Metal Braces for Kids, Adults, and Teens Along the Gulf Coast

Since we customize braces treatment to your unique smile, treatment time varies, depending on several variables and is personalized for patients across the Northshore, Southshore, and Mississippi Gulf Coast areas, such as: 

• The severity of your bite problem, if applicable 

• Your age and growth stage 

• How your teeth respond to treatment  

• Your overall oral health, and more 

That said, most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, which may be shorter or longer depending on your case. Initially, we’ll discuss this with you and give you an idea of what you can expect, and then after you’ve been in treatment for a while, we can see how your’re responding to the treatment, giving us an even better idea of how long treatment will last. 

Metal braces are designed to be a part of your day-to-day life, and most people adjust quickly to having them. That said, there might be a few changes you’ll need to make to ensure your braces stay in good shape and your treatment progresses smoothly.  

• Sports: A mouthguard is highly recommended, particularly for contact sports. Good news: We’ll custom-make you one for free.  

• Playing Musical Instruments: Some musicians find that using special orthodontic wax over the braces helps ease discomfort — and we’ll make sure you have some!  

• Eating: Sticky, hard, or overly chewy foods can damage your braces and should be avoided.  

• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more crucial with braces.  
• Speaking: Some people might notice a slight difference in their speech when they first get their braces, but this is temporary. 

Generally, braces do not hurt. However, you may feel a little sore or uncomfortable immediately after you first get them. This soreness is normal, and it will not last long. A saltwater rinse can help relieve soreness and inflammation. Dissolve a single teaspoon of salt in a full cup of lukewarm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes. If soreness persists, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you experience lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly. 

Regular visits to your orthodontist are an important part of your treatment when you have braces. These check-ups allow us to monitor treatment progress and make necessary adjustments to keep treatment on track. 

You can expect a visit to your local Smile Doctors by DN Orthodontics clinic every 4 to 6 weeks. However, this can vary depending on your individual treatment plan and how your unique smile responds to treatment.   

The cost of braces depends on which type of braces you choose, how long you will need treatment, and any other factors that might be unique to your treatment plan. Our treatment coordinators offer payment plans that can work with your budget and get you the orthodontic care that you need. 

Absolutely! One popular option for less noticeable braces is ceramic braces. Very similar to the traditional metal braces in that brackets and wires guide your teeth into the correct position, they’re more discreet. Instead of stainless steel, ceramic brackets are white or clear ceramic that blend in with your teeth. You can also consider Invisalign® aligners if you’re looking for a completely wire-free experience (and you’re a good candidate for it). 

Yes, many insurance plans do cover braces, and we’re committed to making orthodontic treatment accessible for every patient and family. We accept most insurance plans and work closely with you to maximize your benefits, ensuring you get the most out of your coverage. We also offer affordable payment plans designed to fit any budget, so you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.