth.
What happens if a bracket or wire breaks?
Call Bright Smiles so we can determine whether the problem needs an urgent visit or can wait until your next appointment. Do not cut or remove parts of the appliance unless you are specifically instructed to do so.
Can I play sports with braces?
Yes. A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important during contact or collision sports because it helps protect the teeth, brackets, lips and cheeks.
Will I need elastics?
Possibly. Elastics can be used to add force for certain bite corrections. If they are prescribed, wear them exactly as directed because inconsistent use can slow or alter the planned movement.
Do I still need dental cleanings while I have braces?
Yes. Orthodontic visits do not replace routine dental care. Continue regular preventive visits and follow the cleaning schedule recommended for your oral health.
Will I need retainers after braces?
Yes. Teeth can move after active orthodontic treatment. Retainers help maintain the result after the braces are removed, and we will review the type and wear schedule for your case.
Does insurance help with traditional braces?
We accept your insurance and will help you maximize your benefits. Orthodontic benefits vary by plan, age and treatment. Our team can review the benefits that may apply before treatment begins.
RELATED ORTHODONTIC CARE
Your braces plan connects with the rest of orthodontic care
Not sure whether braces or aligners make more sense?
Start with the diagnosis. We will evaluate the teeth, bite, gums, dental development and the movements required before recommending the appliance.
If traditional braces give us the control the case needs, we will explain why. If clear aligners, Fastbraces® or another approach fits better, we will explain that too.
Cumming • Lawrenceville • Dawsonville
Fixed braces • Clear aligners • Fastbraces® • Retention planning