“For us, orthodontics doesn’t start with brackets. It starts with structure and breathing. We measure jaw development, airway space, and functional patterns before we ever choose a tool. Braces, aligners, and retainers are just that. Tools. Optimal outcomes and long term stability depend on breathing, tongue posture, and skeletal balance.”— Dr. Bret Christensen
What Braces Can Do and What They Can’t
Braces move teeth into alignment. They correct rotations, close spaces, coordinate the bite, and refine how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
What braces do not do is create skeletal space. They do not widen the palate or open the nasal airway.
If a patient has narrow jaws or airway restriction, we address that first. Expansion and structural correction come before braces.
Braces are applied after jaw structure and airway balance have been evaluated and corrected.
They are the fine-tuning phase of treatment. They are not the foundation.
Long-term stability depends on more than tooth position. It depends on adequate jaw width, nasal breathing, proper tongue posture, and balanced skeletal relationships.
When those elements are in place, braces become a precise finishing tool that creates a stable, healthy smile.
When Braces Are the Right Tool
Braces are often recommended when:
- Jaw width is appropriate or has already been expanded
- Rotations or vertical discrepancies are significant
- Complex tooth movements are necessary
- The bite requires careful, engineered correction
- Clear aligners may not provide sufficient precision
Orthodontic care follows a sequence. We evaluate structure first. If expansion or orthopedic correction is needed, that is addressed before alignment.
Once the skeletal foundation is stable, braces are used to refine tooth position and balance the bite.
A Straighter Smile Is Closer Than You Think
The Types of Braces We Use
The bracket we choose depends on mechanics, skeletal foundation, and patient goals.
We do not select braces based on trend. We select them based on what will deliver the most stable result.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces remain one of the most precise tools in orthodontics. They are durable, highly controllable, and effective for complex bite correction.
SmartClip Self-Ligating Braces
SmartClip braces hold the archwire without elastic ties, reducing friction and improving efficiency in certain cases.
Clarity Ceramic Braces
Clarity ceramic braces are tooth-colored brackets for patients who prefer a less visible option. They function similarly to metal braces.
What to Expect With Braces
Treatment Timeline
Time in braces depends on structural foundation, bite complexity, and biologic response. Most cases average 18 to 24 months.
Adjustment Visits
Patients return at scheduled intervals so we can adjust archwires and refine tooth positioning.
Initial Soreness
Mild pressure or tenderness is common when braces are first placed or adjusted. This typically resolves within several days.
Foods to Avoid
- Sticky foods
- Hard candies
- Chewing ice
- Caramel
- Hard nuts
Oral Hygiene
Braces create additional surfaces where plaque can accumulate. Brushing after meals and careful flossing are essential.
Braces for Teens and Adults
Braces for Teens
Many teens begin braces after completing Phase One growth guidance. Braces refine alignment and coordinate the bite as permanent teeth erupt.
Braces for Adults
Adults may choose braces when complex movements are required or when aligners are not ideal.
For some adults, braces provide superior torque control and bite correction.
If you are an adult exploring braces, the first step is a comprehensive airway evaluation.
Retention After Braces
Teeth move through bone, and bone remodels slowly. Once braces are removed, retainers stabilize results while biology adapts.
Retention is not optional. It is part of orthodontic treatment.
Long-term stability depends on:
- Skeletal balance
- Functional breathing patterns
- Tongue posture
- Consistent retainer use
Frequently Asked Questions
Do braces hurt?
Braces may cause temporary soreness after placement or adjustments. This usually resolves within several days.
How long will I wear braces?
Most patients wear braces between 18 and 24 months, depending on complexity.
Are ceramic braces as effective as metal braces?
Yes. Ceramic braces offer comparable performance and are chosen based on preference and clinical needs.
What are self-ligating braces?
They use a clip mechanism instead of elastic ties and may improve efficiency in certain cases.
Can braces improve breathing?
Braces alone do not expand the airway. Structural treatment may be required first.
Are braces available in Lewiston, Moscow, and Grangeville?
Yes. We provide comprehensive orthodontic care throughout North Central Idaho.
The Next Step
If you are considering braces in Lewiston, Moscow, Grangeville, or the surrounding North Central Idaho area, the first step is a Comprehensive Airway Evaluation, where we assess not just alignment, but airway structure, jaw relationships, and long-term function. We welcome patients from throughout North Central Idaho and from across the United States, Canada, and beyond.