Braces in Aventura, Pembroke Pines, and Fort Lauderdale, FL

Transform Your Smile with Professional Orthodontic Treatment in South Florida

You avoid smiling in photos because of your crooked teeth. You cover your mouth when you laugh. Maybe your teenagers are starting to feel self-conscious about their smiles, or you’re an adult who has always wished you had gotten braces as a child. The thought of metal brackets and wires might feel overwhelming, but modern braces treatment has evolved far beyond the uncomfortable, unsightly appliances of the past.

Dr. Mars and The Dental Care Group provide comprehensive orthodontic treatment with braces to patients from our three locations and surrounding communities, including Hollywood, Davie, and North Miami Beach. Our advanced approach to braces treatment combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care to help you achieve the confident smile you’ve always wanted. Call our Aventura dental office at 305-935-2797, Pembroke Pines at 954-430-2300, or Fort Lauderdale at 954-963-3706.

About Dr. Rick Mars, D.D.S.
Diamond Provider | Modern Dentistry Expert | Author

Dr. Rick Mars is not only a Diamond Provider, but the only Invisalign® Faculty member in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Dr. Mars has practiced patient-centered dentistry in the Miami area for over 25 years and enjoys the relationship he has built with his family of patients. Dr. Mars released his first book, The Big Smile: The Principles of Modern Dentistry for Dentists and Patients.® Faculty member in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
® Faculty member in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.® Faculty member in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Dr. Mars has practiced patient-centered dentistry in the Miami area for over 25 years and enjoys the relationship he has built with his family of patients. Dr. Mars released his first book, The Big Smile: The Principles of Modern Dentistry for Dentists and Patients

What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances consisting of brackets, wires, and bands that apply gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into proper alignment over time. The system works by using controlled forces to guide teeth through the surrounding bone tissue, which naturally remodels to accommodate the new tooth positions. Modern braces come in various materials and styles, from traditional metal to clear ceramic options, and utilize advanced wire technology that requires fewer adjustments while providing more comfortable treatment than older orthodontic methods.

Ready to start your journey to a straighter smile? Contact The Dental Care Group today to schedule your braces consultation.

The Life-Changing Reality of Braces Treatment

Beyond Cosmetic Improvement: While straighter teeth improve your appearance, braces address functional problems that affect your daily life. Misaligned teeth can cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing certain foods, speech impediments, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

The Confidence Factor: Patients consistently report that braces treatment transforms their self-esteem. The ability to smile freely without self-consciousness affects job interviews, social interactions, and overall quality of life in ways that extend far beyond dental health.

Long-Term Investment: Unlike temporary cosmetic solutions, braces create permanent structural changes that last a lifetime with proper retention. The investment in orthodontic treatment pays dividends in improved oral health, reduced dental problems, and enhanced appearance for decades.

Family Impact: When parents choose braces for their children, they’re preventing years of potential bullying, social anxiety, and dental complications. Early orthodontic intervention often requires less extensive treatment than addressing severe misalignment in adulthood.

How Braces Work: The Science Behind Tooth Movement

Biological Process of Tooth Movement

Bone Remodeling Response: When braces apply pressure to teeth, specialized cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts respond by breaking down bone tissue on the pressure side and building new bone on the opposite side. This allows teeth to move gradually through the jawbone.
Periodontal Ligament Adaptation: The periodontal ligament surrounding each tooth root stretches and compresses in response to orthodontic forces. This tissue contains blood vessels and nerves that adapt to support the tooth in its new position.
Controlled Force Application: Modern braces use light, continuous forces rather than heavy intermittent pressure. This approach moves teeth more comfortably and efficiently while reducing the risk of root damage or excessive discomfort.

Advanced Wire Technology

Shape Memory Alloys: Today’s orthodontic wires are made from advanced materials like nickel-titanium that maintain consistent pressure as teeth move. These wires require fewer adjustments and provide more comfortable treatment.
Progressive Wire Sequences: Treatment begins with flexible wires that gently initiate movement, progressing to stronger wires that fine-tune positioning. This sequential approach optimizes both comfort and efficiency.
Computer-Designed Archwires: Some treatments utilize computer-designed wires customized to your specific tooth movements, reducing treatment time and improving precision.

Types of Braces Available

Traditional Metal Braces

Proven Effectiveness: Metal braces remain the most effective treatment for complex orthodontic cases, including severe crowding, significant bite problems, and extensive tooth rotation. They provide the strongest control over tooth movement and can address virtually any orthodontic issue.
Advanced Materials: Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than older versions. New bracket designs reduce friction and allow teeth to move more easily, often shortening treatment time.
Cost-Effective Solution: Traditional metal braces typically cost less than other options while delivering superior results for complex cases. Many insurance plans provide better coverage for metal braces compared to cosmetic alternatives.

Ceramic Clear Braces

Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with natural tooth color, making them much less noticeable than metal options. They’re popular with adults and image-conscious teenagers.
Treatment Capability: Clear braces can handle most orthodontic problems effectively, though they may not be suitable for the most severe cases. They work similarly to metal braces but with improved aesthetics.
Care Requirements: Ceramic brackets can stain if not properly maintained, requiring diligent oral hygiene and avoidance of staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine.

Self-Ligating Braces

Efficient Movement: Self-ligating braces use specialized brackets with built-in clips rather than elastic bands to hold wires in place. This design reduces friction and allows teeth to move more freely and comfortably.
Fewer Appointments: The reduced friction often means longer intervals between adjustments, requiring fewer office visits throughout treatment. This convenience appeals to busy patients with demanding schedules.
Improved Hygiene: Without elastic ligatures that can trap food and bacteria, self-ligating braces are easier to keep clean, reducing the risk of white spot lesions and gum inflammation.

Lingual Braces

Complete Invisibility: Lingual braces attach to the tongue-side of teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They’re ideal for professionals, performers, or anyone requiring maximum discretion.
Technical Complexity: Lingual treatment requires specialized training and experience due to the challenging access and unique biomechanics involved. Treatment may take longer than traditional braces.
Speech Adaptation: Initial speech changes are more pronounced with lingual braces since the tongue must adapt to the brackets’ presence. Most patients adjust within two to four weeks.

Benefits of Professional Orthodontic Treatment

Modern braces treatment offers numerous advantages that extend far beyond cosmetic improvement, providing lasting health and quality-of-life benefits.

Comprehensive Bite Correction: Braces address not just crooked teeth but complex bite problems, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Proper bite alignment reduces jaw strain, prevents tooth wear, and eliminates jaw joint problems that can cause chronic pain.
Improved Oral Hygiene Capability: Straight teeth are significantly easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Patients with aligned teeth typically require fewer fillings, crowns, and periodontal treatments throughout their lives.
Enhanced Facial Aesthetics: Orthodontic treatment can improve facial proportions and profile appearance by positioning teeth and jaws optimally. Many patients experience positive changes in lip support, smile width, and overall facial harmony.
Reduced Risk of Dental Trauma: Protruding front teeth are more susceptible to injury during sports, accidents, or falls. Braces treatment positions teeth safely within the lip protection zone, significantly reducing trauma risk.
Long-Term Cost Savings: While braces represent a significant initial investment, they prevent costly dental problems later in life. Straight teeth require fewer restorations, replacements, and complex treatments, saving thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
Improved Digestion and Nutrition: Properly aligned teeth allow for more efficient chewing, improving food breakdown and digestion. Patients can enjoy a wider variety of foods and maintain better nutrition when bite problems are corrected.
Professional and Social Confidence: A straight, healthy smile positively impacts career opportunities, social interactions, and personal relationships. Studies show that people with attractive smiles are perceived as more intelligent, successful, and trustworthy.

Who Benefits Most from Braces Treatment

Braces can effectively treat orthodontic problems at any age, though certain patients experience particular advantages from treatment.

Children and Adolescents: Young patients benefit from faster tooth movement due to active growth and development. Early treatment can guide jaw growth, prevent more severe problems from developing, and take advantage of natural developmental processes for optimal results.
Adults Seeking Lifelong Improvement: Adult orthodontic treatment addresses years of functional problems and aesthetic concerns. Many adults find that straighter teeth improve their professional image and personal confidence significantly.
Patients with Complex Bite Problems: Severe crowding, significant spacing, major bite discrepancies, and jaw alignment issues typically require the comprehensive control that braces provide. Alternative treatments may not be sufficient for complex cases.
Sports Participants and Active Individuals: Athletes benefit greatly from properly aligned teeth that are less susceptible to injury and don’t interfere with breathing or performance. Straight teeth also make mouthguard fitting more effective.
Patients with TMJ Symptoms: Many temporomandibular joint problems stem from bite alignment issues that braces can address. Proper tooth positioning often reduces jaw joint stress and associated pain symptoms.
Those Preparing for Restorative Dental Treatment: Patients needing crowns, bridges, or dental implants often require orthodontic positioning first to create adequate space and proper alignment for optimal restorative results.

The Complete Braces Treatment Process

Understanding each phase of orthodontic treatment helps patients prepare for their journey and maintain realistic expectations about timing and results.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Examination: Initial evaluation includes clinical examination, digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and digital impressions or traditional molds. We assess tooth alignment, jaw relationship, facial proportions, and overall oral health.
Detailed Treatment Planning: Using advanced software, we create a customized treatment plan showing predicted tooth movements, estimated treatment duration, and final results. This plan guides every aspect of your orthodontic care.
Pre-Treatment Preparation: Any necessary dental work, like dental fillings, teeth cleanings, or extractions, must be completed before brace placement. We coordinate with your general dentist or specialist as needed.
Braces Bonding Appointment: Brackets are precisely positioned and bonded to each tooth using specialized adhesive. The initial archwire is placed and secured, and we provide detailed instructions for care and comfort management.
Regular Adjustment Visits: Appointments every four to eight weeks involve wire changes, bracket adjustments, and progress monitoring. Each visit moves you closer to your final result while addressing any concerns.
Progress Monitoring and Modifications: Treatment plans may be adjusted based on individual response patterns. We monitor progress closely and make modifications to optimize results and timing.
Final Positioning and Detailing: The final treatment phase focuses on perfecting tooth positions, refining bite relationships, and preparing for brace removal. This phase requires patience as small adjustments create significant improvements.
Braces Removal and Retention: Brackets are carefully removed, the adhesive is cleaned from the teeth, and retainers are fitted. The retention phase is critical for maintaining your new smile long-term.

Caring for Your Braces

Initial Discomfort Period: Most patients experience mild soreness for three to five days after brace placement and adjustments. This discomfort indicates that teeth are beginning to move and typically decreases with each subsequent adjustment.

Dietary Modifications: Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can damage braces and should be avoided throughout treatment. We provide comprehensive dietary guidelines and suggestions for braces-friendly meals and snacks.

Oral Hygiene Challenges: Braces require more time and attention for proper cleaning. Special brushes, floss threaders, and mouth rinses help maintain excellent oral health during treatment.

Treatment Duration Variability: While average treatment time ranges from 18 to 30 months, individual cases vary based on complexity, compliance, and biological response. Some cases may require longer treatment for optimal results.

Retention Requirements: Wearing retainers as prescribed is essential for maintaining results. Initial full-time retainer wear transitions to nighttime-only use for long-term stability.

Can Adults Get Braces, and How is it Different From Treatment in Children?

Adults can definitely get braces and often achieve excellent results, though treatment may differ slightly from pediatric orthodontics. Adult bones are denser and don’t remodel as quickly, so tooth movement may be slower and treatment duration slightly longer. Adults are also more likely to have existing dental work, like crowns or missing teeth that require special consideration during treatment planning.

However, adult patients typically have excellent compliance with instructions and oral hygiene, often leading to very successful outcomes. Age alone is rarely a barrier to orthodontic treatment – we’ve successfully treated patients in their 60s and 70s who wanted to improve their smiles. Adults also make amazing Invisalign patients, due to their ability to adhere to the guidelines that allow this clear aligner treatment to work. If you’re worried about the appearance of braces, Invisalign may be a better option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces requires additional time and specialized tools, but it’s absolutely achievable with proper technique and consistency. Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, spending extra time cleaning around brackets and wires.

Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between teeth and under wires daily – this step is critical for preventing white spot lesions and gum inflammation. Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen breath. We’ll provide detailed instructions and may recommend additional tools like water flossers to make cleaning easier and more effective.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

Avoid:

Hard foods that can break brackets, like ice, hard candies, nuts, and popcorn kernels.
Sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, gum, and gummy candies can pull brackets off teeth or get stuck in wires.
Chewy foods like bagels, pizza crust, and tough meats should be cut into small pieces rather than bitten into directly.
Corn on the cob, whole apples, and carrots should be cut off the cob or sliced before eating.
Sugar should be limited to prevent tooth decay, which is more likely around braces.

We’ll provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid and suggestions for braces-friendly alternatives that won’t compromise your treatment.

Will I need to wear a retainer after braces?

Yes, retainer wear is essential for maintaining your results because teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions after braces removal. Initially, you’ll need to wear retainers full-time except when eating and brushing for several months, then transition to nighttime-only wear.

The retention phase is just as important as active treatment – failure to wear retainers as prescribed often results in relapse requiring additional orthodontic treatment. Modern retainers are comfortable and barely noticeable, and most patients adapt to wearing them within a few days. We’ll provide detailed retainer care instructions and monitor your retention progress with regular check-ups.

What happens if a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose?

Minor orthodontic problems like loose brackets or protruding wires are common and rarely constitute true emergencies. If a bracket breaks but remains attached to the wire, leave it alone and call our office to schedule a repair appointment. If a wire is poking your cheek or tongue, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end for comfort. Loose bands or severely broken appliances should be addressed promptly to prevent treatment delays.

We provide emergency contact information and can usually see patients quickly for urgent repairs. Most minor problems can wait until regular office hours, but we’re available for guidance when you’re unsure about severity.

Start Your Smile Transformation Today

Don’t let crooked teeth hold you back from the confidence and oral health you deserve. The Dental Care Group’s comprehensive braces treatment in South Florida helps patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process with personalized care and attention to your specific needs and goals. From initial consultation through final retention, we’re committed to making your orthodontic journey as comfortable and successful as possible.

Ready to begin your journey to a straighter, healthier smile? Contact The Dental Care Group today to schedule your comprehensive braces consultation. Call our Aventura office at 305-935-2797, Pembroke Pines at 954-430-2300, or Fort Lauderdale at 954-963-3706. Your perfect smile is waiting – take the first step and call today!

2797 NE 207th Street, Suite 100 Aventura, FL 33180
12634 Pines Blvd. Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
3107 Stirling Rd #108 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312