Straight Teeth. For Kids, Teens, and Adults
Traditional braces are the most reliable way to straighten even complex cases. Modern brackets are smaller, more comfortable, and more discreet than ever. And they work for every age.
All Ages Welcome
Kids, teens, and adults
Free Consultation
Assessment and treatment plan
Flexible Payment Plans
Insurance and CareCredit accepted
How can we help you?
Tell us what you want to fix, and we will show you the best path to a straighter smile.
Understanding Braces
How braces work, and where they still win
Braces use small brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin wire. The wire applies gentle, continuous pressure that moves your teeth gradually into their correct positions over time. Adjustments every 4 to 6 weeks keep the movement on track.
Modern brackets are smaller, lower-profile, and more comfortable than the braces you remember. Ceramic brackets blend with your tooth color for a less visible option. Self-ligating brackets reduce friction and may shorten treatment time.
Braces can correct crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other complex alignment issues that aligners may not be able to handle on their own.
Key facts
Braces or Aligners?
Which is right for you depends on your case
We assess your teeth, bite, and goals at your free consultation and recommend whichever approach will give you the best result.
Braces may be the better choice if
- You have crowded, overlapping, or rotated teeth
- You have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- You have significant spacing or gaps between teeth
- You want an option that works around the clock without relying on compliance
- You are a child, teenager, or adult looking for a proven approach
Clear aligners may suit you better if
- Your case is mild to moderate and does not involve complex bite correction
- You prefer a removable, nearly invisible option
- You are disciplined about wearing aligners twenty-two hours a day
- Cosmetic visibility of braces is a major concern for you
- You have mostly straight teeth that need minor refinement
Types of Braces
Three options to match your needs and preferences
Proven and Affordable
Metal Braces
The classic, time-tested approach. Modern metal brackets are smaller and more comfortable than ever. They handle the widest range of cases and are the most affordable option.
- Handles complex cases effectively
- Most affordable bracket type
- Smaller, low-profile modern design
Less Visible
Ceramic Braces
Tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend with your teeth for a more discreet look. Same effectiveness as metal, with a subtler appearance.
- Tooth-colored, less noticeable
- Same precision as metal braces
- Popular with adults and older teens
Fewer Adjustments
Self-Ligating Braces
Brackets that use a sliding mechanism instead of elastic ties. This reduces friction, may shorten treatment time, and means fewer adjustment appointments.
- Reduced friction for faster movement
- Fewer adjustment visits needed
- Available in metal or ceramic
Why Choose Braces
Six reasons patients still choose braces
Handles the most complex cases
Severe crowding, significant bite issues, and rotated teeth that aligners cannot correct are routine for braces. They are the most versatile orthodontic tool.
Predictable, precise results
Decades of clinical evidence and refined technique make braces the most predictable way to achieve a straight, well-aligned bite.
Always working, no compliance needed
Unlike aligners that need to be worn twenty-two hours a day, braces are bonded to your teeth and working around the clock. There is nothing to forget or lose.
Most affordable orthodontic option
Metal braces are typically the least expensive way to straighten teeth, especially for complex cases that would require extended aligner treatment.
Works for every age
Children, teenagers, and adults all benefit from braces. There is no age limit on straightening your teeth and correcting your bite.
Strong, durable materials
Modern brackets and wires are designed to withstand the forces of daily eating and speaking. They rarely break and are easy for your orthodontist to adjust.
Braces vs. Alternatives
How traditional braces compare
Clear aligners are excellent for mild to moderate cases where invisibility matters. Lingual braces hide behind the teeth but cost more. Traditional braces offer the widest range of capability at the most accessible price.
The Process
From your first visit to your straight smile
Here is exactly how braces work at Peterborough Family Dental.
Free Consultation and Records
We examine your teeth and bite, take X-rays and photos, and discuss your goals. You leave with a clear treatment plan, an estimated timeline, and a written quote including insurance and financing options.
- Full assessment
- X-rays
- photos
- treatment plan
Cost & Insurance
Braces are often the most affordable orthodontic option
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, particularly for patients under eighteen. Adult orthodontic coverage is becoming more common too. We verify your specific benefits and tell you exactly what your plan covers before you commit.
For any balance, CareCredit and in-house payment plans make monthly payments manageable. We lay out every option at your consultation so you can choose what works best for your family.
Your free consultation includes
Full assessment, X-rays, treatment plan, insurance verification, and written quote. At no cost.
- Many insurance plans cover orthodontics
- CareCredit and in-house payment plans
- Full cost breakdown before you start
Many Plans Cover Orthodontics
Dental insurance often includes orthodontic benefits, especially for patients under eighteen. We verify your coverage and maximize it.
CareCredit and Monthly Plans
Spread the cost of treatment into low monthly payments that fit your family budget.
Clear Quote Before You Start
Full treatment cost, insurance contribution, and monthly payment options are all laid out in writing at your consultation.
Your questions, answered
Plain answers from our Peterborough team: no jargon, no pressure.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted
- CareCredit financing available
Most cases take 12 to 24 months. Mild crowding may be resolved in under a year, while complex bite corrections can take closer to two years. We give you an estimated timeline at your consultation.
Still have questions?
Call and you'll reach a real person on our team: no phone tree, no hold music. We'd genuinely love to help.
(603) 924-3664Rather write to us? Contact us
Braces Consultation
Come in and find out if braces are the right path for you or your child. We will assess the teeth and bite, discuss your options, and give you a clear plan with pricing. No cost, no pressure.
- New patients welcome
- Most insurance accepted