Metal braces in Sunnyvale, CA
Reliable orthodontic treatment for a healthier, straighter smile
What are metal braces?
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Rotated or misaligned teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- More complex bite relationships
Planned with advanced digital imaging
These digital records help her create a treatment plan based on a detailed view of your orthodontic needs.
Are metal braces right for you or your child?
- Have crowded, spaced, or rotated teeth
- Need correction for an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Need more precise control over certain tooth movements
- Prefer a fixed treatment that does not need to be removed
- May have difficulty wearing removable aligners consistently
- Want a durable orthodontic option
During your consultation, she will explain whether metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, monitoring, or another treatment option makes the most sense for your smile.
Metal braces vs. clear braces vs. Invisalign
Here is a simple comparison.
Metal braces vs. clear braces
Both metal and clear braces use brackets and archwires to gradually move your teeth.
The main difference is appearance. Metal braces use stainless-steel brackets, while clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets designed to blend more naturally with your smile.
Metal braces are typically more visible, while clear braces are often chosen by teens and adults who want a less noticeable fixed treatment.
Your orthodontist can help you determine whether bracket material makes a meaningful difference for your specific treatment plan.
Metal braces vs. Invisalign
Metal braces stay attached to your teeth throughout treatment. Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners.
With braces, you do not have to remember to wear your treatment. Invisalign aligners must be worn consistently each day and removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
Both options can successfully treat many orthodontic concerns. Some tooth movements and bite problems may be better suited to braces, while Invisalign may work well for patients who want a removable and more discreet option.
Dr. Wainwright will recommend treatment based on your diagnosis and the type of movement your teeth need.
What to expect with metal braces
Step 1
Your orthodontic consultation
Dr. Wainwright reviews the findings with you and explains whether treatment is recommended.
Step 2
Your personalized treatment plan
If braces are appropriate, Dr. Wainwright creates a treatment plan based on your orthodontic needs, goals, and expected tooth movement.
You will also receive information about treatment length, fees, insurance benefits, and payment options before starting care.
Learn more about what to expect as a new patient.
Step 3
Braces placement
Your brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected with an archwire.
It is normal to need a few days to adjust to eating, speaking, and the feeling of your new braces.
Step 4
Regular adjustments
You will return for appointments so Dr. Wainwright can adjust your braces, evaluate tooth movement, and monitor your progress.
Appointments are typically scheduled every 5 to 6 weeks, although your individual schedule may vary.
Step 5
Retainers
Once active treatment is complete and your braces are removed, you will receive a retainer to help maintain your new tooth positions.
Consistent retainer wear is an important part of protecting your orthodontic results.
How long do metal braces take?
Many comprehensive braces cases take approximately 12 to 24 months. Some patients may need more or less time depending on the complexity of their treatment.
Dr. Wainwright will give you a more personalized timeline after evaluating your smile.
Living with metal braces
Metal braces require a few temporary changes to protect your brackets and keep your treatment moving forward.
What can you eat with braces?
Most foods are still fine to eat, but you should avoid foods that can damage brackets or bend wires.
These may include:
- Popcorn
- Hard candy
- Ice
- Caramel and other sticky candy
- Very hard or crunchy foods
- Biting directly into hard foods such as whole apples
How do you brush and floss with braces?
Good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment because food and plaque can collect around brackets and wires.
Brush carefully around every bracket and along the gumline. Floss daily using the technique and tools recommended by your orthodontic team.
What if a bracket or wire breaks?
Loose brackets and irritating wires can happen during treatment.
Call or text Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics at (408) 739-4224 if something breaks, feels uncomfortable, or you are unsure what to do. The team can tell you whether you need an appointment and what you can do in the meantime.
Why Sunnyvale families choose Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics
Care led by a board-certified orthodontist
She personally evaluates patients, develops treatment plans, and oversees orthodontic treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Gabrielle Wainwright and Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics.
One orthodontist throughout treatment
Patients receive continuity of care with Dr. Wainwright guiding treatment from diagnosis through active orthodontics and retention.
That means you know who is responsible for your treatment plan and who is monitoring your progress.
Orthodontics is our specialty
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics focuses exclusively on orthodontic care, including metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, early orthodontic treatment, surgical orthodontics, and retention.
Explore our full range of orthodontic treatments in Sunnyvale.
Digital treatment planning
More than 60 years of orthodontic care in Sunnyvale
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics has served Sunnyvale families for more than 60 years, with generations of orthodontists carrying the practice forward.
Today, Dr. Wainwright continues that legacy with individualized, specialist-led orthodontic care.
Frequently asked questions about metal braces in Sunnyvale
What problems can metal braces fix?
They can also provide precise control over tooth movement in more complex orthodontic cases.
Dr. Wainwright will evaluate your bite to determine whether braces are appropriate for your specific needs.
How much do metal braces cost in Sunnyvale?
The cost of metal braces depends on the complexity and expected length of your treatment.
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics will provide a clear fee estimate before treatment begins.
The practice is not in-network with dental insurance plans, but the team can file claims on your behalf so you can use any available orthodontic benefits.
Do metal braces hurt?
This usually improves within a few days as your mouth and teeth adapt.
Contact the office if you experience persistent pain or something about your braces does not feel right.
How long will I need metal braces?
Many comprehensive cases take approximately 12 to 24 months.
Your actual treatment time will depend on your bite, the amount and type of tooth movement needed, and how your teeth respond during treatment.
How often will I need braces appointments?
Your individual appointment schedule may vary during treatment.
Is my child too young for braces?
An early orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Wainwright to assess how the teeth and jaws are developing. Some children benefit from treatment while they are still growing, while others are better served by monitoring until the timing is right.
Learn more about orthodontic treatment options for children.
Are metal braces better than Invisalign?
Metal braces are fixed and do not depend on remembering to wear aligners. Invisalign is removable and less noticeable.
The right choice depends on your bite, the tooth movements required, your age, your habits, and your preferences.
Compare additional options on our orthodontic services page.
Are metal braces better than clear braces?
Metal and clear braces use similar mechanics to straighten teeth.
Metal braces use stainless-steel brackets, while clear braces use ceramic brackets that are designed to blend with the teeth.
Learn more about clear braces.
Does insurance cover metal braces?
Orthodontic coverage varies by dental insurance plan.
Keller & Wainwright Orthodontics is not in-network with dental insurance plans, but the team can file claims on your behalf so you can use available orthodontic benefits.
You can review additional insurance and financial information in the New Patient Guide.
Visit us
Serving Sunnyvale and surrounding communities with board-certified orthodontic care.
- 1301 Sunnyvale Saratoga Road, Suite 2
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 - (408) 739-4224
- Monday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday–Sunday – Closed
