Braces

The Traditional Path To A Confident Reflection

Over generations, traditional braces have remained one of the most trusted orthodontic treatments available. At Glass Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to love your smile. Traditional braces are a reliable, time-tested solution designed to help you achieve a healthy, confident reflection. If you are ready to begin your smile journey, Dr. Glass will meet with you for a comprehensive evaluation. Because every smile is unique, he will help you determine which type of braces best fit your needs and goals. Contact Glass Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn how orthodontic treatment can enhance your smile in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC and Moyock, NC.

Orthodontist talking with teen patient wearing braces in chesapeake va at glass orthodontics

Braces

The Traditional Path To A Confident Reflection

Over generations, traditional braces have remained one of the most trusted orthodontic treatments available. At Glass Orthodontics, we understand how important it is to love your smile. Traditional braces are a reliable, time-tested solution designed to help you achieve a healthy, confident reflection. If you are ready to begin your smile journey, Dr. Glass will meet with you for a comprehensive evaluation. Because every smile is unique, he will help you determine which type of braces best fit your needs and goals. Contact Glass Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn how orthodontic treatment can enhance your smile in Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC and Moyock, NC.

Orthodontist talking with teen patient wearing braces in chesapeake va at glass orthodontics

Traditional Metal Braces

As the foundation of orthodontics for nearly fifty years, traditional metal braces continue to be one of the most popular treatment options today. Thanks to ongoing advancements in orthodontic technology, materials and bonding techniques, today’s braces are more efficient, comfortable and streamlined than ever before.

Earlier versions of braces often felt bulky and noticeable. Modern fixed braces are smaller, sleeker and designed with your comfort in mind. Today’s advanced wires can move teeth more efficiently, often with only mild discomfort after adjustments.

Ceramic Braces

Made from clear or tooth-colored materials, ceramic braces offer a more subtle way to straighten your smile. Also known as clear or cosmetic braces, they work just like traditional metal braces while blending in more naturally with your teeth.

For patients looking for a more discreet option without sacrificing effectiveness, ceramic braces provide the perfect balance of function and aesthetics.

Indirect Bonding

At Glass Orthodontics, every smile is treated with a personalized approach, and that starts from the very first step of placing your braces. To make your experience as efficient and comfortable as possible, Dr. Glass uses an advanced method called indirect bonding.

With indirect bonding, your brackets are first placed on a custom tray designed specifically for your smile, based on a precise digital plan. This allows Dr. Glass to map out your treatment in advance, ensuring each bracket is positioned with accuracy before they are even placed on your teeth.

Once ready, the tray is used to place all of the brackets at once, rather than bonding each one individually. This not only improves precision, but also helps reduce the amount of time spent in the chair during your appointment.

By combining advanced technology with a fully customized treatment plan, indirect bonding supports more efficient results while creating a smoother, more comfortable start to your smile journey.

Parts Of Traditional Braces

If you or your child are starting treatment, understanding the different parts of braces can be helpful. Knowing what each component does can make cleaning easier and help you feel more confident when discussing your treatment with Dr. Glass.

  • Brackets — Small metal or ceramic pieces bonded to the front of each tooth that hold the archwire in place

  • Bands — Metal rings placed around the molars to provide a strong anchor for the archwire

  • Ligatures — Small elastics or thin wires that hold the archwire in place. These are changed at each visit and come in a variety of fun colors

  • Elastic Hooks — Small hooks attached to brackets that hold rubber bands, which help guide your teeth into their ideal position

Metal and ceramic braces models comparison in chesapeake va at glass orthodontics

How Traditional Braces Straighten Your Smile

Braces gently move your teeth into their ideal positions using consistent, controlled pressure over time. As this pressure is applied, your jawbone naturally adapts, allowing your teeth to shift into alignment.

Beneath your gums, a membrane helps anchor your teeth to the surrounding bone. This tissue responds to the pressure from your traditional braces, guiding your teeth into their new positions and supporting a healthy, balanced smile.

Benefits

A beautifully aligned smile offers more than just aesthetic improvements. Orthodontic treatment can support both your confidence and your overall oral health. Benefits of straightening your smile with traditional braces include:

  • Improved oral health
  • Better chewing and digestion
  • Support for jawbone health
  • Boosted confidence
  • Improved speech
  • A more aligned, balanced smile
  • Reduced risk of dental trauma
  • Less stress and wear on teeth
  • Healthier teeth and gums
  • Relief or improvement of TMJ discomfort

FAQs

When starting your smile journey, it is completely normal to have questions. Here are a few of the most common ones our team hears:

How do I tell if my child needs braces?

We recommend scheduling your child’s first orthodontic visit around age 7. At this stage, Dr. Glass can evaluate how their smile is developing and plan for any future orthodontic needs, including early intervention if necessary.

Braces are designed to correct a wide range of orthodontic concerns and improve overall function. They can treat:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Overcrowding
  • Gaps between teeth

The American Association of Orthodontists and Glass Orthodontics recommend an evaluation around age 7. However, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age and it is never too late to achieve your smile goals.

The cost of traditional braces depends on your individual smile needs. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can walk you through your options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting.

Traditional braces do not typically hurt, but you may experience mild soreness, especially after adjustments. This is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Proper care is key to staying on track with your treatment. Keeping your braces clean and intact helps ensure the best results.

  • Brush at least twice a day and floss daily
  • Clean carefully around brackets and wires
  • Keep all scheduled orthodontic appointments
  • Continue regular dental cleanings and checkups

Yes, following a braces-friendly diet helps protect your appliances and keep treatment on schedule. Hard or sticky foods can damage brackets and wires. We recommend avoiding:

  • Ice
  • Raw vegetables
  • Hard breads
  • Nuts
  • Chips and pretzels
  • Bagels
  • Gum
  • Hard taco shells
  • Licorice
  • Hard or sticky candy
Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va
Dr. Glass checking a patient’s teeth during orthodontic treatment near chesapeake va

BECAUSE A GOOD SMILE FEELS

AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS

Ready to take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile? Request your complimentary orthodontic consultation with Glass Orthodontics today. Our team proudly welcomes patients from Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, and Moyock, NC, and will guide you through personalized treatment options in a comfortable, patient-focused environment. Get started today and discover how easy it can be to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.