Braces in Arlington
What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Brackets bond to each tooth, and archwires apply gentle pressure over time to correct crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Treatment works for children, teens, and adults.
At Larson Orthodontics, our Arlington braces options serve families across the Arlington and Alexandria area. If you’ve searched for braces near me, you have real choices at our practice.
Today’s braces look and feel very different from what you might remember. Here are the options we offer:
- 3M Advanced metal braces: time-tested, reliable, and more comfortable than ever
- 3M Clarity clear braces: tooth-colored brackets that blend in beautifully
- LightForce custom 3D-printed braces: brackets designed for the exact shape of your teeth
If your child needs a first orthodontic evaluation, or you’re an adult ready for a bold, confident smile, Dr. Larson will walk you through every option during your free consult.
Benefits of Braces at Larson Orthodontics
Braces do more than straighten teeth. They protect your long-term oral health and can change how you feel about your smile for the rest of your life. Here’s what our patients love about braces:
- Straighter teeth, healthier mouth. Aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Better bite function. Correcting an overbite, underbite, or crossbite reduces jaw strain and uneven wear on teeth.
- Amazing comfort with modern technology. LightForce custom brackets are made for your teeth, so they fit better and feel better.
- Faster results in many cases. Precision-placed brackets mean fewer broken brackets and fewer emergency visits.
- A confidence boost. A straighter smile changes how you show up in photos, meetings, and everyday life.
- Options for every lifestyle. From nearly invisible clear brackets to durable metal braces, we help you pick what fits.
Braces Options at a Glance
| Type | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3M Advanced Metal | Traditional silver brackets | Kids, teens, and adults wanting a proven option |
| 3M Clarity Clear | Tooth-colored, low-profile | Teens and adults who want a subtle look |
| LightForce Custom | Clear, made for your teeth | Patients wanting precision and gentle, snug-fitting comfort |
Details matter to us. We love the details. Every bracket placement, every wire adjustment, every check-in counts toward the smile you want.
The Braces Process: What to Expect
Getting braces here follows four clear steps: a free consult and digital exam, a customized plan with braces placement, regular adjustment visits every 4-8 weeks, and finally braces removal with a retainer fitting. Most of our patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months. Dr. Larson designs a customized plan built around your smile goals, your lifestyle, and your schedule.
Here’s how it works:
- Free consult and digital exam. Visit our Alexandria office serving Arlington patients for a no-obligation evaluation. We take digital scans, review your bite, and answer your questions.
- Customized plan and braces placement. Dr. Larson designs your treatment. On placement day, we bond the brackets and place your first archwire. This visit is comfortable and usually takes about an hour.
- Regular adjustment visits. You’ll see us every 4-8 weeks so we can adjust wires, check progress, and swap elastics. These short visits keep your teeth moving on schedule.
- Braces removal and retainer fitting. Once your teeth are in their final position, we carefully remove the brackets and fit you with a retainer to protect your new smile.
You’re never just a patient here. Our team follows up between visits, tracks your progress carefully, and celebrates every step forward with you.
Are You a Candidate for Braces?
Braces work for almost anyone with crowding, gaps, protruding teeth, or bite misalignment. Kids, teens, and adults across Arlington are all great candidates. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when early signs of alignment issues become visible.
You may be a strong candidate if you have:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that stick out or don’t line up when you close your mouth
- Trouble chewing or jaw discomfort
Adults are welcome, too. Orthodontic problems don’t improve with age; they become harder to treat. The good news? Modern braces are more discreet and more comfortable than ever, which makes adult treatment a great option.
The best candidates commit to good oral hygiene and keep their regular adjustment visits. A free consult with Dr. Larson is the fastest way to find out what will work best for your smile.
Why Choose Larson Orthodontics in Arlington
Choosing where to get your Arlington braces matters. Here’s why families across Arlington, Alexandria, and Northern Virginia trust Larson Orthodontics for their Arlington orthodontics care:
- Experienced provider. Dr. Donald F. Larson, DMD leads every treatment plan personally. He is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and has earned Washingtonian Top Dentist 2024 recognition, along with induction into the Washingtonian Top Dentist Hall of Fame.
- Advanced technology. We offer LightForce custom 3D-printed braces, 3M Advanced and 3M Clarity brackets, Invisalign, and Spark clear aligners. You get the right tool for your smile.
- Real results, real people. Families across the Arlington community speak to the comfort, care, and results we deliver.
- Convenient location. Our office at 814 N. Saint Asaph St. in Alexandria is a short drive from Arlington, with flexible scheduling for busy families and working adults.
- Full range of options. Metal, clear, LightForce, Invisalign, and Spark. Whatever fits your life, we offer it.
We deliver on our promise and our product. That’s the Larson difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington Braces
How much do braces cost in Arlington?
Braces cost varies based on the type of braces you choose, the length of treatment, and the complexity of your case. Financing options are available at Larson Orthodontics, and we walk through pricing openly during your free consult. There are no surprise fees, and Dr. Larson will help you find a plan that fits your budget.
How long do braces take to work?
Most braces treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though some cases finish sooner and complex cases can take longer. Factors like your age, the severity of misalignment, and how well you follow care instructions all affect timing. Dr. Larson provides a realistic timeline during your consult so you know what to expect.
Do braces hurt?
Braces are gentle when they’re placed, and modern brackets are designed for amazing comfort. You may feel some soreness for a few days after placement or after adjustments as your teeth begin to shift. Over-the-counter relief and soft foods help. Most of our patients say the soreness is much milder than they expected.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Skip foods that are hard, sticky, or crunchy. That includes popcorn, ice, hard candy, caramel, gum, and whole apples or carrots (cut them into small pieces instead). These foods can break brackets or bend wires, which means extra visits. Soft foods, pasta, cooked vegetables, and small bites keep your treatment on track.
Are braces or Invisalign better for me?
Both work well, and the right choice depends on your bite, your lifestyle, and your goals. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Removable | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Braces | No, fixed in place | Complex cases; no need to remember wear |
| Invisalign / Spark | Yes, take out to eat | Teens and adults wanting a nearly invisible look |
A free consult with Dr. Larson is the best way to decide which fits you.
Start Your Arlington Braces Treatment Today
Ready to see what your new smile could look like? Book a free consult with Dr. Larson at Larson Orthodontics and get a clear, no-obligation plan built around you. Our Alexandria office serves patients across Arlington, Old Town, Del Ray, Fairlington, and Washington D.C.
Call or text us at (703) 838-8998, or start a free virtual consult from the comfort of your couch. Your new smile is in the details, and we can’t wait to meet you.
