Braces in Fort Collins From Your Neighborhood Orthodontic Specialist
Goings Orthodontics has been straightening smiles for kids, teens and adults in Fort Collins and the surrounding area since 2007. Braces are still one of the most reliable ways to align teeth and correct a bite, and we offer both classic metal braces and ceramic braces so you can choose the look that fits you.
How Braces Treatment Works
Before your braces go on, our team takes digital X-rays, photos and a 3D scan of your teeth. Dr. Goings uses those records to build a treatment plan that maps out where each tooth needs to go and exactly where each bracket should sit.
The bracket positions are planned on a digital model first. A custom tray then places all of your brackets at once, which keeps placement precise and makes your first appointment shorter and more comfortable.
Once the brackets are bonded, a wire is threaded through them to put steady, gentle pressure on the teeth that need to move. That pressure starts a slow remodeling process in the bone around each root. Cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts work together, clearing bone on one side of the tooth and rebuilding it on the other, so the tooth can shift into its new spot.
Teeth tend to drift back toward their old positions after braces come off. That's why wearing your retainer as directed matters so much. It holds your new smile in place while the bone and gums settle.
Types of Braces We Offer
Our range of treatment options can handle everything from simple spacing to more complex bite problems. Braces are especially good at closing gaps and moving teeth with a high level of control, which is why they remain one of the most common choices every year.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the type most of our patients choose. They're made from high-grade stainless steel and use brackets and a wire to move teeth. Today's metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than the ones many parents remember.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way metal braces do, but the brackets are clear or tooth-colored so they blend in with your smile. They're especially popular with adults and older teens who want a more discreet look. Because ceramic brackets are a bit larger and more fragile than metal, we don't usually recommend them for younger kids.
Not sure braces are the right fit? We also offer Invisalign in Fort Collins, and Dr. Goings can walk you through both options at your consultation.
Who Can Get Braces?
Braces work at almost any age as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.
- Kids. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Not every child needs treatment that early, but an early look lets us catch problems while the jaw is still growing.
- Teens. Most permanent teeth are in and the jaw is still developing, which makes the teen years an ideal time for braces. Our guide to orthodontic treatment for teens in Fort Collins covers what to expect.
- Adults. It's never too late. Many adults choose braces to fix crowding they've lived with for years or to correct teeth that shifted after treatment as a kid.
Life With Braces
Braces take a little getting used to, but most patients settle into a routine within a couple of weeks.
- Food. Skip hard, sticky and chewy foods like nuts, caramel, popcorn and crusty bread, since they can break brackets or bend wires.
- Cleaning. Brush after meals and floss every day. Food catches easily around brackets, so a travel toothbrush is worth keeping in your backpack or bag.
- Comfort. Your teeth may feel sore for a few days after your braces go on and after adjustments. Orthodontic wax helps if a bracket rubs your cheek.
- Sports. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports. Here's more on protecting your braces while playing sports.
You'll come in every six to ten weeks so Dr. Goings can check your progress and make adjustments.
Why Choose Goings Orthodontics for Braces in Fort Collins
We treat every patient as an individual, with a plan built around your age, your bite and your goals instead of a one-size-fits-all template. Dr. Goings is an orthodontic specialist with advanced training beyond dental school, and our office uses digital X-rays and 3D scanning, so there are no goopy impressions. You'll always know what's happening at each step and what comes next.
Braces FAQs
How long do braces take?
It depends on your case. Most orthodontic treatment falls somewhere between six and twenty-four months. Simple spacing can wrap up faster, while complex bite corrections take longer. Dr. Goings will give you a realistic timeline at your free consultation.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces put on doesn't hurt. You may feel pressure and some soreness for a few days afterward and after adjustments. Soft foods and orthodontic wax usually take care of it.
What's the difference between metal and ceramic braces?
Both move teeth the same way. Metal braces are the most durable option, while ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in. Ceramic brackets are more fragile, so they're usually a better fit for adults and older teens.
How often will I need appointments?
Most patients come in every six to ten weeks for adjustments and progress checks.
Will I need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Teeth naturally try to drift back after braces come off, and a retainer holds them in their new positions.
Am I too old for braces?
No. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, braces can work at any age.
Ready to get started? Book a free consultation with us today.