Traditional Braces in Washington, DC

Choosing between braces and clear aligners is an important decision that deserves thoughtful consideration rather than a sales pitch. Both paths have genuine benefits, and what's right depends on your child's unique needs, their habits, and what feels right for your family.

Dr. Mary Jividen offers both traditional braces (metal and clear) and clear aligner options, so the recommendation you receive is based on what truly fits your child's case, not on what's easiest to sell. She provides comprehensive orthodontic care in one welcoming location.

When considering complexity, reliability, and affordability, braces remain the most dependable choice across a wide range of bite and alignment situations. They're also typically the more budget-friendly route, and they work continuously without requiring patient compliance. Treatment unfolds in three clear phases: initial placement appointment (includes detailed explanation of care instructions), regular adjustment visits every 6-8 weeks, and retention planning that begins well before braces come off.

We'll verify your insurance benefits during the consultation and provide a clear understanding of your investment before you make any decisions. Most orthodontic insurance plans provide substantial coverage for braces treatment.

To discuss your child's options, reach out to schedule a consultation or call us directly at (771) 210-3484. We're located at 4900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 260.

Quick Takeaways

• Braces work beautifully for most alignment and bite cases, including complex ones that may not be ideal for clear aligners.
• Clear braces offer a more discreet appearance while delivering the same excellent results as metal.
• Treatment typically runs 18 to 24 months, with comfortable adjustment visits every 6-8 weeks.
• Most orthodontic insurance plans provide substantial coverage for braces treatment.
• Because braces are fixed, they work continuously without relying on patient compliance or consistency.

Are Braces the Right Fit for Your Child or Teen?

Braces are often the most reliable choice for cases involving significant crowding, spacing, or bite concerns. When bite issues go uncorrected, they can create uneven wear and pressure on the teeth over time.

One of the biggest advantages of braces is their consistency. While clear aligners require careful daily wear and tracking, braces are simply there, working continuously day and night. This reliability often makes a meaningful difference in achieving the best possible results.

Your child or teen might be a great candidate for braces if they have:

• Moderate to severe crowding that needs significant tooth movement
• Complex bite issues like deep overbites, underbites, or crossbites affecting multiple teeth
• A mix of baby and adult teeth still transitioning (typically ages 9-12)
• Previous challenges maintaining consistent wear with retainers or other removable appliances
• Root positioning concerns that require precise three-dimensional tooth movement
• Situations where efficient treatment timing is particularly important

For families who prefer a less visible option, clear braces deliver the same excellent results as traditional metal braces. You can explore the full range of orthodontic options we offer.

Metal or Clear: Which Type Makes Sense?

Both options deliver the same excellent clinical results. The choice comes down to appearance, investment, and daily care preferences.

Metal braces remain wonderfully durable and the most accessible choice for families. They're designed to handle sports, playground activities, and everything kids throw at them. The brackets are much smaller than they used to be, and kids often enjoy choosing colored elastics at each adjustment visit.

Clear braces use transparent brackets that blend beautifully with natural teeth. They're much less noticeable in photos and social settings while providing the same dependable results as metal braces without requiring the daily compliance that removable aligners need.

Clear braces do involve a higher investment and require a bit more attention to avoiding staining foods like coffee, tea, and tomato sauce.

The decision usually comes down to what matters most to your family:

• How important visibility is in social situations and activities
• What investment level feels comfortable for your family
• Your child's willingness to avoid certain foods and maintain careful oral hygiene
• How your child's specific needs and preferences align with each option

During your consultation visit, Dr. Jividen will walk through both options with your child's actual teeth and your family's preferences in mind. Her recommendation is always based on what truly fits best. You can reach us at (771) 210-3484 to discuss which option feels right for your child's situation.

What Treatment Looks Like at Smile Horizon

Your consultation with Dr. Jividen focuses on understanding your child's unique situation. She'll examine how their bite and growth are developing, then walk you through treatment options that make sense for your family. Her approach is thorough but never rushed — you'll leave with a clear understanding of what's happening and why certain treatments might be recommended.

The first appointment is when we place the braces, and we make sure everyone feels comfortable and informed. This bonding appointment usually takes about 90 minutes to two hours and includes taking digital impressions, carefully placing the brackets and initial wire, and walking through everything you need to know about care and what to expect. We'll schedule your first adjustment before you leave, so you know exactly when you'll see us next.

Regular adjustment visits happen every 6-8 weeks and typically take about 30-45 minutes. During each visit, we'll make any needed wire changes or adjustments, check on progress, and address any questions or concerns. Every appointment is tailored to where your child is in their treatment, always working toward steady, comfortable progress.

Between scheduled visits, we're always here if you need us. If a bracket comes loose or your child experiences any discomfort, we can usually see you quickly rather than having you wait until the next appointment.

As treatment nears completion, we start planning for retainers well ahead of time — usually 2-3 months before the braces come off. This includes taking impressions for retainers, explaining exactly how to wear them (typically all day for the first several months, then just at night), and making sure you feel confident about maintaining those beautiful results long-term.

Day-to-Day Life With Braces: What Kids and Teens Actually Ask

Here are the practical details about living with braces that help families feel prepared and confident about treatment.

Food restrictions are real but completely manageable. You'll want to avoid hard candies, ice, nuts, popcorn, sticky caramels, and chewy bagels. The good news? Pizza, pasta, soft sandwiches, and most regular foods remain perfectly fine to eat. Most kids adjust to eating with braces within about two weeks, and then it feels completely normal.

Oral hygiene does require a bit more attention with braces, but we make it simple. Brushing after meals becomes part of the routine, and flossing requires threading under the wire or using a water flosser. We'll send you home with a complete oral hygiene kit at the bonding appointment, including specialized brushes and floss threaders, so you have everything you need.

Soreness after adjustment appointments follows a very predictable pattern. Day one usually feels fine, day two tends to be the most uncomfortable, and by day four normal eating typically resumes. Ibuprofen works better than acetaminophen for orthodontic discomfort, and soft foods for a few days after adjustments help manage any tenderness.

For families concerned about appearance: braces are incredibly common among middle and high schoolers throughout Northwest DC areas like Spring Valley, Tenleytown, and American University Park. Clear braces offer a much more discreet option for those who prefer less visibility.

Have questions about what daily life with braces looks like for your child? Call us at (771) 210-3484 to discuss what this means for your child's age and activity level.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment Options

We believe families deserve complete transparency about orthodontic investment from the very beginning. Braces are generally the more affordable path compared to clear aligner therapy, and clear braces involve a modest additional investment over traditional metal braces.

Most orthodontic insurance plans provide generous coverage for braces treatment, and many cover them more favorably than they cover aligners. During your consultation, we'll verify your insurance benefits and provide a personalized cost estimate. Bringing your insurance card to the first visit helps us give you the most accurate information about your family's investment.

For the portion not covered by insurance, we're happy to discuss payment arrangements that work for your family. Your comprehensive treatment fee includes everything you need:

• All braces, wires, and adjustments throughout treatment
• Emergency visits for loose brackets or any discomfort
• Retainers and retention planning when braces come off
• Progress monitoring and bite adjustments throughout treatment

Dr. Jividen provides all aspects of orthodontic care right here in our office, which means no surprise referrals or additional coordination with other specialists. You can learn more about what to expect at your first visit on the Visit Smile Horizon page or call us at (771) 210-3484.

Why Families in Northwest DC Choose Smile Horizon for Orthodontic Care

We understand that orthodontic treatment for kids and teens involves both clinical needs and social considerations. Questions about appearance, activities, and whether treatment is truly necessary are all part of the conversation we welcome during visits.

Choosing an orthodontist means finding someone who will provide honest, clear information about your child's options. When bite correction, space management, or complex movement patterns are needed, we handle everything under one roof with one comprehensive treatment plan that makes sense for your family.

What we offer families:

• Honest conversations about treatment fit rather than sales pitches
• Clear information about costs and options upfront
• Convenient Massachusetts Avenue NW location serving Spring Valley, Tenleytown, and AU Park families
• Comprehensive care that eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple providers
• Understanding that each child's comfort level and social concerns are unique

Questions Parents Ask Before Starting Braces

Here are the questions we hear most often from families considering braces, with honest answers to help you feel prepared.

How do I know if my child needs braces or clear aligners?

Dr. Jividen looks at how your child's teeth and jaw are developing together, not just how things appear on the surface. She uses digital imaging and growth assessments to show you exactly what's happening and explains which treatment approach fits your child's specific bite pattern, age, and lifestyle. You'll leave the consultation with a clear understanding of why one option makes more sense than the other.

What age is the right time to start?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7, but treatment timing varies quite a bit from child to child. Some children benefit from early intervention (ages 7-10) to guide jaw growth, while others do better waiting for comprehensive treatment (ages 11-14) when most permanent teeth are present. Dr. Jividen can identify the optimal timing for your child's unique situation.

Will braces interfere with sports or playing an instrument?

Most children adjust beautifully within 2-3 weeks. Athletes continue playing with a properly fitted mouthguard, and musicians adapt to the new feel within the same timeframe. We'll provide orthodontic wax and share specific techniques to minimize any initial discomfort during activities.

How long does treatment usually take?

Most cases take 18-24 months, though simpler corrections may finish in 12-15 months and more complex cases occasionally extend to 30 months. We'll provide a specific timeline estimate based on your child's treatment plan. Progress is monitored at every 6-8 week adjustment, and we'll keep you updated if the timeline shifts.

What happens if a bracket comes off?

Loose brackets happen occasionally and aren't emergencies. Just call us at (771) 210-3484 within a day or two, and we'll schedule a quick repair appointment (usually 15-20 minutes). We'd much rather address it promptly than have you worry or wait until the next scheduled visit.

Do braces hurt?

You can expect mild soreness for 2-4 days after initial placement and 1-2 days after each adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help manage any discomfort. We'll send you home with a detailed comfort guide at the start of treatment, including specific foods to avoid and techniques that help. The discomfort is typically much more manageable than families anticipate.

What does treatment cost, and what's included?

Treatment investment varies based on your child's specific needs. Metal braces are the more affordable option, while clear braces involve additional cost for their less visible appearance. Your treatment fee includes all appointments, adjustments, emergency visits, and retainers at the end of treatment. We'll verify your orthodontic insurance benefits during consultation and provide your exact out-of-pocket investment upfront.

Ready to See What Braces Could Do for Your Child's Smile?

Your consultation includes a thorough examination, insurance benefit verification, and clear information about your family's options. Most appointments take about an hour and can usually be scheduled within a week or two.

You can reach us directly at (771) 210-3484, or reach out through our contact page. We'd be happy to help you schedule a time that works for your family.