Metal braces, ceramic braces, and personalized orthodontic care to help patients achieve healthier, straighter smiles with lasting results.
Braces use brackets, wires, and controlled pressure to gradually shift teeth into the correct position. They are the most effective orthodontic treatment for a wide range of alignment and bite issues, including:
Correcting these issues does more than improve appearance. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reduce the risk of decay and gum disease, distribute biting force more evenly, and in many cases relieve jaw pain and headaches related to bite imbalance.
Braces on crooked teeth are one of the most common treatments we perform. Crowding develops when there is not enough space in the jaw for all teeth to erupt in their correct positions. The result is teeth that overlap, rotate, or push behind adjacent teeth.
The severity of crowding determines the treatment approach. Mild crowding may resolve in 12 to 18 months. Moderate to severe crowding, particularly in adults whose jaw bone is fully formed, can take 24 to 36 months and may involve tooth extraction to create space before braces are placed.
Buck teeth, clinically called an overjet, describes upper front teeth that protrude significantly beyond the lower teeth. This is one of the most successfully treated conditions with teeth braces. In most cases, braces retract the upper front teeth and adjust the lower teeth forward to bring both arches into proper alignment.
Treatment for buck teeth with braces typically takes 18 to 30 months depending on the degree of protrusion and whether any skeletal correction is needed alongside the tooth movement. Dr. Unegbu evaluates each case individually and provides a realistic timeline at your consultation.
Not all braces for teeth are the same. Here is a breakdown of the orthodontic options available at My Glow Up Dentistry and how they compare.
| Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Invisalign |
Visibility | Noticeable | Subtle. Tooth-colored brackets | Nearly invisible |
Durability | Highest. Most stain-resistant | High. Brackets can stain slightly | Trays replaced every 2 weeks |
Best for | Complex cases, teens, budget | Adults wanting subtle treatment | Mild to moderate cases |
Cost range | $3,000 to $7,000 | $4,000 to $8,000 | $3,000 to $8,000 |
Treatment time | 12 to 36 months | 12 to 36 months | 6 to 24 months |
Removable? | No | No | Yes |
Food restrictions | Yes | Yes | No |
Traditional metal braces in Richmond, TX remain the most effective option for complex orthodontic cases. They deliver precise, reliable tooth movement and are the most affordable type of braces. The brackets are smaller and smoother than they were a decade ago, and patients can personalize them with colored elastic bands at each adjustment appointment.
Metal braces are the best braces for teeth with severe crowding, significant bite correction needs, or complex rotations. They are also the top choice for children and teenagers because they require no discipline to keep in (unlike removable aligners).
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with the natural shade of your teeth, making them significantly less noticeable than metal. The wires can also be tooth-colored for an even subtler look.
Ceramic braces work just as effectively as metal braces for most cases. The trade-off is that the brackets are slightly more fragile, can stain slightly over time if you drink a lot of coffee or tea, and cost a little more. For adults in professional settings who want effective treatment with a lower profile, ceramic is usually the preferred choice.
It is never too late to straighten your teeth. Adult braces in Richmond, TX are more common than most people realize. More than one in four orthodontic patients in the United States are adults.
Adult patients bring different priorities to orthodontic treatment than teenagers do. Aesthetics matter more, discretion is often preferred, and treatment needs to fit around work and social schedules. At My Glow Up Dentistry, we discuss all your options including ceramic braces and Invisalign so you can choose the approach that works for your lifestyle.
Adults should know that treatment times can sometimes be slightly longer than for teenagers, because adult bone is denser and teeth move more slowly. That said, many adult cases complete within 18 to 24 months and the result is permanent.
If you are an adult who has wanted straighter teeth for years but put it off, book a free consultation with Dr. Unegbu. We will give you a realistic picture of what treatment looks like for your specific case.
Both braces in Richmond, TX and Invisalign clear aligners are available at My Glow Up Dentistry. Here is how to think about the choice:
Dr. Unegbu evaluates your full dental profile at your consultation and gives you an honest recommendation based on your specific case, not on which treatment is more popular. Both options are available here.
How long braces take to straighten teeth depends on the complexity of the case, the patient’s age, and how consistently they follow care instructions. General timelines:
During your consultation at My Glow Up Dentistry, Dr. Unegbu provides a clear timeline estimate based on X-rays, photos, and an examination of your bite. Adjustment appointments every four to eight weeks allow the treatment to progress on schedule.
Retention. Custom retainers are provided to maintain the result. Retainers are typically worn full-time for the first few months, then at night only. Without a retainer, teeth will gradually shift back.
One of the most common questions we get from patients with metal braces is: what color braces make your teeth look whiter? The elastic bands that hold the wire in each bracket come in dozens of colors and are changed at every adjustment appointment.
Color effect | Colors that help | Colors to avoid |
Makes teeth look whiter | Dark blue, navy, violet, dark purple, black | White, yellow, clear, light pink |
Neutral / natural look | Silver, grey, light blue | Orange, red (can make teeth look yellow) |
Fun and expressive | Any bright colors. Mix and match per tooth | Clear (stains easily from food and drinks) |
The short answer: Darker colors like navy, dark blue, violet, and dark purple create contrast that makes your teeth appear brighter in comparison. Light colors like white and clear tend to absorb stains and can make teeth look yellower over time.
There are no rules. You can mix colors, change your choice at every appointment, and coordinate with seasons, holidays, or school colors. Your orthodontic team at My Glow Up Dentistry will show you the color wheel at each adjustment so you can choose.
Good oral hygiene is critical during orthodontic treatment. Food and plaque accumulate around brackets and along the gumline more easily, and decay or gum disease during treatment extends the timeline and can permanently damage enamel.
Here is how to brush effectively with braces:
At My Glow Up Dentistry, we provide brushing and flossing instruction at the time your braces are placed and at every adjustment appointment as needed.
The cost of teeth braces in Richmond, TX depends on the type of braces, the complexity of your case, and the duration of treatment. General price ranges at My Glow Up Dentistry:
If you are looking for low-price teeth braces in Richmond, TX, metal braces remain the most affordable orthodontic option and deliver excellent results for most cases. We accept most major dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits, and offer flexible financing options for qualified patients. Our team will help you understand your coverage and payment options so you can start your braces treatment with confidence.
Yes, in many cases. Whether you can get braces with missing teeth depends on which teeth are missing, how many, and what the goal of the orthodontic treatment is.
In some cases, braces are used to close the gap left by a missing tooth, which eliminates the need for an implant or bridge. In other cases, braces are used to create or maintain space in the correct position for a future implant or bridge. This is called space management orthodontics.
Adults who have lost teeth and experienced some shifting of the surrounding teeth often use braces to realign the remaining teeth before pursuing restorative treatment. This ensures implants, crowns, or bridges are placed into a properly aligned arch, producing a better long-term result.
Dr. Unegbu coordinates orthodontic and restorative treatment in-house, which means the orthodontic and implant or bridge planning happens as a single integrated approach at one practice. Book a consultation to find out the right sequence for your case.
Ready to get started with braces in Richmond, TX? Your first step is a free consultation at My Glow Up Dentistry.
Dr. Unegbu will examine your teeth, review your X-rays, discuss your goals, and give you a clear dental treatment plan with a timeline and cost estimate before you commit to anything. Call (346) 843-8743 or book online. We are at 10310 W Grand Pkwy S Suite 202, Richmond, TX 77406. We are accepting new patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Richmond, TX
Do teeth braces hurt? Getting braces placed does not hurt. The brackets are bonded to the teeth painlessly and the initial wire is very light. However, you will likely experience soreness in the first 24 to 72 hours as your teeth begin to respond to the pressure. This happens after the initial placement and after each adjustment appointment. The soreness feels like a dull ache or sensitivity and is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. It typically resolves within two to three days. Orthodontic wax can be applied to brackets that irritate the cheeks while your mouth adjusts.
How long braces take to straighten teeth depends on the complexity of the case and the patient’s age. Mild cases can complete in 6 to 12 months. Most patients with moderate misalignment or bite correction needs take 12 to 24 months. Complex cases, particularly adults with significant crowding or bite issues, can take 24 to 36 months. Dr. Unegbu provides a specific timeline estimate at your consultation based on your X-rays and examination.
Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush after every meal. Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gumline, then brush above and below each bracket. Use a floss threader, orthodontic floss picks, or water flosser to clean between teeth once a day. A fluoride rinse before bed helps protect enamel around the brackets. We provide detailed instructions at your braces placement appointment and at every adjustment visit.
Dark colors like navy blue, dark blue, violet, and dark purple create contrast against the teeth and make them appear whiter by comparison. Avoid white, clear, and yellow bands. White and clear stain easily from food and coffee, and yellow can amplify natural tooth color. The color wheel is large, you can change your choice at every adjustment appointment.
Yes. Braces with missing teeth are both possible and often recommended. Braces can be used to close gaps left by missing teeth or to create the right amount of space in the correct location for a future implant or bridge. Adults who have experienced tooth loss and subsequent shifting often benefit from braces before restorative treatment to ensure replacements are placed into a well-aligned arch. Dr. Unegbu coordinates both at My Glow Up Dentistry.
Metal braces in Richmond, TX range from $3,000 to $6,500. Ceramic braces range from $4,000 to $8,000. Invisalign ranges from $3,500 to $7,500. The final cost depends on case complexity and treatment length. Most dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover between $1,000 and $3,000 of the total cost. We verify your benefits before your consultation and offer CareCredit financing for the remaining balance.
Yes. Adult braces in Richmond, TX are common and effective. More than one in four orthodontic patients in the US are adults. Adult treatment may take slightly longer than equivalent cases in teenagers because adult bone is denser, but the results are equally permanent. Ceramic braces and Invisalign offer more discreet options for adults in professional settings. We treat patients of all ages at My Glow Up Dentistry.
Buck teeth (clinically called overjet) are corrected by retracting the upper front teeth and adjusting the lower arch to bring both into proper alignment. Braces apply continuous gentle pressure to move the upper teeth backward while the lower teeth are brought forward. Treatment for buck teeth with braces typically takes 18 to 30 months depending on the severity. In some cases, a palate expander or tooth extraction may be recommended beforehand to create the necessary space.
Yes. A retainer is essential after braces. Without one, teeth will gradually shift back toward their original position. Most patients wear a retainer full-time for the first three to six months after removal, then at night only for as long as they want to maintain the result. Custom retainers are included as part of your orthodontic treatment at My Glow Up Dentistry.
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. This includes ice, popcorn, hard pretzels, chewy candy, caramel, gum, hard bagels, whole apples (cut them instead), and corn on the cob. Soft foods like pasta, rice, eggs, soft bread, yogurt, and tender meats are all safe throughout treatment.
Yes. You can play sports with braces but you should always wear an orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports. Standard mouthguards do not fit well over braces. We can provide a custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguard that protects both your teeth and your brackets. If a bracket is knocked loose during a game, call us and we will repair it at your next appointment or sooner if needed.
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit that partially covers braces. Coverage typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 as a lifetime orthodontic maximum. Some plans have age restrictions. We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Guardian, BCBS Texas, and most major PPO plans. We verify your orthodontic benefits before your consultation so you know your coverage before committing to treatment.
