4000 SW 34th Ave #B, Amarillo, TX 79109
The Proven Path to a Straighter Smile
Traditional braces have straightened smiles for generations, and for good reason. Using a system of metal brackets and archwires, traditional braces apply steady, controlled pressure to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Advances in bracket design and wire technology have made today's traditional braces smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.
At Dental Group Orthodontics, traditional braces are often the most effective option for correcting complex bite issues, severe crowding, and significant spacing problems. Dr. Gary Chapman evaluates each patient's bite, jaw alignment, and treatment goals to determine whether traditional braces offer the most direct path to a healthy, confident smile.
Find Out If Braces Are Right for You
Conditions Traditional Braces Can Treat
Traditional braces are highly effective at correcting a wide range of orthodontic concerns, from mild cosmetic adjustments to more involved bite and jaw alignment issues. Common conditions treated with traditional braces include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth caused by limited jaw space
- Gaps and spacing between teeth, including a noticeable gap between the two front teeth
- Overbite, where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
- Underbite, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite, where upper and lower teeth do not align properly when biting down
- Open bite, where the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed
- Uneven tooth wear caused by misalignment or an improper bite
- Jaw alignment issues that can affect speech, chewing, or jaw comfort over time
Because traditional braces offer precise, continuous control over tooth movement, they are frequently recommended for more complex orthodontic cases where other treatment options, such as clear aligners, may not provide the same level of predictability or control.
How Traditional Braces Move Your Teeth
Traditional braces consist of small brackets bonded to the front surface of each tooth, connected by a thin archwire that guides teeth into their correct position over time. Small elastic or metal ties hold the archwire securely against each bracket, allowing consistent, controlled pressure to be applied around the clock, not just during waking hours.
As treatment progresses, the archwire is periodically adjusted, and sometimes replaced with a wire of a different thickness or material, to continue applying the right amount of pressure needed to keep teeth moving in the intended direction. This gradual, incremental process allows the jawbone to remodel around the teeth as they shift, which is essential to achieving results that last well beyond the completion of active treatment.
Most patients visit the Dental Group Orthodontics office every 6-10 weeks for adjustment appointments utilizing the latest in bracket and wire technology that extends appointment intervals and increases comfort. These visits allow Dr. Chapman to monitor progress closely, address any concerns, and make small changes to the arch wire or bracket configuration that keep treatment on track and on schedule.
The Traditional Braces Treatment Process
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of each case, though most patients complete traditional braces treatment within 18 to 24 months.
Initial Consultation
01
A full evaluation, including digital imaging and a review of bite alignment, helps determine whether traditional braces are the right fit for your smile, your bite, and your treatment goals.
Custom Treatment Plan
02
Dr. Chapman builds a personalized plan outlining expected treatment length, bracket placement strategy, and key milestones along the way, so patients and parents know what to expect from day one.
Placement Appointment
03
Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected with an archwire during a comfortable, straightforward appointment that typically takes about an hour to complete.
Regular Adjustments
04
Periodic visits every four to six weeks keep treatment progressing as planned, with small wire changes and bracket adjustments made along the way to fine-tune results.
Mid-Treatment Check-Ins
05
Throughout treatment, progress photos and bite checks help confirm that teeth are moving as expected and that the plan remains on schedule.
Braces Removal
06
Once teeth reach their ideal position and bite alignment goals are met, braces are carefully removed and a custom retainer is provided to protect and maintain your results.
Are Traditional Braces the Right Choice for Your Smile?
Traditional braces work well for patients of nearly any age, from children in the early stages of orthodontic development to teenagers navigating school and social activities, to adults addressing long-standing bite concerns they may have lived with for years. They are often the preferred option for more complex cases involving significant crowding, severe bite misalignment, or situations requiring precise, continuous control over tooth movement that other treatment options cannot always match.
During a consultation at Dental Group Orthodontics, Dr. Chapman reviews bite alignment, jaw development, tooth positioning, and personal treatment goals to help determine whether traditional braces or Spark clear aligners offer the most effective and appropriate path forward for each patient.
Insurance and Financing for Traditional Braces
Dental Group Orthodontics works with most major dental insurance providers to help offset the cost of traditional braces. For patients without insurance, flexible financing options, including interest-free loans through Amarillo National Bank and no-interest financing through CareCredit, make it easier to fit treatment into a monthly budget.
Learn More About Insurance and Financing
Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
A straighter, healthier smile starts with a single consultation. Schedule an appointment with Dental Group Orthodontics and take the first step toward confident, lasting results with traditional braces.
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