Braces in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, remain one of the most trusted and effective ways to improve tooth alignment, bite function and long-term oral health. At Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, our experienced orthodontist and team provide personalized braces for children, teens and adults at both office locations.
Dr. Bradley D. Smith has practiced orthodontics since 1997 and has treated more than 10,000 orthodontic patients during his career. His experience includes approximately 6,000 traditional braces cases and 2,000 ceramic braces cases, giving him extensive experience treating a wide range of alignment and bite concerns.
Why Choose Braces in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA?
Braces give our orthodontist precise control over tooth movement, making them an effective option for both straightforward and more complex orthodontic needs. They can help improve the position of individual teeth while also addressing bite relationships that may affect chewing, comfort and overall function.
Our orthodontist may recommend braces to help:
- Correct crowded, crooked or rotated teeth
- Close unwanted spaces between teeth
- Improve overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites and deep bites when appropriate
- Guide teeth into healthier and more functional positions
- Improve bite relationships that may affect chewing and comfort
- Create a balanced foundation for a healthier, more confident smile
Because no two orthodontic cases are exactly alike, Dr. Smith evaluates the teeth, bite, jaw relationships and overall treatment needs before recommending braces or another orthodontic option.
Experience With Traditional and Ceramic Braces
Patients considering braces in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, benefit from Dr. Smith’s extensive orthodontic experience. He has provided braces for more than 20 years and has treated approximately 6,000 traditional braces cases and 2,000 ceramic braces cases.
Dr. Smith has also completed approximately 2,000 hours of continuing education focused on braces, bracket systems, biomechanics and orthodontic treatment planning. His specialty training, clinical experience and continuing education help him plan tooth movement carefully while selecting the type of braces that best fits each patient’s needs.
Braces for Children, Teens and Adults
Braces can be an effective treatment option at many stages of life. Dr. Smith has treated approximately 5,000 teen orthodontic cases and approximately 3,000 adult orthodontic cases in addition to thousands of younger patients receiving early or comprehensive orthodontic care.
For children, orthodontic timing depends on growth, dental development and the specific concern being treated. Dr. Smith evaluates children early but does not automatically recommend treatment before it is needed. Patients who may benefit from treatment later can be monitored as they grow so orthodontic care can begin at a more appropriate time.
Learn more about our approach to early orthodontics and how Dr. Smith determines when treatment may be beneficial.
Teens often choose braces because they are dependable, versatile and able to address a broad range of alignment and bite concerns. Adults may also benefit from braces, particularly when the type or amount of tooth movement requires the control that fixed appliances can provide.
Personalized Braces Treatment
Every braces treatment plan begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. Our orthodontist will review each patient’s tooth alignment, bite, jaw relationships, dental development and treatment goals before determining the most appropriate approach.
Depending on the patient’s needs, orthodontic records may include digital photographs, digital scans and CBCT imaging. These tools can provide additional information to support diagnosis and treatment planning when appropriate.
During braces treatment, patients can expect:
- A detailed initial orthodontic evaluation
- A customized treatment plan based on individual needs
- Careful bracket placement and treatment planning
- Regular progress checks and orthodontic adjustments
- Clear instructions for brushing, flossing and caring for braces
- Ongoing communication about treatment progress
- Retention planning designed to help protect the final result
Dr. Smith remains directly involved in treatment planning and monitoring throughout the orthodontic process so treatment can be adjusted as the teeth and bite respond.
Traditional Braces, Ceramic Braces and Custom Braces
Patients considering braces in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, may have more than one treatment option depending on their orthodontic needs and personal preferences.
Traditional braces are a reliable and versatile choice for many patients. Because the brackets remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment, they give our orthodontist consistent control over tooth movement.
Ceramic braces use more discreet brackets and may appeal to patients who want the benefits of fixed braces with a less noticeable appearance.
Dr. Smith also has approximately five years of experience with LightForce custom braces and has treated approximately 100 LightForce cases. The best system depends on the complexity of the case, the type of tooth movement required and the patient’s individual goals.
Braces or Clear Aligners: Which Is Right for You?
Both braces and clear aligners can be effective orthodontic treatments, but they do not provide the same level of control in every case. Braces may be recommended when more complex tooth movement, bite correction or consistent appliance wear is needed.
Other patients may be candidates for Invisalign® clear aligners or Solventum Clarity™ Aligners. Dr. Smith has more than two decades of clear aligner experience and evaluates what braces and aligners can realistically accomplish before recommending treatment.
The goal is not to favor one appliance over another. Our orthodontist will select the treatment method that best fits the patient’s tooth movement needs, bite, lifestyle and treatment goals.
Advanced Technology for Braces Treatment
Orthodontic technology plays an important role in diagnosis, treatment planning and patient care at our offices. Dr. Smith has used cone beam 3D imaging for approximately 10 years and digital intraoral scanning for more than 10 years.
The practice uses an iTero® intraoral scanner for digital impressions and has incorporated in-office 3D printing for approximately eight years. These tools support a digital and impressionless workflow and can assist with treatment planning, appliance fabrication and retention.
Dr. Smith believes technology should support more informed diagnosis, personalized treatment and efficient care rather than simply being used because it is available. That philosophy is reflected in the practice’s slogan: “Today’s technology for tomorrow’s beautiful smiles.”
What Happens After Braces Come Off?
Retention is an essential part of maintaining orthodontic results after active treatment. Dr. Smith has managed approximately 10,000 retention cases during his career.
At the completion of treatment, each patient receives a custom fixed lingual retainer and a clear removable retainer. Patients are also given a custom 3D-printed model of their teeth that they may bring back to the office if a clear removable retainer needs to be remade.
Schedule a Consultation for Braces in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
If you are considering braces in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, our orthodontist can evaluate your alignment, bite and treatment goals and explain which orthodontic options may be appropriate for you.
With offices in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, Smiles by Smith Orthodontics provides convenient orthodontic care for patients from both communities as well as nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding areas.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how braces can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Are braces still used even with modern options like clear aligners?
Yes. Braces remain an important orthodontic treatment because they provide precise and consistent control over tooth movement. They may be especially useful for complex alignment concerns, bite correction or cases in which fixed appliances offer advantages over removable aligners.
How long does braces treatment take?
Treatment time varies according to the complexity of the case, the amount of tooth movement required and how the teeth respond to treatment. Our orthodontist develop an individualized plan and can provide a more specific estimate after completing an orthodontic evaluation.
Do braces damage the teeth?
Braces themselves are not intended to damage teeth. Good brushing, flossing, regular dental care and following orthodontic instructions are important because plaque can collect around brackets if oral hygiene is not maintained carefully.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults can benefit from braces when their teeth and supporting tissues are appropriate for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Smith has treated approximately 3,000 adult orthodontic cases, and our orthodontist can evaluate whether braces or another option is suitable for your needs.
Can children get braces?
Yes, but timing depends on the child’s dental development, growth and orthodontic needs. Dr. Smith evaluates children early and recommends treatment only when he believes the timing is appropriate for the individual patient.
Can I play sports while wearing braces?
Yes. Patients can continue participating in sports while wearing braces. An orthodontic mouthguard is generally recommended for activities where the mouth or face could be hit. Our team can provide guidance on protecting your braces and teeth during sports.
Can I play a musical instrument with braces?
Yes. Most musicians can continue playing after a short adjustment period. Wind and brass instrument players may initially notice changes in comfort or technique, but many adapt as they become accustomed to their braces.
What should I do if a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks?
Contact our office for guidance if a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks. Some situations can safely wait until a scheduled appointment, while others may require an earlier visit. Our team can help determine the appropriate next step.
How often will I visit the orthodontist with braces?
Visit frequency depends on the individual treatment plan and stage of treatment. Regular appointments allow our orthodontist and team to monitor tooth movement, make necessary adjustments and evaluate progress toward the planned result.
What types of braces are available?
Depending on your orthodontic needs, treatment options may include traditional braces, ceramic braces or custom braces. Our orthodontist evaluate the complexity of the case, the tooth movements required and your treatment goals before recommending an option.
Do you offer braces in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA?
Yes. Our orthodontist provide personalized braces treatment for children, teens and adults at our offices in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA. We also welcome patients from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities.