Braces Austin, TX: What Are Braces? An Austin Orthodontist Explains
Braces are fixed appliances that use brackets, archwires, and elastic ties to apply gentle, steady pressure that guides teeth into better positions. Dr. Mathue Faulkner uses braces to correct crowding, gaps, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and rotated teeth. Most cases finish in 12 to 24 months, depending on complexity.
Austin families trust Rise + Smile Orthodontics for both metal braces and clear braces. We place them for kids, teens, and adults right here in southwest Austin.
Here's how the parts work together. Each bracket is a small anchor bonded to a tooth. The archwire threads through those brackets and does the heavy lifting, applying light force over time. Tiny elastic ties (or self-ligating clips) hold everything in place between visits.
Metal Braces vs. Clear Braces
Metal braces and clear braces move teeth the same way. The difference is the bracket itself: metal brackets are polished stainless steel and built for maximum strength, while clear brackets are ceramic and tooth-colored so they blend with your enamel. Both are fixed appliances that work around the clock.
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Bracket material | Polished stainless steel | Ceramic, tooth-colored |
| Visibility | Visible, though sleeker and smaller than older designs | Blends with natural enamel |
| Durability | Very strong, great for active kids and athletes | Strong, slightly more delicate than metal |
| Best for | Kids, teens, complex bite corrections | Teens and adults who want discretion |
| Staining | Brackets don't stain | Brackets resist stains; ties may pick up color |
Today's metal braces are light and low-profile. Clear braces give you the same fixed-appliance results with a look that fades into the background. Both options are available at our Austin office, and Dr. Faulkner will walk you through which one suits your teeth, your schedule, and your goals.
What Are the Benefits of Braces?
Braces are still the most predictable tool in orthodontics. They stay put, they work around the clock, and they handle the tough cases that removable trays sometimes struggle with.
- Highest predictability for complex cases. Severe rotations, deep bites, and significant crowding respond well to fixed brackets and wires.
- No compliance required. Braces don't get left in a lunchbox or forgotten on a nightstand. For younger kids and busy teens, that alone is a big win.
- Easier brushing and flossing later. Straight teeth have fewer tight overlaps where plaque hides.
- Less uneven wear on enamel. When your bite meets evenly, chewing forces spread out instead of grinding down a few teeth.
- Better function. Many families notice easier chewing, clearer speech sounds, and less jaw strain once the bite settles.
- A discreet option for adults. Clear braces let you correct your bite without wearing removable trays or tracking wear time.
Results deserve protection, too. Our retainer protection plan keeps your finished smile stable long after the brackets come off, which matters because teeth naturally drift with age.
One more benefit: confidence. We see it every week at Rise + Smile Orthodontics. A kid who used to smile with a closed mouth walks out at debonding grinning at the mirror. That never gets old.
The Braces Process at Rise + Smile Orthodontics
Getting braces in Austin takes six clear steps: a free consult with exam and digital scans, a custom smile blueprint with timeline and cost, a bonding visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes, adjustment visits every 6 to 8 weeks, debonding with polishing and retainer delivery, and long-term retention checks. Most families finish in 12 to 24 months.
Step 1: Your Free Consult
No obligation, no pressure. Dr. Mathue Faulkner examines your teeth and bite, takes digital scans and X-rays, and explains what he sees in plain language. You'll leave knowing whether braces make sense and what your options look like.
Step 2: Your Smile Blueprint
Next comes the plan. We map out the appliance choice, an estimated timeline, and a full cost breakdown with flexible financing options. Questions are welcome here. So is a second opinion.
Step 3: Bonding Day
This visit usually runs 60 to 90 minutes. We clean and prepare each tooth, bond the brackets, and place your first archwire. You're awake and comfortable the whole time, and yes, you can listen to your own music.
Step 4: Adjustment Visits
Every 6 to 8 weeks, you'll stop in so we can change wires, add elastics, or adjust force as your teeth move. These visits are short. Consistency here is what keeps your finish date on schedule.
Step 5: Debonding and Retainers
Once your bite and alignment hit the target, we remove the brackets, polish the enamel smooth, and deliver your retainers the same day. Most people say this visit feels like it flew by.
Step 6: Retention Monitoring
Teeth like to wander back. We keep an eye on your retainers and your bite so the results hold, and our retainer protection plan is there if a retainer gets lost, cracked, or chewed by the family dog.
Are You a Candidate for Braces?
Most people with healthy teeth and gums are candidates for braces. Good indications include crowding, spacing, deep bite, open bite, crossbite, and rotated teeth. Age is rarely the deciding factor. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have a first check-up by age 7, while teens and adults can start whenever they're ready.
| Age Group | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Kids (ages 7 to 11) | Early check-up to spot crossbites, crowding, and jaw growth concerns. Monitoring often comes before any appliances. |
| Teens (ages 11 to 16) | Prime window. Active jaw growth helps bite corrections settle more easily. |
| Adults | Braces work at any age with healthy gums and bone. Clear braces are the popular pick. |
When Dr. Faulkner May Recommend Braces Over Invisalign
- Severe rotations that need precise control on individual teeth
- Large gaps requiring significant tooth movement
- Complex bite corrections involving elastics and vertical control
- Cases where consistent wear time would be a challenge, especially with younger kids
Two things need to be squared away before bonding day: any cavities should be treated, and your gums should be healthy. If you need a cleaning or a filling first, we'll coordinate with your general dentist so nothing slows you down.
Why Austin Families Choose Rise + Smile Orthodontics for Braces
Orthodontics is all we do. That focus shows up in the details of your care.
- Board certified expertise. Dr. Mathue Faulkner is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary credential held by a minority of orthodontists. It requires ongoing examination of real treatment results, not just a diploma on the wall. Dr. Faulkner also brings years of hands-on orthodontic experience to every case, and that experience shows in how he plans each smile blueprint.
- Every option under one roof. Metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign Austin families ask about by name are all available at our Austin office, so your smile blueprint is built around your teeth rather than around one product.
- Free consults and honest numbers. You'll get a written cost estimate and flexible financing options before you commit to anything.
- Family-friendly scheduling. Kids, teens, and parents can often be seen together, which saves Austin families a second trip across town.
- Long-term care after debonding. Our retainer protection plan backs up your results for years, not months.
- Real proof. Ask to see our before & afters and read our patient reviews at your visit. Families regularly tell us the care here feels personal from the first hello to the last retainer check.
Giving back matters here, too. Dr. Faulkner and our team support local Austin schools and organizations, including Austin Pets Alive. You become part of our office family, not a chart number.
Braces FAQs: Austin Patients Ask
How much do braces cost in Austin, TX?
Braces cost depends on case complexity, treatment length, and whether you choose metal or clear brackets. Most dental insurance plans with an orthodontic benefit cover a portion, and we offer flexible financing with monthly payment options. You'll receive an exact quote at your free consult before any commitment, including what your insurance is expected to cover and what your monthly number would look like.
How long do braces take?
Most people wear braces 12 to 24 months. Mild crowding or spacing can wrap up on the shorter end, while significant bite corrections trend longer. Keeping your adjustment visits every 6 to 8 weeks and wearing your elastics as directed are the two biggest factors in finishing on time.
Do braces hurt?
Braces shouldn't hurt. Expect mild soreness and tenderness for a few days after bonding and after some adjustments, similar to the feeling after a tough workout. Soft foods, cold water, and over-the-counter relief handle it well. That tenderness fades quickly, and most people forget the braces are there between visits.
Clear braces vs. metal braces: which should I choose?
Choose metal braces for maximum strength and value, especially for active kids and complex bite work. Choose clear braces if you want a discreet look while still getting fixed-appliance results. Both move teeth the same way. Dr. Faulkner will review the trade-offs for your specific case at your free consult.
Can adults get braces?
Absolutely. Adults make up a growing share of our Austin patient base, and healthy teeth and gums matter far more than age. Adult braces improve both appearance and long-term dental health by evening out your bite. Clear braces and Invisalign are the most requested adult options at Rise + Smile Orthodontics.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Skip anything sticky, hard, or very chewy. That means caramel, taffy, gum, ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, nuts, and whole raw carrots or apples. Cut crunchy foods into small pieces instead of biting straight in. Sodas and sports drinks are worth limiting too, since sugar around brackets invites decay.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in Austin?
No referral is needed to see an orthodontist in Austin. You can book a free consult with Dr. Mathue Faulkner directly, whether or not you have a general dentist. Many Austin families come to us on their own, and we're happy to coordinate with your dentist for cleanings and any needed treatment before bonding.
Book Your Free Braces Consultation in Austin, TX
Your free consult at Rise + Smile Orthodontics includes a full exam, digital scans, a custom smile blueprint, and a clear cost estimate with financing options. No obligation, no pressure, just straight answers about what braces could do for your smile.
Here's what to do next:
- Call our Austin office at (512) 892-1188
- Book online at riseandsmile.com/free-consult
- Ask about openings later this week
We're at 6012 W William Cannon Dr., Ste. D-103, Austin, TX 78749, welcoming kids, teens, and adults. No referral needed. New smiles at all ages.
Let's smile together.