Braces are orthodontic devices that gradually move your teeth into a straighter, healthier position by applying steady, gentle pressure over time. Maybe you’re considering treatment for yourself, or maybe it’s your child who needs a little help getting there. Either way, braces are one of the most reliable ways to fix crowded teeth, close gaps, and correct a bite that doesn’t quite line up.
If you’ve been putting this off because you’re not sure where to start, that’s a totally reasonable place to be. Orthodontic treatment is a real commitment, and you deserve a clear picture before you walk into any office. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that about 4 million people in the U.S. need or already have braces, and adults now make up a real share of that group, so this isn’t just a teenage milestone anymore, it’s a decision people make at every age.
This guide walks you through how braces work, what your options are, and what the process looks like from start to finish, so you can feel confident about the decision, whatever stage of life you’re making it at.
Key Takeaways
- Braces move teeth by applying steady pressure that reshapes the bone around the roots, so movement happens gradually over months, not days.
- Three main options exist: metal braces for complex cases, ceramic braces for a lower-profile look, and clear aligners for mild to moderate cases that need to stay removable.
- Most treatment takes 18 to 36 months with braces or 12 to 24 months with aligners, depending on how much correction your bite needs.
- Straighter teeth aren’t just cosmetic, they’re easier to clean, which lowers your risk for cavities and the kind of gum disease linked to broader health issues like heart disease.
- The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7, even though most kids don’t actually start treatment until 9 to 14.
- Wearing your retainer as directed after braces come off is what keeps your results from shifting back.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to your teeth, which causes the bone around them to slowly reshape so your teeth can move into the correct position. The system relies on a few parts working together: brackets bonded to each tooth, an archwire that threads through the brackets, and small elastic ties that hold the wire in place. Over time, your orthodontist tightens or adjusts the wire, which keeps the pressure consistent and guides your teeth along the planned path.
A lot of people assume the brackets are what move the teeth, but the wire does most of the work. The brackets are just anchor points. As the bone around your tooth roots responds to the pressure, your teeth shift little by little. That’s why treatment takes months instead of weeks. You can’t rush bone remodeling without risking real damage to your roots and gums.
I walk through this with almost every new patient, because once you understand that your teeth are moving through bone rather than just sliding into place, the timeline makes a lot more sense, and so does why showing up to your adjustment appointments matters as much as it does. Once your teeth are on the move, the next question is usually which type of braces gets you there.
What Types of Braces Are Available?
The right type of braces depends on your specific bite issues, your age, your budget, and how much you care about how they look during treatment. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically available.
Traditional metal braces
Metal braces are the most common option and the most effective for correcting complex bite and alignment problems. They use stainless steel brackets and wires, and while they’re visible, they’ve come a long way in terms of comfort and profile. Today’s metal braces are smaller and smoother than older versions. For kids and teens in Salinas dealing with significant crowding or jaw alignment issues, metal braces are often the most practical choice.
Clear ceramic braces
Ceramic braces work exactly like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with your teeth. They’re popular with older teens and adults who want effective treatment with a lower visual impact. One thing to keep in mind is that the ceramic material can stain if you drink a lot of coffee or dark beverages, so they require a bit more attention to what you eat and drink.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign use a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays to shift your teeth. You swap out each tray every one to two weeks as your teeth move. They’re nearly invisible and easy to take out when you eat, which is a big reason adults prefer them. That said, they work best for mild to moderate cases. For more serious bite issues, traditional braces typically produce better results.
The table below compares the three main types side by side so you can see how they stack up across a few key factors.
| Type | Visibility | Best For | Removable | Typical Treatment Length |
| Metal Braces | Visible | Complex cases, all ages | No | 18 to 36 months |
| Ceramic Braces | Low profile | Teens and adults | No | 18 to 36 months |
| Clear Aligners | Nearly invisible | Mild to moderate cases | Yes | 12 to 24 months |
Treatment length varies based on the complexity of your case, and your orthodontist will give you a more specific timeline after your initial exam. Type is one piece of the puzzle, though, the real payoff of straightening your teeth goes well beyond how your smile looks.
What Benefits Do Braces Offer Besides a Straighter Smile?
Braces do more than improve how your teeth look. They fix problems that affect how your mouth actually functions, not just how it looks in photos.
- A healthier, more even bite: A misaligned bite puts extra stress on certain teeth and the joints connecting your jaw to your skull. Left untreated, that stress can show up as uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and trouble chewing or speaking clearly.
- Teeth that are easier to keep clean: Crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to brush and floss effectively, which raises your risk for cavities and gum disease tied to broader health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
- Less extensive dental work later: Correcting a bite while the jaw is still developing, ideally by age seven, usually means simpler, shorter treatment than waiting until every permanent tooth has already come in.
In my own practice, I see this play out constantly: the Salinas families who bring their kids in early almost always end up with a simpler treatment plan than the ones who wait.
What Should You Expect During Braces Treatment?
Your first appointment with me is a consultation and exam, not a same-day procedure. I’ll take X-rays, photographs, and sometimes a digital scan of your teeth to map out a treatment plan specific to your bite. From there, you’ll get a timeline, a cost estimate, and a clear picture of which type of braces makes the most sense for you.
How are braces put on?
Bonding the brackets to your teeth takes about one to two hours in my office and isn’t painful, though your teeth may feel sore for a few days afterward as they begin to respond to the pressure. Most patients find that over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during this adjustment period. After that first week, most people stop noticing the braces as much in their daily routine.
What happens at adjustment appointments?
You’ll come in every four to eight weeks for adjustments. These appointments are usually short, around 20 to 30 minutes, and give me the chance to check your progress, change the wire if needed, and make small corrections along the way. Consistent attendance at these appointments is one of the biggest factors in keeping your treatment on schedule.
What happens after braces come off?
When your braces come off, I’ll fit you for a retainer. Retainers hold your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone fully stabilizes. Skipping the retainer phase is one of the most common reasons people see their teeth shift back after treatment, so I’ll give you specific instructions on how long to wear it and when you can scale back.
Is Your Child Ready for Braces?
Most children get braces between ages 9 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have come in for a full assessment of their alignment. That said, an early evaluation at age seven doesn’t mean your child will start treatment right away. It just means I can identify any developing issues and monitor them before they become bigger problems.
Signs that your child might benefit from an evaluation include teeth that are visibly crowded or gapped, difficulty biting or chewing, mouth breathing, or losing baby teeth significantly earlier or later than expected. If you’re noticing any of these in Salinas, a quick consultation with me can answer your questions with no commitment to start treatment.
Am I Too Old for Braces?
There’s no upper age limit for braces. Healthy teeth can be treated orthodontically at any age, from your 20s to your 60s and beyond. What actually determines your candidacy isn’t your birthday, it’s the health of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, since braces move teeth through bone, and that process depends on having enough healthy bone to work with.
I treat adult patients in Salinas well into their 50s and 60s, and the ones who do best are usually the ones who’ve kept up with regular dental care over the years. Gum disease typically needs to be treated and stabilized before braces can safely move your teeth, but once your mouth is healthy, age on its own rarely rules anything out.
Choosing the Right Orthodontist in Salinas, CA
The orthodontist you choose matters as much as the type of braces you select. Here’s what’s worth looking for:
- Clear communication: Someone who takes the time to explain your options and answers your questions directly, not just at your consultation, but throughout treatment.
- Real experience with cases like yours: Complex bites, early childhood evaluations, and adult treatment all call for different expertise. Ask about theirs.
- Local, community-based care: An orthodontist who’s part of the local community understands the pace, priorities, and needs of families in the area, and is easier to reach for follow-up appointments.
At Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics, I’ve served patients throughout Salinas and Monterey County since 1987, and my approach is built around exactly that: personalized care from someone who’s part of this community.
If you’re ready to take the first step, or just want to ask a few questions before committing to anything, scheduling a consultation with me is a good place to start. It’s low-pressure and gives you the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Ready to Get Started?
Braces work by applying steady pressure over months, not days, and the right type for you, metal, ceramic, or clear aligners, comes down to your bite, your budget, and how much visibility bothers you. Beyond the smile, straighter teeth mean a healthier bite and an easier time keeping your teeth clean, and starting at the right time, a childhood evaluation at seven or a first consultation as an adult, can save you more involved treatment later. If you want to go deeper, take a look at how to care for your teeth during braces treatment and what questions to ask at your first orthodontic consultation.
Ready to talk about your options? Call Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics at (831) 422-7424 or book online to schedule a free consultation. I offer appointments in English and Spanish, and I’ll walk you through your bite, your options, and a timeline built around your life, not a generic one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are braces and how do they work?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that use brackets, wires, and steady pressure to move your teeth into a straighter, healthier position over time. The wire applies consistent pressure, and the bone around your teeth gradually reshapes to allow movement. I check and adjust that tension at regular visits to my Salinas office to keep treatment on track.
At what age should my child get braces in Salinas?
Most children get braces between ages 9 and 14 in Salinas, once their permanent teeth are mostly in. An initial evaluation by age seven is recommended, not because treatment starts then, but because early monitoring can catch developing problems before they need more complex correction.
How long do braces take to work?
How long braces take depends on the complexity of your bite and alignment issues. Most patients wear them for 18 to 36 months, mild cases can finish closer to 12 months, while more involved bite problems take longer. Keeping every scheduled appointment at my Salinas practice is what keeps treatment moving on that timeline.
Do braces hurt?
Braces themselves don’t hurt to put on, but your teeth will likely feel sore for a few days afterward and again after each adjustment. That soreness means your teeth are responding to the pressure as they should. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers usually take care of it, and I always let my Salinas patients know what to expect before we get started.
What types of braces does Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics offer?
I offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and clear aligners for patients throughout Salinas and Monterey County. The right type depends on your bite, your lifestyle, and your goals. A consultation at my office is the best way to figure out which fits your situation.
Can adults get braces in Salinas, CA?
Adults can absolutely get braces. There’s no age limit for orthodontic treatment, and a growing number of the adults I treat in Salinas are addressing bite and alignment issues they’ve had since childhood. Clear ceramic braces and clear aligners are popular choices for adults who want effective results with a lower profile during treatment.
What happens after braces come off?
After your braces come off, I’ll fit you with a retainer to hold your teeth in their corrected positions while the surrounding bone finishes stabilizing. I’ll walk you through this at my Salinas office and give you specific instructions on how long to wear it each day and when you can reduce the schedule. Wearing your retainer as directed is the most important thing you can do to protect your results.
