Metal braces
Brackets and a wire that stay on until treatment ends. They handle crowding and complex bite problems, and there's nothing to remember to wear.
Orthodontics
Braces and Clear Aligners in Tamarac, FL
Straighter teeth and a bite that works.
Crowded teeth, gaps and bite problems can all be corrected with braces or clear aligners. We explain which option suits your teeth, how long it should take and what it costs before you start.
Teens and adultsteeth can move at any age
Braces or alignerswe explain both
- About 12 to 24 monthsTypical treatment
- Every few weeksCheckups
- Braces or alignersOptions
- Insurance or financingWays to pay
Quick answer
Braces or clear aligners: which is right for me?
Both move teeth with steady, gentle pressure. Braces stay on the teeth and handle complex bite problems well. Clear aligners are removable trays that are hard to see, and they suit mild to moderate crowding and gaps. At your consultation in Tamarac we check your bite and tell you which will work.
A little at a timesteady pressure moves teeth safely
What it is
How orthodontic treatment moves teeth
Braces use brackets and a wire. Aligners use a series of clear trays, each slightly different from the last. Either way, steady pressure moves teeth a little at a time while the bone around them adapts.
Straight teeth aren't only about looks. Teeth that line up are easier to clean, and a corrected bite spreads chewing forces evenly, which protects enamel and the jaw joints.
Treatment can help with
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite
- Teeth that have shifted since braces as a child
- Crooked teeth that make brushing and flossing hard
What to expect
Orthodontic treatment, step by step
Consultation
We examine your teeth and bite, take X-rays and photos, and talk through braces and aligners.
Your plan
You get the recommended option, the expected length of treatment and the full cost before anything starts.
Fitting
Braces are attached in one visit. Aligner patients get their first trays and learn how to wear them.
Regular checkups
Every few weeks we adjust the wire or hand you new trays and check your progress.
Retainer
Once your teeth are in place, a retainer keeps them from shifting back.
Your options
Metal braces, clear braces or aligners
Not every option suits every bite. We recommend the one that will work for your teeth.
Clear ceramic braces
The same system as metal braces with tooth-colored brackets, so they blend in with your teeth.
Clear aligners
A series of clear trays you wear most of the day and take out to eat and brush. Best for mild to moderate cases.
Cost and payment
What braces cost, and how to pay
The cost depends on which option you choose and how long treatment takes, so we give you the full number after the consultation, before anything starts.
Some dental plans include orthodontic benefits, often with an age limit. We check your coverage first, and monthly financing can spread the rest across your treatment.
During treatment
Living with braces or aligners
With braces
Skip hard and sticky foods like ice, nuts, caramel and gum, which can break brackets. Brush after meals and use floss threaders or a water flosser.
With aligners
Wear your trays about 20 to 22 hours a day, take them out to eat, and brush before you put them back in.
After treatment
Wear your retainer exactly as instructed. Without it, teeth drift back toward where they started.
Questions patients ask
Braces and aligner questions
Am I too old for braces?
No. Teeth can move at any age as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Adults often choose clear braces or aligners because they are less noticeable.
Do braces hurt?
You'll feel pressure and some soreness for a few days after the braces go on and after adjustments. It usually settles quickly, and soft foods help in the meantime.
How long will I need braces?
Most treatment takes about 12 to 24 months. Mild cases can be shorter and complex bite corrections can take longer. You'll get an estimate at your consultation.
Do clear aligners work as well as braces?
For mild to moderate crowding and gaps, aligners work well when they are worn as directed. Some bite problems respond better to braces, and we'll tell you which applies to you.
Does insurance cover braces?
Some plans include orthodontic benefits, often with an age limit or a lifetime maximum. We verify your plan before treatment and explain what it covers.
Will I need a retainer?
Yes. A retainer holds your teeth in their new position while the bone around them settles. Skipping it is the most common reason teeth shift back.
Patient reviews
What patients say
Google reviews from patients of our Tamarac office.
- Emily Juliana Castillo Mavarez★★★★★
10/10 with the staff, the doctor and everyone in the office, everything was so clean and professional, will be coming back soon
- Tomas Rodriguez★★★★★
Excelente servicio de atención al paciente. Fui atendido por la asistente Tibisay, la cual me atendió con mucho profesionalismo y dedicación. Estaré agradecido por sus servicios
- Vanessa Rodriguez★★★★★
Muy buena la atención de la Dr. Blanca y su asistente Tibisay.
- Reinaldo May★★★★★
Me hice un implante y todo fue super espectacular, la atención de Tibisay y la Dra. Blanca me hicieron sentir tranquilo. Recomendado 100%
- Tom Rodriguez★★★★★
Excellent service, and the assistant Tibisay was lovely.
- Marianela Perez★★★★★
Excelente
- Diana Bermudez★★★★★
Muy buena experiencia , el personal es profesional y atento . Me sentí en confianza en todo momento. Recomendado al 100%
- Tibisay Hernandez★★★★★
La atención excelente de parte de todo el personal, en especial de la Dr. Martin muy profesional, ¡bastante recomendados!
- Lieny Arteaga★★★★★
Great experience at Metropolitan Smile Design!!!
- Gloria Molina★★★★★
Me tratan super bien aqui , me hice mi limpieza hoy con Alina, Ella es muy linda siempre conmigo .Todas las muchachas son muy amables aqui
Related care
Other ways to improve your smile
Appointments
Request your appointment
Tell us what you need and a team member will call you to confirm a time. New patients are always welcome.
- Send the form
It takes about a minute.
- We call you back
During office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
- Come in for your visit
New patients can start with the $65 exam and digital X-rays, with a courtesy basic cleaning.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- English and Spanish
- Most insurance accepted
Thank you. We got your request.
Our front desk will call you during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, to book your visit.
Need us sooner? (954) 322-3865We only use your details to contact you about your visit.
Find out which option fits your teeth
Book an orthodontic consultation in Tamarac. We check your bite, explain braces and aligners, and give you the full cost.