Traditional metal braces are a reliable and versatile option for correcting crowding, spacing, and bite concerns. At ABM Orthodontics in Clearwater, FL, treatment is planned around your teeth, bite, and facial goals, with modern digital planning used to guide precise, individualized care. We offer traditional braces for children, teens, and adults, with ceramic and fully customized KLOwen options available when a different approach better fits your needs.
Traditional braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and an archwire to apply controlled, gentle forces that gradually guide the teeth into their planned positions. Throughout treatment, the wire and other components are adjusted as needed to correct crowding, spacing, bite concerns, and other alignment problems.
Keeping treatment on track also depends on what happens between appointments. Good brushing and flossing help keep the teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment, while following braces friendly food guidelines helps protect brackets and wires from damage. Fewer broken appliances and fewer interruptions can help treatment stay on track.
Our Clearwater office is designed to make orthodontic treatment feel as comfortable and straightforward as possible. We use modern brackets and archwires selected to provide controlled tooth movement while keeping the appliances as low profile as practical. At each visit, our team takes time to explain what we are doing, answer questions, and make any adjustments needed to keep treatment progressing according to plan. Flexible scheduling, including select Saturdays, helps make regular orthodontic visits easier to fit into busy schedules.
Your treatment begins with a complimentary consultation, where we evaluate your teeth, bite, facial proportions, and treatment goals using digital records and 3D imaging when appropriate. We’ll review what we see, discuss your options, and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Once you’re ready to begin, your braces placement visit typically takes about 60–90 minutes. We’ll also show you how to care for your braces, including brushing, flossing, and braces friendly eating habits.
Throughout treatment, you’ll return for regular visits so we can evaluate your progress and make adjustments to the wires, elastics, or other mechanics as needed. You can typically expect visits every 4–8 weeks, although the timing may vary based on your individual treatment plan and what is needed at each stage. Most patients wear braces for approximately 18–24 months, though your specific timeline will depend on the complexity of your case and how your teeth and bite respond. Once active treatment is complete, we’ll transition you into retainers to help maintain your result.
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Traditional braces can be used at nearly any age, but the goals and timing of treatment are different for a growing child, a teenager, and an adult. For younger patients, we may use orthodontic treatment to address specific bite, eruption, or growth concerns while the teeth and jaws are still developing. Comprehensive treatment commonly takes place during the teen years as the permanent teeth erupt. Adults can also be treated successfully with braces when the teeth, gums, and supporting bone are healthy, whether the concern is crowding, spacing, bite correction, or movement that occurred after previous orthodontic treatment.
At ABM, we do not recommend treatment based on age alone. We evaluate the teeth, bite, facial proportions, growth when relevant, periodontal health, and your treatment goals before recommending the timing and approach that make the most sense for you.
Before treatment begins, we’ll review your total treatment fee, what is included in that fee, and any estimated insurance benefits that may apply. ABM offers several ways to structure payment, including payment in full or monthly payment plans with different down payment options. Our in office payment plans have no interest and do not require a credit check, and HSA or FSA funds may be used toward eligible orthodontic expenses. We’ll walk you through the options clearly so you understand both the cost of treatment and what is included before deciding how you’d like to move forward.
Choosing orthodontic treatment is about more than straightening teeth. It is about improving the way your smile looks, the way your bite functions, and how confident you feel in the result. At ABM, Dr. Brooke takes the time to understand what brought you in, what matters most to you, and what we are seeing clinically before recommending a plan.
Your treatment is followed closely throughout the process, with time built into visits to evaluate progress, answer questions, and make thoughtful adjustments along the way. We want you to understand the reasoning behind your treatment, feel comfortable with the decisions being made, and know that the details of your result matter to us as much as they matter to you.
We use digital records and 3D imaging for a more complete view when planning treatment.
Dr. Brooke is closely involved throughout treatment, evaluating progress and making adjustments based on how your teeth and bite respond.
From the moment you walk in, your comfort, time, and trust are our top priorities.
Schedule your appointment today and experience personalized dental care that puts your comfort first. Healthy teeth. Confident you.
Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though your treatment timeline depends on the severity of your orthodontic issues and how well you follow care instructions. Some cases with mild crowding or spacing may finish in as little as 6 months, while complex bite corrections could take up to three years. At ABM Orthodontics, we use advanced 3D imaging technology during your initial consultation to create a personalized treatment plan with a clear timeline. We’ll monitor your progress at regular appointments every 4 to 12 weeks, making adjustments to keep you on track. Following our care instructions and maintaining excellent oral hygiene helps ensure you finish on time and achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’re working toward.
Braces don’t hurt when they’re first placed, though you may feel some pressure as your teeth begin to move. Most patients experience mild soreness or discomfort for a few days after getting braces and after each adjustment appointment. This discomfort is completely normal and means your teeth are shifting into their proper positions. Over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods for the first few days can help manage any tenderness. The good news is that modern braces technology has come a long way. The brackets and wires we use are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than those used in the past. Most patients adjust within a week or two and find that wearing braces becomes second nature.
You’ll need to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods while wearing braces to prevent damage to your brackets and wires. Hard foods like popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and ice can break brackets or bend wires. Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gum can get caught in your braces and pull brackets loose. You should also skip chewy foods like bagels and tough meats unless you cut them into small, manageable pieces. Crunchy foods like chips and pretzels should be eaten carefully or avoided altogether. The good news is you can still enjoy most of your favorite foods with minor modifications. Cut apples, carrots, and corn off the cob before eating, and opt for softer alternatives when possible. We’ll provide you with a complete list of foods to avoid and tips for eating comfortably with braces.
Keeping your teeth clean with braces requires extra attention, but it’s essential for preventing cavities and ensuring the best treatment results. Brush your teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, angling the brush to clean around brackets and along the gum line. Flossing daily is just as important. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and under the wires. An interdental brush or water flosser can help remove food particles stuck in hard-to-reach areas. Regular dental cleanings every six months are crucial during orthodontic treatment. At ABM Orthodontics, we provide detailed instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques and are always available to answer questions about maintaining your oral health throughout treatment.
Yes, we can assist patients who need to have their existing braces removed, even if their treatment was started elsewhere. At ABM Orthodontics, we ensure the removal process is safe, comfortable, and followed by a thorough cleaning to protect your enamel.
The cost for a professional braces removal is $400. Because maintaining your results is essential to preventing your teeth from shifting back, we also offer a removal package that includes custom-fitted retainers for a total of $800. During your visit, Dr. Brooke can also evaluate your current alignment and discuss any further orthodontic goals you may have.
Our convenient Clearwater location at 1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd makes quality orthodontic care accessible to families throughout Pinellas County. We’re proud to serve patients from Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Seminole and the surrounding communities. Our modern office features the latest orthodontic technology in a welcoming, comfortable environment designed with your family in mind. Whether you’re coming from nearby or across the bay, you’ll find ample parking and easy access to our practice. We offer flexible appointment times, including select Saturdays, to fit your busy schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover the ABM Orthodontics difference.
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