Braces in Alexandria

What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth using small brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. Gentle, steady pressure from the wire guides teeth into their ideal positions over time, correcting crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites for a healthier, more confident smile.

At Larson Orthodontics in Alexandria, Dr. Larson offers several types of Alexandria braces to fit your goals and lifestyle. You can choose from LightForce custom 3D-printed braces, 3M Advanced metal braces, or 3M Clarity clear braces. Each option uses proven mechanics with modern upgrades for better comfort and precision.

Kids, teens, and adults all see real results with braces. Growing smiles benefit from early guidance, and adult teeth respond to treatment too. Whether your case is straightforward or a bit more involved, Dr. Larson designs a customized plan around your bite, your teeth, and your timeline.

Benefits of Alexandria Braces at Larson Orthodontics

Braces do a lot more than straighten teeth. They correct complex bite problems, protect long-term oral health, and give you a smile you’ll actually want to show off. Here’s what makes braces at our Alexandria home stand out.

• Powerful for complex cases. Braces excel at fixing rotations, deep bites, and severe crowding that aligners alone can’t always resolve.
• Better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of decay and gum issues.
• Confidence that lasts. A brilliant smile has a way of changing how you show up in every room you walk into, from the first hello to that unguarded laugh across the table.
• LightForce precision. Our LightForce custom 3D-printed brackets are shaped to the exact contour of each tooth, which means fewer breaks, more comfort, and efficient tooth movement.
• Clear braces for discreet treatment. 3M Clarity clear braces melt into your teeth so you can enjoy your smile from day one, not only at the finish line.
• Predictable results. Dr. Larson, DMD, personally oversees every customized plan from start to finish.

We love the details, and that mindset shows up in your final result. Every wire bend, every bracket placement, every adjustment is intentional. Your new smile is in the details, and we treat each one like it matters, because it does.

The Alexandria Braces Treatment Process

Getting braces at Larson Orthodontics follows a clear, patient-friendly process. You start with a free consult and digital scan, receive a customized plan, get your braces placed, return for adjustments every 6-8 weeks, and finish with braces removal and a retainer. Most treatments take 12-24 months depending on your case.

Here’s what each step looks like:

1. Free consult and digital imaging. You’ll meet Dr. Larson, tour our home, and get a full digital scan of your teeth. No pressure, no obligation.
2. Customized plan and placement. Dr. Larson maps out your treatment goals and timeline. On placement day, brackets are bonded to your teeth and the first archwire is set in place.
3. Regular adjustment visits. You’ll see us every 6-8 weeks so we can change wires, check progress, and make small tweaks. These visits are quick and easy.
4. Braces removal and retainer fitting. Once your teeth are where they belong, we remove your braces and fit you with a retainer to keep everything in place.

Can’t always make it into our Alexandria home? Our free virtual consult option makes check-ins convenient for busy schedules, travel, or quick questions between visits.

Are Braces Right for You?

Braces are a great fit for most orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. They work well for kids as young as 7, an age the American Association of Orthodontists recommends for a first evaluation, along with teens in their growth years and adults who want a straighter smile at any age.

Fixed braces really shine in cases where clear aligners can’t do the full job on their own. If your teeth need significant rotation, if your bite is off, or if there’s meaningful vertical movement required, braces give Dr. Larson the control needed for beautiful results.

Prefer something removable or more discreet? You may be a candidate for:

• Invisalign clear aligners
• Spark clear aligners
• 3M Clarity clear braces

Coming in for a free consult is the best way to learn your options. Dr. Larson will look at your teeth, listen to your goals, and walk you through what fits your smile and your life.

Why Choose Larson Orthodontics in Alexandria

You’re never just a patient at Larson Orthodontics. When you walk into our Alexandria home, you’ll feel the difference in how we listen, how we plan, and how we care for you through every appointment. Here’s why families across Alexandria, Old Town North, Del Ray, Fairlington, Arlington, and Washington D.C. choose us for their braces.

• Experienced provider. Dr. Donald F. Larson, DMD, is a 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 metal braces, 3M Clarity clear braces, Invisalign, and Spark clear aligners, all under one roof.
• Digital scanning. No goopy impressions. Fast, accurate digital scans make planning smoother and more precise.
• Proven results in Alexandria. Real Alexandria families come back and refer friends because of the care and results we deliver, and their stories reflect that trust.
• Convenient scheduling. Book in-person or take advantage of our free virtual consult option.

We deliver on our promise and our product. That means great experiences; beautiful results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

How much do braces cost in Alexandria?

Braces cost varies based on your treatment length, the type of braces you choose, and the complexity of your case. At Larson Orthodontics, we offer financing options to make treatment easier to fit into your budget. You’ll receive a full cost breakdown at your free consult, so there are no surprises, and we’ll walk you through every number before you commit to anything.

How long does braces treatment take?

Most braces treatments take 12-24 months, though some cases finish sooner and others take a bit longer. Your exact timeline depends on how much movement your teeth need and how well retainers, elastics, and appointments are kept on track. Dr. Larson will give you a personalized estimate at your consult.

Do braces hurt?

You may feel some soreness for a few days after your braces are placed and after each adjustment, but most of our patients describe it as pressure rather than sharp discomfort. Modern braces like LightForce are designed for amazing comfort, and any tenderness usually eases within a few days.

What’s the difference between metal and clear braces?

Metal braces (like 3M Advanced) use stainless steel brackets and are highly durable and efficient. Clear braces (like 3M Clarity) use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that disappear against your smile for a more discreet look. Both move teeth effectively, so the choice usually comes down to appearance and lifestyle.

Are braces or Invisalign better for me?

It depends on your bite, your case complexity, and your daily habits. Braces are often the better choice for complex movements and cases needing precise control. Invisalign works well for mild-to-moderate cases and patients who want a removable option. Dr. Larson will help you decide at your free consult.

Does insurance cover braces?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage, though the amount varies by plan. Our team will check your benefits and walk you through what’s covered, what’s out of pocket, and which financing options might help. Bring your insurance details to your free consult and we’ll handle the rest.

Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation

Your new smile could be closer than you think, and seeing what’s possible starts here. Book your free consult with Dr. Larson at Larson Orthodontics in Alexandria today. You’ll meet our team, get a digital scan, and walk out with a clear picture of your options, timeline, and next steps. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest guidance and a customized plan built around you.

Short on time? Choose our free virtual consult from wherever you are. It’s a fast, easy way to start.

Call or text us at (703) 838-8998, or visit us at 814 N. Saint Asaph St., 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22314. We can’t wait to meet you.