Crooked teeth, a stubborn gap, or a bite that never quite lines up right can affect far more than a smile in photos. Over time, misaligned teeth can make it harder to bite, chew, and speak comfortably. They tend to become more difficult to correct the longer they go untreated, especially as the jaw finishes growing and the bite settles into place.
That is why our Sunnyvale team treats traditional metal braces as one of the most dependable tools in orthodontics available to patients today. At Smile Craft Dental, we work with patients of every age to map out a treatment plan that fits both their smile goals and their daily life, taking the time to explain exactly why we recommend the approach we do.
Request an Appointment
"*" indicates required fields
Same-week appointments available
Metal braces have been refined for decades, and that track record shows in how consistently they perform. The brackets and wires stay on the teeth around the clock, so there is no risk of a patient forgetting to wear them or losing them, which keeps treatment moving forward on schedule. This also means treatment timelines tend to be more predictable, since progress does not depend on how consistently a patient wears a removable appliance.
They also tend to handle more complex bite issues with a level of precision that other treatments cannot always match. For patients with significant crowding, rotated teeth, or a bite that needs substantial correction, metal braces give our team more direct control over how each tooth moves. We can adjust the force and direction applied to individual teeth at nearly every visit, which is part of why metal braces remain the standard recommendation for more involved cases.
Some orthodontic cases involve more than a simple straightening, including teeth that need to rotate, tip, or move vertically as part of the overall plan. Metal braces allow us to apply targeted pressure in multiple directions at once, giving our team more flexibility when a bite needs significant correction rather than a minor adjustment.
Misalignment is not just a cosmetic concern. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, malocclusion that develops in the teenage years can significantly affect eating, speech, gum health, and a person’s overall well-being. Addressing it earlier often means a more straightforward treatment process and a shorter timeline overall.
Every metal braces treatment starts with a full exam and a conversation about your goals so that we can build a plan around your specific bite and timeline. We take detailed images and measurements at this stage, since a clear picture of your bite up front helps us set realistic expectations for both timeline and outcome. From there, most patients move through the following general phases:
Treatment length varies based on how much movement is needed, but most patients see steady, visible progress at each adjustment visit. We will walk you through what to expect at every stage, so there are no surprises along the way. Most adjustment visits are relatively quick, and many patients find they can schedule them around school or work with minimal disruption.
Most patients adjust to daily life with braces faster than they expect. A few small habits, like avoiding especially sticky or hard foods and brushing a little more thoroughly around the brackets, go a long way toward keeping treatment on track and protecting the teeth underneath. Our team will send you home with clear guidance on care so nothing feels like guesswork.
Metal braces are just one of several orthodontic options we offer, and choosing the right one starts with understanding your goals, your bite, and your lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll explain the benefits and limitations of each approach so you can make an informed decision. Adults who want a more discreet treatment option often find that Invisalign can address many of the same alignment concerns without the look of traditional brackets.
Younger patients have their own considerations, especially if they play sports, perform in musical groups, or simply prefer a less noticeable option. For many families, Invisalign for Teens offers another effective alternative to traditional braces. Patients who prefer the precision and reliability of braces but want a more discreet appearance may also benefit from lingual braces, which are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front. No matter which treatment you choose, we’ll explain the tradeoffs clearly and help you find the option that best fits your smile.
The cost of traditional metal braces depends on your treatment needs and the length of orthodontic care. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to help make treatment affordable. Call (650) 629-3117 to schedule a consultation and receive a personalized cost estimate.
Dr. Janice Chou and our team have years of experience helping children, teens, and adults achieve healthier, more confident smiles at our Redwood City and Sunnyvale offices. We take the time to explain every stage of orthodontic treatment, answer your questions, and create a plan that fits your goals. By staying current with modern braces techniques and technology, we make traditional orthodontic treatment as comfortable and efficient as possible.
If you are ready to find out if metal braces are the right choice for your smile, we would love to meet with you. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a consultation at a time that works for you.
Dr. Chou and our Sunnyvale team bring a cosmetic dentist's eye for color, shape, and detail to every treatment.
Lead Dentist · Smile Craft Dental Sunnyvale
Dr. Chou works closely with Dr. Brendon Nguyen and each patient to design a personalized smile plan that matches their goals and natural smile. Our team is proud to offer Spanish-speaking staff for patients who are more comfortable communicating in their native language. Her approach is straightforward: explain everything clearly, listen carefully, and never recommend a treatment that isn’t the right fit.
See what patients say about their experience at Smile Craft Dental.
Smile Craft Dental is a family dental practice serving Sunnyvale and the surrounding South Bay. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality dental care accessible, with Spanish-speaking staff available to assist patients who prefer communicating in Spanish. If you are ready to explore cosmetic dentistry, we make it easy to get started — contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a confident smile.
Sunnyvale, CA
Serving the South Bay and surrounding communities