We offer personalized care and guidance for your family's orthodontic needs.

Traditional Braces

There’s a lot to consider with your child’s dental care, including whether they will need braces. As parents, Drs. Chen and Kim understand your concerns and are committed to making the process comfortable and stress-free for you and your child.

How Traditional Braces Work

Traditional braces use a system of metal brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by wires that apply gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions.

As teeth shift, the bone around them remodels to support the new alignment. This targeted movement typically takes 18-24 months, depending on the case’s complexity.

Does My Child Need Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Don’t worry; an assessment doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces. This checkup is simply an opportunity to identify issues that could benefit from early intervention and help avoid more complex problems later:

Tooth crowding
Unevenly spaced teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Whether for adults or teens, straight teeth do much more than provide a more uniform smile. Orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and enhance your overall well-being for a lifetime.

Healthier Smile

When teeth overlap or crowd together, bacteria can hide in areas that brushing and flossing can't reach. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean effectively, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Enhanced Confidence

A straight, attractive smile can help your child feel more positive about their appearance, especially important during those crucial adolescent years when peer acceptance feels especially important.

Improved Function

Correcting bite problems reduces stress on jaw joints and facial muscles, preventing potential pain and dysfunction later in life. Proper alignment also improves chewing and can resolve speech issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the age limit for traditional braces?

There is no age limit for traditional braces. Teeth can move at every stage of life, which is one reason why retainers are so important even years after orthodontic treatment—your teeth never stop having the potential to shift!

Orthodontic Treatment at Any Age

Adults of all ages can benefit from braces:

Teeth remain capable of movement throughout your lifetime
Healthy gums and adequate bone support are more important than age
Many patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond achieve excellent results
Adult treatment often progresses predictably due to full jaw development

Individualized Treatment Plans

Dr. Kim creates personalized treatment plans that consider your unique circumstances, including your age, lifestyle, and specific orthodontic needs. She takes into account factors like:

Your orthodontic goals and desired outcome
The complexity of tooth movement required
Your oral health and bone density
Timeline preferences and lifestyle considerations
Previous orthodontic history or dental work

Whether you're seeking treatment for the first time or addressing relapse from earlier orthodontic work, Dr. Kim will design a plan that works specifically for your situation and stage of life.

You're Never Too Old for a Straighter Smile!

Ready to explore orthodontic options at any age? Call Drs. Kim and Chen today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule your consultation. We serve patients throughout Baltimore, including families and professionals near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.

The Orthodontic Treatment Process

You and your child can expect the following steps:

Consultation and Examination — We begin with a thorough evaluation, including x-rays, photos, and digital impressions, to understand your child's current situation and plan the most effective treatment approach.
Treatment Planning — After diagnosis, we'll outline a detailed treatment plan including timeline expectations and cost estimates. Our team will review your insurance benefits and discuss flexible payment options to ensure orthodontic care fits comfortably within your family's budget.
Placing the Braces — The bracket placement appointment typically takes one to two hours. We carefully bond each bracket to the teeth and place the initial wire, explaining aftercare instructions and what to expect in the first few days.
Regular Adjustments — Monthly adjustment appointments allow us to monitor progress and change wires that continue guiding teeth toward their ideal positions. These visits are usually quick and comfortable.
Retainers — After we remove the braces, our dentists will recommend the best type of retainer for your child's needs. This is called the retention phase, and can last several months or years.

OUR TEAM

Adult Braces

While this page focuses on children's orthodontic treatment, traditional braces can be effective at any age. Some adults who want a straighter smile opt for braces for complex cases that require more precise movement or bite correction that clear aligners cannot achieve.

Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation

Ready to learn more about how traditional braces can benefit your child's oral health and confidence? Call Drs. Chen and Kim today at (410) 235-8525 to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.

We proudly serve families throughout Baltimore, including those near Johns Hopkins University, Hampden, and Roland Park.