Braces in Omaha: Options, Cost, and What to Expect at Chartrand Orthodontics
What Are Braces and How Do They Work?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that use brackets, archwires, and elastic bands to apply gentle, consistent pressure, gradually shifting teeth into proper alignment to correct crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and other bite issues.
Chartrand Orthodontics in Omaha offers three primary options to fit your lifestyle and goals. Metal braces remain the most popular choice, now featuring smaller, more comfortable brackets than ever before. Clear braces provide a less noticeable alternative using tooth-colored materials. And for those seeking maximum discretion, clear aligners offer a removable option that works for many smile corrections.
Benefits of Getting Braces at Chartrand Orthodontics in Omaha
Straighter teeth improve oral health, bite function, and confidence. Braces at Chartrand Orthodontics in Omaha deliver benefits that go well beyond a prettier smile.
Can you floss between teeth that overlap? It's tough. Food particles and plaque hide in those tight spaces, and your toothbrush can't always reach them. That means a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. Braces open up those areas and make daily cleaning far more effective.
Improved Bite Function A misaligned bite puts uneven stress on certain teeth. Over time, this leads to premature wear, chips, and cracks. Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites distributes chewing forces evenly, protecting your teeth for years to come.
What about jaw pain and clicking? Picture this: you wake up with a sore jaw, or you hear clicking every time you chew. Many patients walk into our Omaha office describing exactly that. These symptoms often stem from bite misalignment, and braces can address the root cause rather than just masking the symptoms.
Real confidence, not just a tagline. One adult patient told us she finally stopped covering her mouth when she laughed. We hear versions of that story regularly. Patients tell us they smile more freely, speak more confidently, and feel genuinely different about their appearance after treatment.
Early Intervention Benefits For kids, starting an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 can identify issues while the jaw is still developing. Early treatment can:
- Guide bone growth
- Create space for incoming teeth
- Reduce the need for bigger fixes later
The Braces Process: What to Expect at Chartrand Orthodontics
Here's what happens at each stage of treatment at Chartrand Orthodontics in Omaha.
Step 1: Free Consult
This first appointment is all about getting to know you and your smile goals. We take digital photos, X-rays, and scans of your teeth. No messy, uncomfortable impressions here. Dr. Chartrand reviews everything and discusses your options, answering every question you have. You'll walk out with a clear picture of what treatment looks like and what it costs.
Step 2: Braces Placement Day
Once you're ready to begin, we schedule your placement appointment. This visit typically takes one to two hours. Our team carefully bonds each bracket to your teeth and threads the initial archwire through them. Most people describe the process as pressure, not discomfort. You'll get a full rundown on care instructions before you leave.
Step 3: Regular Adjustment Visits
Every four to eight weeks, you'll return for adjustments at our Omaha office near 168th and Maple. These appointments are quick, usually under 30 minutes. Dr. Chartrand checks your progress, tightens or replaces wires, and makes any needed modifications. Because you see one doctor, every visit, there's consistent care and no surprises. If something feels off between appointments, our team is always a phone call away.
Step 4: Braces Removal and Retention
The big day. Dr. Chartrand removes your brackets and polishes your teeth. Then comes the crucial step: your custom retainer. Wearing it as directed keeps your results in place for life. We schedule follow-up retainer checks to make sure everything stays right where it should be.
Treatment duration varies based on your unique needs. Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though some cases resolve faster and others require more time.
Metal Braces
The Classic Choice
Metal braces have long been the cornerstone of orthodontic treatment. Known for their durability and effectiveness, they are ideal for correcting various dental issues, including misaligned teeth, overcrowding, and bite problems. Today's metal braces are more comfortable and less noticeable, making them suitable for patients of all ages.
Clear Braces
Discreet and Effective
For those seeking a more subtle option, clear braces offer an excellent alternative. Made from ceramic materials, clear braces blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing the same level of correction as metal braces. They are perfect for teens and adults who want a less noticeable treatment option.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces in Omaha?
Braces at Chartrand Orthodontics work for people of all ages in Omaha. Here's who benefits most.
Children (Ages 7 and Up) The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7. By then, the first adult molars have appeared, giving us a clear picture of how the bite is developing. Early assessment catches problems before they become complex.
Teenagers The teen years remain the most common time for braces. All permanent teeth have typically erupted, and the jaw is still growing enough to respond well to treatment. Teens also tend to heal quickly and adapt to braces with ease. Dr. Chartrand works with teens and their parents to keep the process straightforward and stress-free.
Adults It's never too late. More adults are choosing braces than ever before, and plenty of our patients started treatment in their 30s, 40s, or beyond. Whether you skipped treatment as a teen or your teeth have shifted over time, braces can still deliver excellent results.
Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation in Omaha Today
Stop searching and start smiling. Most people finish treatment in under two years, and your free consult takes less than an hour.
Book your free consult at Chartrand Orthodontics and get a personalized treatment plan with no obligation. Board-Certified Orthodontist Dr. Chartrand will evaluate your smile, discuss your options, and answer every question you have. Prefer to start from home? Virtual appointments make it easy to take the first step.
Call us at (402) 732-2460 or visit our website to schedule online. Our Omaha office welcomes patients from across the metro area, including families near the 168th and Maple area. Dr. Chartrand and our team look forward to meeting you.