What Are Braces?
Braces in Smyrna, TN are fixed orthodontic appliances that use brackets bonded to your teeth and a connecting archwire to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. At RuCo Orthodontics, Dr. Anish Gala and Dr. Sasha Baston use braces to correct crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites for kids, teens, and adults.
Braces work by applying consistent, controlled pressure to teeth over time. Periodic adjustments to the wire guide each tooth into its planned position, while small components like elastics help correct the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Most families at our Smyrna practice choose between two main options:
- Metal braces are the traditional choice. They’re durable, efficient, and the most cost-effective option for complex cases.
- Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural enamel, making them a quieter option for teens and adults who want something less noticeable.
Braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct crooked teeth, spacing issues, and bite problems, and they work well across nearly every kind of orthodontic case we see.
Benefits of Braces
Braces do more than straighten teeth. They correct how your bite functions, which has a real impact on your long-term dental health. Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston design each treatment around what your smile actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all template.
Here’s what well-planned braces treatment can do for you or your child:
- Reliable correction for complex cases. Braces handle severe crowding, large gaps, and significant bite issues that other treatments can’t always address as predictably.
- Better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease over time.
- Improved chewing and speech. Aligned teeth distribute biting force evenly and can help with certain speech patterns affected by tooth position.
- A confidence boost that lasts. Most patients tell us the way they feel about their smile changes long before treatment ends.
- Long-term dental function. Properly aligned teeth wear more evenly, which protects them from chips, fractures, and uneven stress on the jaw joint.
Braces work for nearly every age group. Kids benefit from guided growth, teens get treatment timed with their adult teeth coming in, and adults often see results faster than they expect once treatment begins.
The Braces Process at RuCo Orthodontics
The braces process at RuCo Orthodontics starts with a free consultation and ends with a retainer to protect your new smile. Most treatment plans run 12 to 24 months, with adjustments every four to eight weeks. The same doctor sees you at every visit, so your care builds consistently from start to finish.
Here’s what to expect:
- Free consultation and exam. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston meets with you, takes digital records, and reviews your bite. You’ll get an honest recommendation about whether braces are the right call and a clear breakdown of cost and insurance coverage.
- Personalized treatment plan and braces placement. Once you decide to move forward, we schedule your bonding visit. Brackets are placed on each tooth and connected with an archwire. The appointment usually takes about an hour and is painless.
- Periodic adjustments. You’ll come in every four to eight weeks so we can change wires, adjust elastics, and track your progress. These visits are short, usually 15 to 30 minutes.
- Braces removal and retainer fitting. When your teeth reach their planned position, we remove the brackets and fit you for a retainer. Wearing your retainer as directed keeps your results in place for the long term.
Because Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston personally see every patient at every visit, you get better continuity, fewer repeated explanations, and care that actually builds over time. Not a corporate chain, not a rotating roster of providers.
Are You a Candidate for Braces?
Most people with crowded, gapped, or misaligned teeth are good candidates for braces. So are patients with overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites. Braces work for children with developing smiles, teens whose adult teeth have come in, and adults who never had treatment or whose teeth have shifted over time.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At that point, most kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston a clear picture of how the adult teeth are developing. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it lets us catch issues while they’re still simple to address.
| Orthodontic Issue | Braces a Good Fit? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Severe crowding | Yes | Often the most predictable option |
| Large gaps | Yes | Excellent results across age groups |
| Overbite, underbite, crossbite | Yes | Braces handle bite correction well |
| Mild to moderate alignment | Yes | Clear aligners may also work |
| Adult relapse after prior treatment | Yes | Both braces and aligners are options |
Clear aligners are an alternative for some teens and adults with mild to moderate cases. At your free consultation, Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will tell you honestly whether aligners make sense for what your smile needs, or whether braces would get you a better result.
Why Choose RuCo Orthodontics in Smyrna, TN
Choosing an orthodontist is a long-term decision. You’re going to see this person every few weeks for a year or more, and the consistency of that relationship matters. Here’s what makes RuCo Orthodontics different from other practices serving Smyrna and Rutherford County:
- Board-certified expertise. Dr. Anish Gala is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, the highest credential in the specialty. Dr. Sasha Baston brings extensive clinical experience to every case.
- Nearly 30 years of combined clinical experience between Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston, focused entirely on orthodontics.
- Same doctor, every visit. You see the doctor who designed your plan at every adjustment. Not a rotating roster, not a different face each time.
- Independent practice. We’re locally owned, which means decisions about your care happen here in Smyrna, not at a corporate headquarters.
- In-network with most dental insurance plans. Orthodontic treatment shouldn’t require a benefits specialist to figure out. We verify your coverage upfront and explain it in plain language.
- Flexible payment options that fit family budgets, with no surprises down the line.
- Hablamos español. Clear communication isn’t a barrier to great care at our practice.
- Family-focused care across Rutherford County. We treat siblings, parents, and grandparents, often within the same family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Smyrna
How much do braces cost in Smyrna, TN?
The cost of braces depends on the complexity of your case, the type of braces you choose, and how long treatment takes. Most families pay somewhere in a typical orthodontic range, and insurance often covers a portion of that. At your free consultation, Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will give you a complete quote with no surprises, including what your insurance covers and what monthly payment options are available.
How long does braces treatment take?
Most braces treatments at RuCo Orthodontics take between 12 and 24 months. Simpler cases sometimes finish sooner, and more involved bite corrections can run a bit longer. Your exact timeline depends on what we’re correcting and how your teeth respond to treatment, which we’ll review at your consultation.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces placed is painless. There’s typically some soreness for a day or two after the brackets are bonded and after each adjustment visit. Most patients find it manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and softer foods for a day. The discomfort fades quickly as your mouth adjusts.
Does insurance cover braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage, often a percentage of treatment cost up to a lifetime maximum. RuCo Orthodontics is in-network with most dental insurance plans. We verify your benefits before treatment starts and apply them directly to your account, so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
What’s the difference between braces and clear aligners?
Braces are fixed appliances using brackets and wires that work continuously. Clear aligners are removable trays you wear about 22 hours a day. Braces handle complex bite and alignment issues more predictably, while aligners offer a more discreet option for mild to moderate cases. Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston will give you straight answers about which option fits your smile best.
What age should my child get braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. Most kids who need braces start treatment between ages 10 and 14, once enough permanent teeth have come in. That said, the right age depends on your child’s specific bite and development, which is why an early evaluation matters.
Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation Today
Ready to find out if braces are the right fit for you or your child? Book a free consultation at RuCo Orthodontics in Smyrna, TN. There’s no pressure and no obligation. You’ll meet Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston personally, get a clear look at your treatment options, and leave with straight answers about cost, timeline, and insurance coverage.
Our practice is located at 739 President Place, Suite 210 in Smyrna, serving families across Rutherford County. Call (615) 625-6900 or book your free consultation online. Hablamos español.