How long do metal braces take to straighten my teeth?

Metal braces typically require 12 to 24 months of treatment, but your exact timeline depends on the complexity of your alignment or bite concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Desman will evaluate your teeth, jaw position, and overall orthodontic needs to estimate how long your treatment may take. Some patients with mild crowding or spacing finish sooner, while those with more significant bite corrections may need additional time to achieve the best long-term results. Regular visits and good home care can help keep your treatment on track.

Will I feel discomfort with metal braces?

It is normal to experience some pressure, tightness, or mild soreness after your braces are first placed or adjusted. This feeling usually lasts a day or two as your teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods, and orthodontic wax can help ease any temporary discomfort. Most patients find that as they adjust to wearing braces, these sensations become much less noticeable. If you ever experience unusual or prolonged discomfort, our team is always available to help.

Do I need to avoid certain foods with braces?

Yes, adjusting your diet helps protect your brackets and wires throughout treatment. Hard foods like nuts or popcorn kernels can break brackets, while sticky foods such as caramel or chewing gum can get trapped around the wires. We recommend choosing softer foods during the first few days after an adjustment and cutting firmer foods into small pieces to make them easier to chew. Following these guidelines helps prevent delays and keeps your treatment progressing smoothly.

Can metal braces handle severe bite issues?

Absolutely. Metal braces are one of the most effective orthodontic treatments for correcting complex bite and alignment problems. Their design allows for precise tooth movement and the ability to apply stronger, more controlled force when needed. This makes them ideal for addressing significant overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and severe crowding. With consistent monitoring from Dr. Desman and regular adjustment visits, metal braces can create meaningful, long-lasting improvements in both function and appearance.

Metal Braces in Port St. Lucie

Durable Metal Braces for Confident Alignment

Why Metal Braces Might Be Right for You

Metal braces use durable stainless-steel brackets and wires to gently guide your teeth into proper alignment. They’re one of the most reliable options for correcting complex concerns like bite issues, crowding, and spacing, with an average treatment time of 12–24 months. In select cases, we may offer LightForce metal braces, a custom option that uses digitally designed, tooth-specific brackets to support more precise movement. Because this level of customization isn’t necessary for every patient, LightForce is available as an optional, upgraded treatment.

Benefits of Choosing Metal Braces

Metal braces offer more than improved alignment. They contribute to a healthier, more confident smile that lasts.

Consistent and Predictable Progress

Steady pressure allows precise correction, even for complex cases.

Better Daily Oral Care

In the long term, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain.

Enhanced Smile Confidence

Improved alignment can positively affect appearance and everyday function.

Suitable for Many Patients

A dependable option for children, teens, and adults alike.

How Your Metal Braces Treatment Works

Dr. Desman customizes every orthodontic plan to ensure accuracy and predictable progress. Your treatment begins with digital scans, X-rays, and a conversation about your goals so your plan is tailored to your needs. Once treatment starts, small stainless-steel brackets are placed on your teeth and connected with an archwire that gently guides movement. You’ll return every few weeks for adjustments so Dr. Desman can keep your smile progressing safely and steadily. When your braces come off, you’ll receive custom retainers to protect your results and maintain your beautifully aligned smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do metal braces take to straighten my teeth?
Metal braces typically require 12 to 24 months of treatment, but your exact timeline depends on the complexity of your alignment or bite concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Desman will evaluate your teeth, jaw position, and overall orthodontic needs to estimate how long your treatment may take. Some patients with mild crowding or spacing finish sooner, while those with more significant bite corrections may need additional time to achieve the best long-term results. Regular visits and good home care can help keep your treatment on track.
Will I feel discomfort with metal braces?
It is normal to experience some pressure, tightness, or mild soreness after your braces are first placed or adjusted. This feeling usually lasts a day or two as your teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods, and orthodontic wax can help ease any temporary discomfort. Most patients find that as they adjust to wearing braces, these sensations become much less noticeable. If you ever experience unusual or prolonged discomfort, our team is always available to help.
Do I need to avoid certain foods with braces?
Yes, adjusting your diet helps protect your brackets and wires throughout treatment. Hard foods like nuts or popcorn kernels can break brackets, while sticky foods such as caramel or chewing gum can get trapped around the wires. We recommend choosing softer foods during the first few days after an adjustment and cutting firmer foods into small pieces to make them easier to chew. Following these guidelines helps prevent delays and keeps your treatment progressing smoothly.
Can metal braces handle severe bite issues?
Absolutely. Metal braces are one of the most effective orthodontic treatments for correcting complex bite and alignment problems. Their design allows for precise tooth movement and the ability to apply stronger, more controlled force when needed. This makes them ideal for addressing significant overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and severe crowding. With consistent monitoring from Dr. Desman and regular adjustment visits, metal braces can create meaningful, long-lasting improvements in both function and appearance.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Visit Today

Your straighter, healthier smile starts here. Our team is dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality orthodontic treatment at every stage of the process.

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