What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic devices that use small brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by wires to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. They correct crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites by applying steady, gentle pressure over time. Braces work for patients of nearly every age.
At Shannon Orthodontics, our orthodontists use braces to improve both the look and the function of your smile. As your bite improves, so does your ability to chew, speak, and care for your teeth each day.
Our Davenport, FL practice offers several types of braces to fit your needs:
- Traditional metal braces, durable, reliable, and effective for most cases
- Clear ceramic braces, tooth-colored brackets that blend with your smile
- Gold braces, a stylish alternative for patients who want something unique
- Mini metal braces, smaller brackets for a more discreet look
- Wild Smiles braces, fun shaped brackets popular with younger patients
Braces work well for early orthodontics, teens, and adults alike. A 9-year-old guided through jaw development and a 45-year-old finally fixing a long-standing bite issue can both benefit from the same proven approach. Our orthodontists will review your situation and recommend the right option for your goals.
Benefits of Braces and Orthodontic Treatment
Braces do far more than straighten teeth. They support your long-term oral health, improve daily function, and give you a healthy, confident smile you’ll love showing off.
Here are the key benefits of orthodontic treatment with braces:
- Lower risk of decay and gum disease. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which helps prevent cavities, plaque buildup, and gum problems caused by crowded or overlapping teeth.
- When your teeth meet properly, you chew food more efficiently and reduce uneven wear on tooth enamel, which protects your bite for years to come.
- Clearer speech. Gaps, crowding, and bite issues can affect how you pronounce certain sounds. Aligning your teeth often improves speech clarity.
- A misaligned bite can strain the TMJ (jaw joint) and lead to soreness or headaches, so correcting the bite helps relieve that pressure and ease daily discomfort.
- Improved digestion. Chewing thoroughly is the first step in healthy digestion, and a balanced bite makes that easier.
- Boosted confidence. A straighter smile can change how you feel in photos, at work, and in everyday conversations.
- Long-term value. Investing in orthodontic care now can help you avoid more costly dental work later.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that early evaluation and timely treatment can prevent more complex issues from developing as teeth and jaws grow. That’s why our orthodontists focus on the right treatment at the right time, helping patients in Davenport, FL build lasting oral health.
The Braces Process in Davenport, FL: What to Expect
Getting braces in Davenport, FL is a step-by-step process designed to be clear and comfortable. Your treatment typically follows five stages, from your first visit to the day your braces come off. Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, depending on their needs.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Free consultation and exam. During your complimentary new patient exam, our orthodontists review your smile, discuss your goals, and explain your treatment options.
- Records and custom treatment plan. We take digital images and impressions to map out a plan built around your bite, age, and smile goals.
- Braces placement. At your bonding appointment, brackets are attached to your teeth and connected with a wire. The process is painless and usually takes about an hour.
- Adjustment visits every 4 to 8 weeks. You’ll come in regularly so our team can adjust wires, change elastics, and track progress as your teeth shift into place.
- Removal and retainer phase. Once your smile is aligned, the braces are removed and you’ll receive a custom retainer to protect your results long-term.
Throughout treatment, our team will guide you on cleaning, food choices, and what to do if a bracket loosens. If something feels off between visits, you can call us and we’ll get you scheduled quickly. Our team stays close so problems get solved fast.
Who Is a Candidate for Braces?
Braces work for patients of nearly every age. Parents weighing early orthodontics for a young child and adults who have wanted a straighter smile for years both find a good fit here. Our orthodontists can help you decide if braces are right for your situation.
You may be a good candidate for braces if you have:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- An overbite, where upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
- An underbite, where lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- A crossbite, where upper and lower teeth don’t line up correctly
- Difficulty chewing or biting comfortably
- Speech concerns tied to tooth or jaw position
By age groups:
- Children: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early visits help us spot issues while the jaw is still developing.
- Teens: This is often the ideal window for braces. Permanent teeth are in, and the jaw is still growing, which makes treatment efficient.
- Adults: It’s never too late. Adult patients regularly choose braces to fix alignment, improve bite function, and protect their long-term oral health.
The best way to know if braces are right for you is a personal exam at Shannon Orthodontics in Davenport, FL.
Why Choose Shannon Orthodontics in Davenport
Choosing where to get braces is a big decision. Our team works hard to make your time with us feel welcoming, informed, and easy from day one.
Here’s what sets our Davenport, FL practice apart:
- Experienced orthodontic team. Dr. Chris Shannon, DDS and Dr. Tyrel Larsen, DDS, MS lead our team, with Dr. Larsen holding board certification in orthodontics. Both doctors are active members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO), American Dental Association (ADA), and Florida Dental Association (FDA).
- Full range of braces options. From traditional metal to clear ceramic, gold, mini, and Wild Smiles, we offer the right braces for your style and goals. We’re also an Invisalign provider for patients who prefer clear aligners.
- Care families return for. Many of our patients come to us through referrals from other families across Davenport and the surrounding area.
- Fun and energetic office. Our team creates a welcoming atmosphere where patients of all ages feel at home.
- Bilingual care. Hablamos español, so Spanish-speaking families feel comfortable and informed throughout treatment.
- Flexible scheduling and financing. We offer financial options and online payment to help braces fit your budget.
Shannon Orthodontics is where we love making you smile, and we’re proud to serve Davenport, Celebration, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Kissimmee, Poinciana, and Haines City.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How much do braces cost in Davenport, FL?
The cost of braces in Davenport, FL depends on the type of braces you choose, the length of treatment, and the complexity of your case. We offer flexible financial options and online payment to make treatment affordable. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule your complimentary new patient exam.
How long does treatment with braces take?
Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though some cases are shorter and others take a bit longer. Treatment time depends on the issues being corrected, your age, and how closely you follow care instructions. Our orthodontists will give you a clearer timeline after reviewing your exam and digital images.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces placed doesn’t hurt. You may feel mild soreness for a few days after each adjustment as your teeth begin to shift. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain, and it usually fades within a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help during those first few days.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
With braces, you’ll want to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. That includes things like popcorn, ice, hard candy, caramel, gum, and crunchy nuts. Soft foods, pasta, fruits, and cooked vegetables are great choices. Our team will give you a full list at your placement appointment.
Are braces or Invisalign better for me?
Both braces and Invisalign can straighten your smile beautifully. The right choice depends on your case, lifestyle, and preferences. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Complex bite and alignment issues | Mild to moderate cases |
| Visibility | More visible (clear/ceramic options available) | Nearly invisible |
| Treatment time | 12 to 24 months | Varies by case |
| Removable | Fixed in place | Removable for meals and cleaning |
Our orthodontists will help you decide which option fits best during your exam.
Schedule Your Braces Consultation in Davenport, FL
Picture the smile you’ve been waiting for, then let’s make it real. Schedule your complimentary new patient exam at Shannon Orthodontics in Davenport, FL today. Our team will review your smile, walk you through your braces options, and answer every question along the way.
Call us at 863-353-6867 or book online to reserve your visit. We keep flexible appointment times to fit busy school and work schedules, so finding a spot that works for your family is easy. We offer flexible financial options to help braces fit your budget, and hablamos español for our Spanish-speaking families.
Shannon Orthodontics proudly welcomes new patients from Davenport, Celebration, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Kissimmee, Poinciana, and Haines City. We are eager to hear from you!