Braces at Valley Orthodontics

Metal Braces

Braces

Braces are a time-tested way to straighten teeth, improve your bite, and create a healthy, confident smile. At Valley Orthodontics, we offer a variety of braces to fit every style and preference—including traditional metal braces, discreet clear braces, and our signature champagne gold braces, a patient favorite! Dr. Rocha will help you choose the option that best fits your smile goals and lifestyle.

Brackets are carefully bonded to the front of your teeth and connected with archwires. Small elastic bands hold the wires securely in place. Together, these components apply gentle, controlled pressure to gradually guide your teeth into their ideal positions and create a healthy, beautiful smile.

Orthodontic teaching model showing metal brackets and an archwire on the upper and lower teeth

Braces Essentials

Brackets are carefully bonded to the front of your teeth and connected with archwires.

Small elastic bands hold the wires securely in place.

Together, these components apply gentle, controlled pressure to gradually guide your teeth into their ideal positions and create a healthy, beautiful smile.

School/Work Attendance:

The appointment to place braces is usually 1.5-2.5 hours long. We request that this appointment be scheduled in the morning when you or your child is most alert and less tired. This is also a time of the day when the office is quieter, as opposed to after school hours. After this appointment you or your child should be well enough to return to work or school for the remainder of the day.

What to Expect on the First Day of Braces Guide

The bonding adhesives used to attach braces take approximately 24 hours to reach maximum strength. Therefore, it is important not to eat hard or crunchy food immediately (or during the duration of your treatment) or the braces may come off. Also, as your teeth begin to move and become straight, you will find that a soft diet for the first three days is most comfortable. At your first appointment, we will provide you with recommendations for foods to avoid and suggestions for foods to prepare to protect your braces and teeth.

Mild tooth discomfort may begin a few hours after the braces are placed and last (on average) up to three days. Ibuprofen is the analgesic medication of choice (Advil or Motrin). If you feel you or your child may benefit from Ibuprofen, take it 30 minutes before the appointment as prescribed. Every person’s pain threshold is different, so please use your discretion and follow pain management as directed by your physician or your child’s pediatrician.

We proudly service patients in San Rafael, Marin, Mill Valley, Novato, and surrounding communities. Book your complimentary consultation with Valley orthodontics today to find out if clear braces are right for you.

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