Treatments
Traditional & Conventional Braces
Metal self-ligating braces with Pitts 21 brackets and Smile Arc Protection — always planned around the whole person, not just the teeth.
What They Are
Precise. Proven. Always working.
Braces use metal brackets bonded to the surface of your teeth, connected by an archwire that guides your teeth into position. Conventional braces hold that wire in place with small elastic ties, which add friction and can stain, snap, or trap food.
At Smile Suite, we use Pitts 21 passive self-ligating brackets instead. Each bracket has a built-in sliding door that holds the wire, so there are no elastic ties at all. Less friction lets teeth move with lighter, more comfortable forces, and the brackets are smaller and lower-profile than what previous generations experienced.
For complex bite corrections, significant crowding, and cases requiring precise multi-dimensional control, braces remain the most reliable treatment available. They're always working — no compliance required, no trays to track, no wear schedule to maintain.
At Smile Suite, Dr. Kim looks beyond tooth alignment — the curve of your smile, your facial profile, your airway, your bite function, and your long-term stability are all part of how treatment is planned. Pitts 21 was intentionally chosen to support the way we design smiles.
When Braces Are the Right Call
Some cases are simply better suited to braces
Clear aligners are effective for many cases, but there are situations where braces provide a level of control that removable trays can't match. Dr. Kim will be direct with you about which approach will produce the best result for your specific situation.
Complex bite issues
Significant overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites often respond better to the continuous, precise force that braces provide.
Severe crowding or spacing
When teeth need to move significant distances or rotate substantially, braces provide Dr. Kim with precise control over the process.
Younger patients
For teens and children who may not maintain consistent aligner wear, braces can eliminate some of the compliance variable.
Patients who prefer hands-off treatment
Once braces are placed, your role is minimal. No trays to remove and replace, no wear time to track. You come to your appointments — the braces do the work.
The Pitts 21 Difference
A bracket system chosen for the way we design smiles
Not all braces are the same. Pitts 21 brackets let Dr. Kim manage tooth movement with precision while shaping and protecting your smile arc throughout treatment.
No elastic ties
A built-in sliding door holds the wire in place. Nothing to snap, stain, or trap food.
Lighter, gentler forces
Less friction between bracket and wire means teeth can move with lighter, more comfortable pressure.
Designed for broad smiles
The system is built to develop a full, wide smile that fills out to the corners — when it's right for your bite and your face.
Efficient treatment
Designed for efficient tooth movement, which often means fewer adjustment appointments along the way.
Smooth, low-profile design
Rounded edges and a compact profile make the brackets more comfortable against your lips and cheeks.
Precise smile design
Pitts 21 brackets work hand in hand with Smile Arc Protection, so Dr. Kim can shape your smile arc throughout treatment.
Smile Arc Protection
Straight teeth are only the start
Where a bracket sits determines where a tooth ends up. Dr. Kim places the brackets on your front teeth slightly closer to the gums than traditional methods do, so that as the wire levels out, those teeth settle along the curve of your lower lip instead of lining up in a flat row.
It can look a little unusual on day one, but every position is intentional. The smile arc, how much of your front teeth show, and how fully your smile fills out from side to side are all planned from the very start.
A flat smile line
Brackets centered on each tooth can line the teeth up in a straight row. The result is straight — but the smile can look flat, and the lower lip no longer frames it.
A curved smile arc
Strategic bracket placement guides the teeth to follow the curve of the lower lip, so your lips frame your smile beautifully. Balanced, youthful, and natural.
What to Expect
Your treatment, step by step
Consultation & records
Digital photos, scans, and any necessary X-rays give Dr. Kim a complete picture of your bite, your face, and your goals — including airway and long-term stability — before any recommendation is made.
Bracket placement
Brackets are bonded to the front surface of your teeth in a single appointment. The archwire is placed and each bracket's sliding door is closed over it — you leave in braces. The appointment typically takes 1–2 hours. Dr. Kim positions each bracket using Smile Arc Protection, so your front teeth finish along the natural curve of your lower lip.
Active treatment
You come in every 6–8 weeks for adjustment appointments. Dr. Kim evaluates progress and makes changes to the wire or bracket positioning to continue moving teeth toward their final positions.
Debonding
When teeth have reached their final positions, brackets are removed and teeth are polished. This is a good day.
Retention
A retainer is placed immediately after debonding. Retention planning is part of treatment — we protect your result for the long haul, not just until the brackets come off.
The Details
What you should know
Comfort
Modern brackets are significantly smaller and more comfortable than previous generations. Initial soreness after placement and adjustments is normal and typically resolves in a few days.
Food restrictions
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can damage brackets and wires. We provide a clear list of what to avoid — it's a shorter list than most patients expect.
Oral hygiene
With no elastic ties to trap food, self-ligating brackets are easier to keep clean. Brushing and flossing still take extra attention — we'll show you the most effective technique and the right tools.
Treatment length
Typically 18–24 months, depending on case complexity. Simpler cases can be shorter.
Bracket style
We use Pitts 21 passive self-ligating brackets, chosen because they let Dr. Kim manage tooth movement with precision while shaping and protecting your smile arc. Less friction, and often fewer adjustment appointments than conventional braces.
Fewer appointments
Because the system is designed for efficient tooth movement, adjustment visits are typically spaced every 6–8 weeks — easier to fit around school and work.
Your Questions
Braces, answered
What makes Pitts 21 braces different from conventional braces?
Conventional braces hold the wire with small elastic ties, which add friction and can stain or break. Pitts 21 brackets are passive self-ligating: a built-in sliding door holds the wire instead, so teeth can move with lighter forces and there are no elastics to replace. We chose the system because it supports the way we design smiles, including Smile Arc Protection.
Why are my brackets placed higher on my front teeth?
It's intentional. Where a bracket sits determines where a tooth ends up. Placing the brackets on your front teeth slightly closer to the gums guides those teeth to settle along the curve of your lower lip instead of lining up in a flat row.
Are metal braces a good choice for adults?
Yes. Metal braces are often the most reliable option for complex bite corrections and significant crowding, at any age. Today's brackets are smaller and more comfortable than what many adults remember. Learn more about adult orthodontics.
How long will I wear braces?
Most cases take 18–24 months, depending on complexity, and simpler cases can be shorter. Dr. Kim will give you a realistic estimate at your Smile Consultation.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Skip hard, sticky, and very chewy foods, which can loosen brackets or bend wires. Cut crunchy fruits and vegetables into small pieces instead of biting into them. We'll give you a short, clear list at your bonding appointment.
Does insurance cover braces?
Many dental plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will verify your coverage before treatment begins, and we offer 0% in-house payment plans. See insurance & financing for details.
Next Step
Find out if braces are the right fit for your case.
Dr. Kim will walk you through what she sees, what she recommends, and why — with no pressure to commit on the spot.