Traditional Braces

Braces move teeth by applying steady, controlled force over time. Dentists and orthodontists bond brackets directly to each tooth, then thread an archwire through them to guide movement in the direction your treatment plan requires. As teeth shift, they adjust the wire and update elastic ties or clips to refine position and correct the bite.

Adjustments typically happen every six to eight weeks, giving teeth time to respond before the next change. Each visit is an opportunity to measure progress and update the plan as needed.

One of the first decisions in treatment is choosing your bracket type. Both options work well, and the right choice depends on your priorities, your case, and how you want the appliance to look during treatment.

Metal brackets are the most durable option and effectively handle a wide range of tooth movements. They hold up well under the forces needed for more complex cases and are a strong choice for active patients or anyone who prefers a straightforward, low-maintenance appliance. Teens, in particular, tend to do well with metal brackets because they are resilient and easy to manage.

Clear ceramic brackets use tooth-colored material that blends in with the enamel, making them far less noticeable than metal. Many adults and older teens prefer this option for professional or social reasons. Ceramic brackets require a little more cleaning attention to prevent staining, and they work best with the gentler forces suited to certain case types. We can walk through whether ceramic brackets are a good fit for your specific situation before you make any decision.

Treatment with traditional braces in Ogden follows a clear sequence:

• Initial exam and records: review X-rays, photographs, and digital scans to get a complete picture of your bite and tooth positions
• Bonding appointment: bracket placement takes about an hour
• Adjustment visits: every six to eight weeks, check progress, update the wire, and make any refinements the plan calls for
• Final detailing and retainer fitting: once the teeth are in their correct positions, focus on fine-tuning the bite before transitioning to retainer placement

We can coordinate with your orthodontist as needed throughout treatment, particularly if any dental work is required alongside orthodontic treatment.

Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case. Most patients with traditional braces complete active treatment between 12 and 36 months. Simpler cases land closer to the shorter end, while more involved bite corrections take longer.

After active treatment, retention is what protects the work done. Orthodontists fit patients with a retainer and explain exactly how and when to wear it so the results hold.

Our office in Ogden offers flexible scheduling to fit school, work, and family routines. If you have questions about orthodontics, such as braces or clear aligners, we are happy to walk through it all at your first visit. At McKay Orthodontics, Dr. Abraham McKay and our team can work with kids, teens, and adults to create lasting alignment through a process that is straightforward, well-paced, and clearly explained from start to finish.

Call us to book your consultation, or fill out the form on our website to get started. We will make sure you leave with a clear picture of what treatment involves and what to expect along the way.