Braces in Jacksonville, FL
Crooked teeth, bite problems, and crowding do not fix themselves over time. For children, teens, and adults alike, braces remain one of the most reliable and precise ways to correct how teeth sit and how the jaw functions. Whether you are noticing a shift in your bite, crowding that makes cleaning difficult, or simply want a straighter smile, the right orthodontic treatment can make a meaningful difference in your oral health and daily confidence.
At Airway Dental & More, Dr. Stevenson offers braces as part of a broader approach to airway orthodontics that looks at alignment alongside how the teeth, jaw, and airway work together. Our practice serves patients of all ages in Jacksonville, FL, and we take the time to understand each patient's specific bite, facial development, and goals before recommending a path forward.
Who Can Get Braces
Braces are not just for teenagers. Orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as it is for children, because healthy teeth can be moved at any age through the same physiological process. Dr. Stevenson evaluates patients of all ages, and the right starting point depends on the health of the teeth and gums, the complexity of the case, and what the patient wants to achieve.
For children and younger patients, starting earlier allows us to work with natural growth patterns and address issues like crowding, bite problems, or airway-related alignment concerns before they become harder to correct. For teens and adults, treatment can correct problems that have developed over years and improve not just appearance but oral function and hygiene. A straight smile is easier to clean, and a well-aligned bite distributes chewing forces more evenly, reducing wear over time.
Airway and Family Dentistry Financing Available
Comprehensive airway treatments and family dental care with flexible financing to improve your health and smile.
We offer both traditional metal braces and clear ceramic bracket options, depending on what works best for each patient’s needs and preferences.
Traditional metal braces use durable stainless steel brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by archwires that guide teeth into position over time. They are highly effective for correcting a wide range of alignment issues, including more complex cases involving significant crowding, spacing, or bite correction. Metal braces are a dependable choice for patients who want precise control throughout treatment.
Clear ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored or translucent brackets that blend with the natural color of teeth. They are a good fit for patients who want the reliability of bracket-based treatment with a lower-profile appearance. Both options are available to teens and adults at Airway Dental & More, and Dr. Stevenson will walk through which is the better fit based on your case.
For patients interested in a removable option, we also offer clear aligners as an alternative to fixed bracket systems.
What Braces Can Correct
Braces apply consistent, controlled pressure to move teeth gradually into better positions. Over the course of treatment, this process can address a range of issues, including:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Open bite
- Teeth that have shifted or drifted out of position
Many of these issues affect more than appearance. A misaligned bite can contribute to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and difficulty keeping teeth clean. Dr. Stevenson also considers how bite alignment connects to broader airway and sleep concerns, particularly in younger patients where jaw development is still underway.
What to Expect During Treatment
After an initial consultation and records appointment, Dr. Stevenson will present a treatment plan based on your specific case. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and wires are adjusted at regular appointments, typically every four to six weeks, to keep teeth moving on track.
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case. Mild alignment issues may resolve in under a year, while more involved cases involving significant bite correction can take longer. Patients who complete braces treatment are fitted for retainers afterward to hold teeth in their new positions, which is an important step in maintaining results over time.
Throughout treatment, it is important to keep up with regular cleanings and maintain good brushing habits. Brackets and wires create more surfaces where plaque can collect, so dental cleanings and checkups are especially important during orthodontic treatment.
Comparing Your Orthodontic Options
Choosing the right treatment comes down to your bite complexity, lifestyle, and what you want out of the process. Here is a quick look at how braces compare to other common options.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners
Fixed braces and clear aligners both move teeth through controlled pressure, but they work differently day to day. Braces stay bonded to the teeth throughout treatment, giving Dr. Stevenson consistent control over tooth movement without relying on patient compliance for wear time. Clear aligners are removable, which makes eating and brushing easier, but they require patients to wear them consistently to stay on schedule.
Braces tend to be the stronger fit for more complex cases involving significant bite correction, rotation, or vertical movement. Clear aligners can work well for milder alignment issues where flexibility is a priority. During your consultation, Dr. Stevenson will review which option is appropriate based on what your bite actually needs.
Metal Braces vs. Clear Ceramic Braces
Both use the same bracket-and-wire system and produce comparable results. The difference is visual. Metal brackets are stainless steel and more noticeable, while ceramic brackets are tooth-colored and blend more naturally with the teeth. Ceramic braces are a popular choice for teens and adults who want the precision of fixed treatment without the look of traditional metal. Dr. Stevenson can walk through both during your appointment.
Braces vs. Early and Teen Orthodontics
For younger patients, timing matters. Early orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Stevenson to identify bite and jaw development issues while growth is still active, which can simplify or reduce the scope of later treatment. Teen orthodontics addresses crowding, spacing, and bite correction during a period when the jaw is still developing, often producing faster results. Braces can be used at either stage, but the goals and approach differ depending on the patient’s age and what is happening developmentally.
Braces and Airway Orthodontics in Jacksonville
At Airway Dental & More, braces are part of a broader picture. Dr. Stevenson approaches orthodontic treatment with an eye toward how alignment, jaw position, and airway function relate to each other. For patients, especially children, where bite development may be connected to breathing patterns or sleep quality, treatment decisions are made with that full context in mind. This is what sets our approach to early orthodontics apart from standard bracket placement.
For teens, addressing crowding, spacing, and bite problems during rapid growth produces efficient and more predictable results. For adults, getting started at any stage can still deliver real improvements. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in three orthodontic patients today is an adult, reflecting how broadly effective treatment remains across age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What are clear braces and how do they work?
Clear braces are orthodontic braces that use tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets instead of traditional metal brackets, making them much less noticeable. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, clear braces work exactly like traditional metal braces—they apply gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into proper positions. The brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth and connected with wires that are adjusted periodically to guide tooth movement. The main difference is aesthetic: clear ceramic brackets blend with your natural tooth color, making the braces far less visible, especially in photos and during social interactions. Clear braces are particularly popular with teens and adults who want effective orthodontic treatment without the obvious appearance of metal braces. They’re just as effective as traditional braces for treating most orthodontic problems, including crowding, spacing, bite issues, and complex cases. We also offer our airway-focused approach with clear braces, ensuring your treatment optimizes both appearance and breathing function.
Are clear braces more expensive than traditional metal braces?
Clear braces typically cost slightly more than traditional metal braces due to the higher cost of ceramic materials. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, clear braces usually cost $500-$1,500 more than metal braces, though the exact difference varies based on your specific treatment needs and insurance coverage. Total treatment costs for clear braces generally range from $4,500-$7,500 depending on case complexity and treatment duration. Many patients feel the additional investment is worthwhile for the improved aesthetics, especially adults and image-conscious teens. We offer flexible payment plans that make clear braces affordable with manageable monthly payments. Some dental insurance plans cover clear braces at the same rate as metal braces, while others may not cover the additional cost of ceramic brackets. We’ll verify your insurance benefits and provide a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation. Remember that the most important factor is achieving healthy, properly aligned teeth—whether you choose clear or metal braces, the functional results and long-term benefits are the same.
How do I care for clear braces in Jacksonville?
Caring for clear braces requires diligence but isn’t difficult once you establish good habits. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, we provide detailed instructions to help you maintain your braces and keep them looking their best. Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, taking extra time to clean around each bracket. Use interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean between teeth and under wires where food particles accumulate. Floss daily using floss threaders or orthodontic floss. Avoid staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, curry, and tomato sauce, which can discolor the elastic ties that hold wires to brackets (though the ceramic brackets themselves resist staining). Don’t eat hard or sticky foods that could break brackets—this includes ice, popcorn, hard candy, caramel, and chewing gum. Wear any rubber bands or appliances exactly as directed. Attend all scheduled adjustment appointments so we can monitor your progress and keep treatment on track. With proper care, your clear braces will remain nearly invisible throughout treatment and deliver beautiful results.
Do clear braces take longer than traditional braces?
No, clear braces don’t typically take longer than traditional metal braces—treatment time is primarily determined by the complexity of your case and your individual response to treatment, not the type of brackets used. At Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville, treatment with clear braces usually takes 12-24 months for comprehensive cases, the same timeframe as metal braces. Both types use the same fundamental mechanics to move teeth. However, ceramic brackets are slightly more brittle than metal, so if brackets break frequently (usually due to eating restricted foods or poor oral habits), it could potentially extend treatment time. To prevent this, it’s crucial to follow our dietary guidelines and care instructions. Some orthodontists avoid using clear brackets on lower teeth due to increased breakage risk, but at our practice we’ll discuss the best approach for your situation. The vast majority of our Jacksonville patients who choose clear braces complete treatment in the expected timeframe while enjoying the cosmetic benefits of less visible braces. Your compliance with wearing rubber bands and attending appointments has far more impact on treatment length than bracket type.
Can adults get clear braces in Jacksonville, FL?
Absolutely! Clear braces are an excellent option for adults at Airway Dental and More in Jacksonville. In fact, many of our adult patients prefer clear braces because they offer effective treatment with improved aesthetics compared to traditional metal braces. Adults often have professional or social situations where they prefer less visible orthodontic treatment, and clear ceramic brackets provide a compromise between the effectiveness of traditional braces and the discretion of clear aligners. Clear braces work well for complex adult cases that might not be suitable for aligner therapy alone, including severe crowding, significant bite problems, or cases requiring precise tooth movements. They’re also more affordable than some clear aligner systems while providing comparable or better results for certain cases. At our practice, we take an airway-focused approach to adult orthodontics, considering how treatment affects your breathing, sleep, jaw function, and overall health—not just tooth alignment. Many of our adult patients report improvements in TMJ symptoms, sleep quality, and facial appearance along with achieving straight teeth. You’re never too old to invest in a healthy, beautiful smile.
Schedule a Braces Consultation in Jacksonville
If you are considering braces for yourself or your child, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Stevenson. We will review your records, walk through your options, and put together a plan that fits your case and your timeline. Contact Airway Dental & More to schedule your appointment and get a clear picture of what treatment would look like for you.
