Braces have helped generations of patients achieve healthier, better-aligned smiles, and they remain one of the most versatile orthodontic treatments available today. Because braces stay in place throughout treatment, they can guide teeth with consistency and precision, making them a strong option for many children, teens and adults with crowding, spacing, bite concerns or teeth that need more controlled movement.
Our orthodontist and team provide traditional braces in South Jordan, Utah, with a focus on making treatment feel clear, manageable and worthwhile from the beginning. Dr. Todd Christensen will examine your teeth and bite, talk with you about your goals and explain whether braces are the best fit for your needs. If you are comparing braces with other orthodontic options, we can help you understand the differences before you make a decision.
Call 801-446-5548 to schedule a braces consultation and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.
Why Braces Are Still a Trusted Orthodontic Choice
Traditional braces are popular because they can treat many types of orthodontic concerns. Unlike removable aligners, braces are fixed to the teeth, so they are always working. This can be especially helpful for patients who need more detailed tooth movement or who may not want the responsibility of tracking daily aligner wear.
Braces can correct concerns that affect both the look and function of your smile. Teeth that are crowded, rotated or spaced unevenly may be harder to keep clean. Bite problems can place uneven pressure on certain teeth, sometimes contributing to wear or discomfort. By improving alignment, braces can support a smile that looks better, functions better and is easier to care for after treatment.
What Braces Can Help Correct
Braces may be recommended for a wide range of orthodontic needs, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps or uneven spacing
- Rotated teeth
- Overbites, underbites and crossbites
- Open bites
- Teeth that do not meet evenly when biting or chewing
- Alignment problems that have returned after past orthodontic treatment
Some patients begin braces after an early orthodontic evaluation, while others start treatment as teens or adults. The right timing depends on your teeth, bite, growth patterns and overall goals.
Braces for Children, Teens and Adults
Braces are not limited to one age group. Children may benefit from braces when their permanent teeth are coming in and alignment concerns become easier to identify. In some cases, early treatment may be recommended before full braces are needed. You can learn more about early care on our Phase One Treatment page.
For teens, braces can guide the smile during an important stage of growth and development. Many teen patients need treatment to correct crowding, spacing or bite concerns before adulthood. Our team also helps teens understand how to care for braces during school, sports, activities and busy routines. Visit our Teen Orthodontics page for more information.
Adults can also choose braces, especially when they want a dependable solution for more involved alignment or bite concerns. If you are considering orthodontic care as an adult, our Adult Orthodontics page explains treatment options designed for grown-up smiles.
What Happens After Braces Are Placed?
After braces are placed, your teeth will begin moving gradually. You may notice pressure or tenderness at first, especially after the initial appointment or adjustment visits. This is a normal part of the process and usually improves as your mouth adapts.
During follow-up visits, our orthodontist will check your progress and make small adjustments to keep treatment moving in the right direction. These appointments are also a good time to ask questions, review home care and address anything that feels loose, sharp or uncomfortable. If a wire pokes or a bracket breaks between visits, call 801-446-5548 so our team can help.
How To Take Care of Braces
Braces work best when they are supported by strong daily habits. Food can collect around brackets and wires, so brushing and flossing carefully becomes especially important during treatment. Our team will show you how to clean around your braces and may recommend tools that make home care easier.
To help protect your braces and avoid delays, you should:
- Brush around each bracket and along the gumline every day
- Floss using the technique recommended by our team
- Avoid sticky, chewy or hard foods that can damage brackets and wires
- Wear elastics or other appliances exactly as instructed, if they are part of your plan
- Use orthodontic wax if a bracket or wire causes temporary irritation
- Keep regular adjustment visits so progress stays on track
- Contact our office if anything breaks, loosens or feels unusually painful
These habits can make treatment smoother and help you avoid preventable setbacks.
Braces Compared With Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Many patients want to know whether braces, Invisalign® treatment or clear aligners would be best for their smile. Each option has advantages. Braces are fixed, reliable and often well-suited for complex movement. Aligners are removable and more discreet, but they require consistent wear and may not be ideal for every case.
You do not have to decide on your own. Dr. Christensen will review your alignment, bite and goals, then explain which option can provide the most effective path forward. The goal is not simply to straighten teeth, but to create a result that supports your long-term oral health and confidence.
Life With Braces
Adjusting to braces takes a little time, but most patients settle into a routine quickly. Eating may require some changes, and cleaning around brackets takes extra care, but our team will help you feel prepared. Patients who play sports may also need a mouth guard to help protect their braces and teeth during activity.
Braces are a temporary part of your routine, but the results can last for years with proper care and retention. Once treatment is complete, a retainer helps keep your teeth in their improved positions and protects your new smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How do I know if braces are the right choice?
Braces may be recommended if you have crowding, spacing, bite problems, rotated teeth or alignment concerns that need steady, controlled movement. During your consultation, our orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite, then explain whether braces or another orthodontic option is the best fit.
Are braces only for kids and teens?
No. Braces can be effective for children, teens and adults. While many patients begin orthodontic treatment during childhood or adolescence, adults can also benefit from braces if they want to improve alignment, bite function or smile confidence. Your treatment plan will be based on your needs, not your age.
What should I avoid eating with braces?
Patients with braces should avoid foods that are very sticky, hard, chewy or likely to pull on brackets and wires. This may include gum, hard candy, popcorn kernels and certain crunchy foods. Our team will give you clear food guidelines so you can protect your braces and avoid treatment delays.
What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks?
If a bracket breaks or a wire feels sharp, call Christensen Orthodontics for guidance. Do not try to repair braces on your own. Our team can let you know whether the issue needs a visit and can offer tips to keep you comfortable until it is addressed.
How long does braces treatment usually take?
Treatment time depends on your alignment, bite, age and how complex your case is. Some patients need shorter treatment, while others require more time to guide teeth and bite alignment properly. Dr. Christensen will discuss your estimated timeline after evaluating your smile.
Do you offer braces in South Jordan, UT, and surrounding areas?
Yes. Our orthodontist and team welcome patients seeking braces in South Jordan, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Lehi, American Fork, Alpine, Highland and nearby communities in Utah. Call 801-446-5548 to schedule a consultation.
Schedule Your Braces Consultation
If you are ready to find out whether braces in South Jordan, UT, are the right option for you or your child, Christensen Orthodontics is here to help. We will explain your options, answer your questions and guide you through each step with confidence. Call 801-446-5548 or contact our office today to schedule a braces consultation with our orthodontist.
801-446-5548