How much do orthodontic braces cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary considerably based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated and the type of braces being used. Your orthodontist will provide you with an estimate for the cost of your treatment at the outset. If you already have an estimate from your orthodontist, you can use our cost calculator to determine your approximate monthly payments.

Who is a candidate for braces?

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces. That said, certain people with significant recession or oral health conditions may not be candidates. Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces.

What are my options for low-profile braces?

We offer self-ligating Damon braces and translucent braces at Pavlo Orthodontics. Self-ligating braces don't require elastics or ties like traditional braces, giving them a neater, more streamlined look. Translucent braces have ceramic brackets that match the color of your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about both these types of braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'. Invisalign clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.

How long will I need to wear braces?

On average, braces treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, but the timeline can vary from patient to patient. The length of your treatment depends mainly on the type and severity of your misalignment. Mild or moderate cases usually take less time to treat than more complex ones.

How long until I get used to my braces?

It usually takes a week or two to get fully used to your braces. At first, you might find yourself poking them with your tongue as you adjust to the way the wires and brackets feel in your mouth. You may also notice some areas of your mouth rubbing against the braces and causing soreness. Applying orthodontic wax to those spots can help create a smoother surface and reduce friction while your mouth adjusts. This discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.

You will likely experience some discomfort at different points during your braces treatment. This is normal and usually temporary, often lasting just a few hours or days. Discomfort is common during the first week after getting braces and continues for a short time after each adjustment appointment as your teeth begin to shift. Many patients describe it as a feeling of pressure or a mild ache, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also notice temporary irritation when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can happen when you first get your braces or after adjustments. You can use orthodontic wax to create a smoother surface to reduce friction in the area, and take pain relievers until the irritation subsides.

Can adults get braces?

Yes, adults can get braces! More and more adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger, to improve their oral health and the appearance of their smiles. Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development, rather than undoing issues that are already established later on. With all that being said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children, and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.

Do I have to brush more with braces?

Yes, it’s a good idea to be even more diligent with your oral health while undergoing treatment with braces. Brackets and wires create small spaces where food can easily get trapped, making it a prime spot for bacteria to build up. To prevent cavities, tooth discoloration, and bad breath, staying extra vigilant with your brushing and flossing is essential. A good habit to get into while undergoing treatment with braces is to brush your teeth after every meal.

How do I floss with braces?

Flossing with braces might seem tricky at first, but it becomes simple once you get the hang of it. To floss, thread the floss between your arch wire and your teeth. We provide floss threaders to make this easier. Gently pull the floss toward the back of each tooth and move it up and down between your teeth. Repeat this process for each space between your teeth.

What can I eat while I'm wearing braces?

Eating with braces takes a little extra care, but you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods. For the most part, you can continue your normal diet with just a few simple adjustments. It’s best to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Chewing gum should be avoided entirely. Try not to bite directly into foods like apples or corn on the cob. Instead, cut your apple into small pieces and remove the corn from the cob.

Can I still play contact sports if I wear braces?

We generally recommend avoiding any sports that could involve regular direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable. Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a sports mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well. For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.

Braces vs. Invisalign: How do I choose which is best for me?

Both braces and Invisalign are effective ways to straighten teeth, but each has differences that may make one option a better fit depending on your needs. When deciding between them, consider your lifestyle, personal preferences, appearance, the type and severity of your misalignment, and cost. Your orthodontist will review your specific case and recommend the treatment that’s right for you. You can learn more here.

Braces for Children, Teens & Adults | Peabody & Newburyport Orthodontist

Braces for a Healthier Bite

Conventional braces are a trusted, time-tested way to straighten teeth that orthodontists have been using successfully for decades to align smiles and create healthier bites.

Braces are made up of three main components: brackets, a flexible arch wire, and sometimes elastic bands.

The brackets are attached to the front of the teeth and hold the arch wire in place. Over time, the arch wire gently guides the teeth into their new positions, while elastic bands add extra force where needed.

Braces are a versatile treatment option, capable of addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues in children, teens and adults of all ages - from moderate adjustments to more complex cases.

Today’s braces also come in sleek, low-profile designs, offering a more streamlined look for patients who want an esthetic option.

Types of Braces Living With Braces

A man with braces is using a tablet.

Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options

At Pavlo Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to health care. To help our patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, we offer flexible payment plans and convenient financing with Orthobanc.

Learn More About Payment Plans & Financing

Types of Braces at Pavlo Orthodontics

Choosing the right braces is all about finding what works best for you. Factors like your unique orthodontic needs and personal budget help guide our recommendations. Here’s a look at the options we offer to help you get the smile you want:

Self-Ligating Damon^® Braces

Damon self-ligating braces use a built-in mechanism to hold the arch wire in place, so they don’t require elastic ties like traditional braces. This gives them a lower-profile look and makes them easier to keep clean.

We offer both the classic metal Damon braces and a clear ceramic version for a more discreet appearance. The Damon System is designed to move with your teeth, which can make treatment more comfortable, sometimes shorter, and may mean fewer office visits.

Because of their advanced design, Damon braces can cost more than traditional braces and may not always be covered by insurance. For patients concerned about cost, traditional braces can still be an effective option.

Self-litigating braces use a built in mechanism to hold the arch wire in place.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are a reliable and cost-effective way to straighten teeth, and they’ve been used successfully for decades. Metal brackets are attached to your teeth, and an arch wire runs through them to guide your teeth into place. Elastic ties or small metal clips hold the wire in position.

The arch wires are made of metal alloys designed to apply just the right amount of force to gently move your teeth while keeping treatment as comfortable as possible.

Translucent Braces

Translucent braces aren’t actually see-through; they're just designed to blend in with your teeth. Made from tooth-colored ceramic, these brackets create a more discreet look than traditional metal braces.

They’re a great option for many patients, but they’re not the best choice for everyone. Because ceramic isn’t as strong as metal, certain orthodontic issues are better treated with traditional metal braces.

Tooth-colored ceramic braces that appear translucent on teeth.

Living with Braces

It’s normal for braces to feel a little different at first, but you’ll adjust quickly and find new routines that work for you. Here’s what you can expect while wearing braces.

Adjustments

Adjustments are an important part of your braces treatment. About every four to eight weeks, you’ll visit our office so we can make the necessary tweaks to keep your teeth moving on track.

It’s normal to feel some soreness or discomfort for a few hours or days after an adjustment. This is temporary and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers
Elastics

Elastics, or rubber bands, are used with traditional braces to apply extra pressure where it’s needed, helping guide teeth into the right positions.

Because elastics lose their strength quickly, they need to be replaced at least twice a day. Many patients find it easier to remember to change their elastics if they make a habit of replacing them after every meal.

Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing elastics. If your elastics break often, or if the hooks for them come loose, contact our office for guidance.
Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important when you have braces. Braces create small spaces where plaque can build up, which can lead to tooth discoloration, cavities, or gum problems.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, brush after every meal with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. A Proxabrush^® is designed to clean between your braces, and a Waterpik^™ or air flosser can be used to help remove stubborn food particles.

Flossing is also important, and it’s easier than you might think. Simply thread the floss between your arch wire and teeth, gently slide it towards the back of each tooth, and move it up and down to clean between your teeth.
Eating

Wearing braces may mean making a few changes to your diet. You’ll want to avoid chewy or sticky foods like caramel and licorice, hard or crunchy items like nuts and hard candies, and foods you have to bite into, such as apples or corn on the cob. Sugary drinks should also be limited.

That said, cutting foods into smaller pieces and eating slowly can help you enjoy more variety during treatment. Always follow your orthodontist’s guidance to keep your braces safe and your treatment on track.
Mouth Guards

If you’re an athlete, braces don’t have to keep you off the field, court, or rink. To stay safe while playing, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard. It will help protect your teeth, mouth, and braces from any potential damage during games or practice.
Retainers

Once your active orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign is complete, wearing a retainer is an important next step. It helps keep your teeth in their new positions while the bone around the roots settles and hardens.

In the first several weeks after treatment, you’ll likely wear your retainer almost all the time, only taking it out for eating and brushing, as your orthodontist instructs.

As your teeth stabilize, and with your orthodontist’s approval, you may transition to wearing your retainer just at night.

Questions About Braces? We've Got Answers.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment with braces, you likely have some questions. Get started by reading our braces FAQs to learn more.

How much do orthodontic braces cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary considerably based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated and the type of braces being used. Your orthodontist will provide you with an estimate for the cost of your treatment at the outset.

If you already have an estimate from your orthodontist, you can use our cost calculator to determine your approximate monthly payments.
Who is a candidate for braces?

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces. That said, certain people with significant recession or oral health conditions may not be candidates.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces.
What are my options for low-profile braces?

We offer self-ligating Damon braces and translucent braces at Pavlo Orthodontics.

Self-ligating braces don't require elastics or ties like traditional braces, giving them a neater, more streamlined look. Translucent braces have ceramic brackets that match the color of your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about both these types of braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

Invisalign clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.
How long will I need to wear braces?

On average, braces treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, but the timeline can vary from patient to patient. The length of your treatment depends mainly on the type and severity of your misalignment. Mild or moderate cases usually take less time to treat than more complex ones.
How long until I get used to my braces?

It usually takes a week or two to get fully used to your braces. At first, you might find yourself poking them with your tongue as you adjust to the way the wires and brackets feel in your mouth.

You may also notice some areas of your mouth rubbing against the braces and causing soreness. Applying orthodontic wax to those spots can help create a smoother surface and reduce friction while your mouth adjusts. This discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.
Do braces hurt?

You will likely experience some discomfort at different points during your braces treatment. This is normal and usually temporary, often lasting just a few hours or days.

Discomfort is common during the first week after getting braces and continues for a short time after each adjustment appointment as your teeth begin to shift. Many patients describe it as a feeling of pressure or a mild ache, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

You may also notice temporary irritation when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can happen when you first get your braces or after adjustments. You can use orthodontic wax to create a smoother surface to reduce friction in the area, and take pain relievers until the irritation subsides.
Can adults get braces?

Yes, adults can get braces! More and more adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger, to improve their oral health and the appearance of their smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.
Can kids get braces?

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development, rather than undoing issues that are already established later on.

With all that being said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children, and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.
Do I have to brush more with braces?

Yes, it’s a good idea to be even more diligent with your oral health while undergoing treatment with braces. Brackets and wires create small spaces where food can easily get trapped, making it a prime spot for bacteria to build up.

To prevent cavities, tooth discoloration, and bad breath, staying extra vigilant with your brushing and flossing is essential. A good habit to get into while undergoing treatment with braces is to brush your teeth after every meal.
How do I floss with braces?

Flossing with braces might seem tricky at first, but it becomes simple once you get the hang of it.

To floss, thread the floss between your arch wire and your teeth. We provide floss threaders to make this easier. Gently pull the floss toward the back of each tooth and move it up and down between your teeth. Repeat this process for each space between your teeth.
What can I eat while I'm wearing braces?

Eating with braces takes a little extra care, but you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods. For the most part, you can continue your normal diet with just a few simple adjustments.

It’s best to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Chewing gum should be avoided entirely.

Try not to bite directly into foods like apples or corn on the cob. Instead, cut your apple into small pieces and remove the corn from the cob.
Can I still play contact sports if I wear braces?

We generally recommend avoiding any sports that could involve regular direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a sports mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.

For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.
Braces vs. Invisalign: How do I choose which is best for me?

Both braces and Invisalign are effective ways to straighten teeth, but each has differences that may make one option a better fit depending on your needs.

When deciding between them, consider your lifestyle, personal preferences, appearance, the type and severity of your misalignment, and cost. Your orthodontist will review your specific case and recommend the treatment that’s right for you. You can learn more here.

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