What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that use brackets bonded to your teeth and a connecting archwire to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Over time, the steady pressure shifts teeth into their correct positions, correcting crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites for patients of all ages.
At Shannon Orthodontics, braces in Kissimmee FL help patients of every age achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts, with bracket options chosen to fit your goals and lifestyle.
The brackets act as anchors. The archwire applies steady, gentle pressure that shifts teeth into the right position over time. Small adjustments at each appointment keep your treatment moving forward.
Our orthodontists offer several bracket options at Shannon Orthodontics so you can pick a style that fits your goals and lifestyle. Choices include traditional metal braces, tooth-colored ceramic braces, gold braces, mini brackets, and fun Wild Smiles shapes for kids who want a little personality on their teeth.
If your child needs early orthodontics, your teen wants a straighter smile before senior pictures, or you’re an adult finally ready to fix a bite issue, braces remain one of the most reliable ways to get there.
Benefits of Braces
Braces do more than straighten teeth. They improve how your mouth works, how easily you can care for it, and how you feel when you smile.
Here’s what patients gain with braces at Shannon Orthodontics:
- A healthier bite. Correcting alignment helps your teeth meet properly when you chew and speak, which reduces uneven wear and jaw strain.
- Easier cleaning. Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, which in many cases lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- A confidence boost. A straighter smile changes how you show up in photos, interviews, and everyday conversations.
- Results for complex cases. Braces can handle severe crowding, bite problems, and rotations that other treatments may not address as effectively.
- Long-lasting outcomes. With proper retainer wear after treatment, your new smile typically stays put for years to come.
Many patients tell us the daily benefits (cleaner teeth, comfortable chewing, easier speech) matter just as much as the cosmetic results. A well-aligned bite supports long-term oral health, not just a nicer photo.
How Does the Braces Treatment Process Work at Shannon Orthodontics?
Getting braces is a clear, step-by-step process. Here’s how treatment works at our practice:
Step 1: Free Consultation and Digital Imaging
You’ll start with a complimentary new patient exam. Our orthodontists review your teeth, take digital images and X-rays, and discuss your goals. No surprises, just clear information.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Next, we build a treatment plan made for your smile. You’ll choose the bracket type that suits you best, whether that’s metal, ceramic, gold, mini, or Wild Smiles.
Step 3: Bonding the Brackets
At your placement appointment, we clean each tooth and bond a small bracket to the surface. Then we run the archwire through the brackets and secure it. The process is painless and usually takes about an hour.
Step 4: Routine Adjustments
You’ll come in every 4-8 weeks so our team can adjust the wire and check progress. These visits are quick and keep your teeth moving on schedule.
Step 5: Braces Removal and Retainer Fitting
Once your teeth reach their final positions, we remove the brackets and fit you with a custom retainer. Wearing your retainer as directed keeps everything in place.
Most patients complete treatment in 12-24 months, though your timeline depends on the complexity of your case. Our orthodontists will give you a more specific estimate during your exam.
Are You a Candidate for Braces?
Braces work for nearly every type of alignment or bite issue. If you have crowded teeth, noticeable gaps, an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, you’re likely a strong candidate.
Braces are a great fit for:
- Children. The AAO recommends a first orthodontic visit by age 7. Early orthodontics can guide jaw growth and prevent more involved treatment later.
- Growing teens. This is the classic age for braces because permanent teeth have come in and the jaw is still developing.
- Adults at any stage. It’s never too late. Many of our patients are adults who want to correct issues they’ve lived with for years.
For complex cases that clear aligners can’t fully address, such as severe rotations, large gaps, or significant bite corrections, braces are often the better choice.
| Concern | Braces a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Mild crowding | Yes |
| Severe crowding | Yes, often best option |
| Gaps between teeth | Yes |
| Overbite or underbite | Yes |
| Crossbite | Yes |
| Complex rotations | Yes, often best option |
The only way to know for sure is an in-person evaluation. Our orthodontists will confirm your candidacy at your complimentary new patient exam and walk you through every option.
Why Choose Shannon Orthodontics for Orthodontic Braces in Kissimmee
Patients from Kissimmee and the surrounding area choose Shannon Orthodontics because we combine experience, options, and a fun and energetic office that makes treatment feel easy.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experienced orthodontists. Dr. Chris Shannon, DDS and Dr. Tyrel Larsen, DDS, MS, lead our team. Dr. Larsen is board certified, and both doctors specialize in orthodontics.
- Trusted memberships. Our practice holds memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO), American Dental Association (ADA), and Florida Dental Association (FDA).
- Real options. We offer metal, ceramic, gold, mini, and Wild Smiles braces, plus Invisalign for patients who want a clear option.
- Care for every age. From early orthodontics for kids to adult treatment, we tailor care to your stage of life.
- Bilingual service. Hablamos español, so families across Kissimmee feel welcomed and informed.
- Patient-focused experience. Our patients regularly tell us they feel comfortable, heard, and well cared for at every visit, which reflects the attention we put into their treatment.
We’d love to help you reach a healthy, confident smile in a place where you actually enjoy your appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Kissimmee
How much do braces cost in Kissimmee, FL?
Braces cost varies based on the type you choose, the complexity of your case, and the length of treatment. At Shannon Orthodontics, we offer financial options and online payment to make care affordable. You’ll receive a clear cost breakdown during your complimentary new patient exam, with no hidden fees.
How long do braces take to work?
Most patients wear braces for 12-24 months, though timelines vary. Mild cases can finish faster, while complex bite corrections may take longer. You’ll start noticing changes in the first few months, and our orthodontists will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
Do braces hurt?
Braces don’t hurt to put on. After placement and adjustments, you may feel mild soreness for a few days as your teeth shift, which usually responds well to soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients find the discomfort manageable and short-lived.
What types of braces does Shannon Orthodontics offer?
We offer traditional metal braces, tooth-colored ceramic braces, gold braces, mini braces, and Wild Smiles shaped brackets for kids. We also offer Invisalign clear aligners. Our orthodontists will help you choose the best option based on your treatment needs and personal preferences.
Are braces or Invisalign better for me?
It depends on your case. Braces handle complex alignment and bite issues exceptionally well and don’t require you to remember to wear them. Invisalign is a great choice for milder cases and patients who want a removable, nearly invisible option. Our orthodontists will help you compare both at your exam.
Does insurance cover braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, though coverage levels vary. Our team will review your benefits and explain what’s covered. We also offer financial options to help fit treatment into your budget. Call our practice for help understanding your specific plan.
Schedule Your Braces Consultation in Kissimmee
Ready for a straighter, healthier smile? Schedule your complimentary new patient exam at Shannon Orthodontics today. Our practice is located in nearby Davenport and proudly serves patients from Kissimmee, Celebration, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Poinciana, and Haines City.
Call us at 863-353-6867 or book online whenever works for you. If you’re booking for your child, your teen, or yourself, we’ll guide you through every step. First-time patients are always welcome, and hablamos español.