Traditional Metal Braces in Durham, NC
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most trusted, effective, and affordable ways to build a healthy, confident smile, and at Hoopes Orthodontics, they're still one of our most popular treatments for kids, teens, and adults across Durham and Chapel Hill. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Tom Hoopes uses precision brackets and archwires to gently guide teeth into their ideal position, correcting everything from crowding and gaps to bites that are throwing your whole smile off balance.
What sets treatment at Hoopes Orthodontics apart
We use premium American Orthodontics brackets, which means you're not limited to one look. You can choose classic silver brackets, warm champagne-toned Iconix® brackets, or nearly invisible Radiance® clear brackets on your upper teeth so your braces can be as bold or as subtle as you want them to be, without sacrificing the strength and control that make metal braces so reliable.
Metal braces are made up of small brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. As Dr. Hoopes adjusts the wire at each visit, it applies steady, gentle pressure that moves teeth into a healthier, straighter position over time. That makes them especially dependable for correcting more complex bite issues, crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites that other treatments may struggle to fully resolve. It's a simple idea that's been refined for decades, and today's brackets are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the metal braces many parents remember from their own childhood.
Three Bracket Options, One Trusted Treatment
Every set of braces we place uses bracket systems from American Orthodontics, a leader in orthodontic technology. During your consultation, Dr. Hoopes will walk you through which of the following options best fits your treatment plan, your smile goals, and your budget.
Traditional Silver Brackets
The classic choice, durable, cost-effective, and available in a wide range of fun elastic-tie colors for kids and teens who want to make their braces their own. Silver brackets are our most affordable bracket option and deliver the same precise tooth movement patients have trusted for generations.
Radiance® Clear Brackets (Upper Arch)
For patients who want their braces to blend in, Radiance clear brackets are available for the upper teeth. Crafted from a single crystal of grown sapphire, they're designed to be far less visible than traditional brackets while still offering the control and reliability of a fixed appliance, a great middle ground between traditional metal braces and a fully ceramic or clear-aligner system.
Iconix® Champagne Brackets
Iconix brackets give you the strength of stainless steel with a softer, warmer “white gold” finish that's less noticeable than traditional silver. A specialized finishing process keeps the champagne tone consistent for the full length of treatment, so your braces look just as refined on your last appointment as they did on your first. It's a favorite among teens and image-conscious adults who still want the predictability of metal brackets.
Who Traditional Metal Braces Are Right For
Kids: Early orthodontic evaluation (the American Association of Orthodontists recommends age 7) can catch developing bite and spacing issues while a child's jaw is still growing. When treatment is needed, metal braces are a durable, dependable option for guiding permanent teeth into place.
Teens: Teens are some of our most successful braces patients; their smiles are still developing, and metal braces can address a wide range of alignment and bite concerns during these active growth years. Between color-changing elastics and the champagne Iconix option, there's a way to make treatment feel personal, not clinical.
Adults: It's never too late for a straighter, healthier smile. Adults choosing metal braces often appreciate their efficiency with complex cases, and the Iconix or Radiance options let you treat more noticeable alignment issues with a subtler look at the office or in photos.
Who Traditional Metal Braces Are Right For
Consultation & Exam: Dr. Hoopes evaluates your bite, teeth, and jaw alignment (using digital imaging where needed) and talks through whether traditional metal braces or another option best fits your goals.
Custom Treatment Plan: You'll receive a personalized plan, an estimated treatment timeline, and your choice of silver, Iconix champagne, or Radiance clear (upper) brackets.
Bracket Placement: Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected with an archwire in a single, comfortable appointment.
Regular Adjustments: You'll return roughly every 6–8 weeks so Dr. Hoopes can adjust the archwire and keep your treatment moving on schedule.
Debonding & Retention: Once your teeth reach their ideal position, brackets are removed, and you'll transition to a custom retainer to protect your results for the long term.
Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces
Effective for mild to complex cases, including crowding, gaps, and bite correction
One of the most affordable orthodontic treatment options
Continuous, precise control over tooth movement throughout treatment
Fun customization with colored elastic ties for kids and teens
A discreet upgrade path available through Iconix champagne or Radiance clear brackets
Decades of proven, predictable clinical results
How Much Do Metal Braces Cost?
Every smile is different, so the cost of treatment depends on your specific needs and treatment length. During your consultation, Dr. Hoopes and our team will build a personalized estimate and walk you through flexible ways to make treatment affordable, including 0% interest payment plans and a courtesy discount for paying in full.
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Schedule Your Metal Braces Consultation in Durham, NC
If you're ready to explore traditional metal braces, in classic silver, champagne Iconix, or clear Radiance, the team at Hoopes Orthodontics is here to help. We proudly serve patients throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding Triangle area with personalized, board-certified orthodontic care in a warm, welcoming office.
Contact us today and let Dr. Hoopes help you find the right path to your best smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Metal Braces
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Treatment time varies by case, but most patients wear braces for about 18–24 months. Dr. Hoopes will give you a personalized timeline estimate at your consultation based on your bite, alignment, and treatment goals.
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Bracket choice can affect overall cost. Dr. Hoopes and our team will review pricing for each option- silver, Iconix champagne, and Radiance clear- during your consultation so you can choose confidently.
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Radiance Clear brackets are offered for the upper arch, paired with traditional or Iconix brackets on the lower arch for a balance of discretion and durability. Dr. Hoopes can confirm the best combination for your smile.
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You may feel mild soreness for a few days after placement or an adjustment as your teeth begin to shift; this is normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients adjust quickly, and it becomes a non-issue.