Teen holding a clear aligner at TrueNorth Dental in Kansas City

Straighten with confidence

Braces & Clear Aligners

Braces and clear aligners for every age, from a child’s first check at seven to adults who never had the chance. Dr. Priya Nair leads our orthodontic care.

From $3,200
6–24 months

Book an appointment (816) 555-0182

Clear Aligners
Ceramic Braces
Metal Braces
Early Treatment (Ages 7–10)
Adult Orthodontics
Retainers & Retention

Your options

Braces and aligner treatments

The right way to straighten your teeth depends on your bite, your age and how visible you are happy for treatment to be.

Clear Aligners

Custom, nearly invisible trays you change every one to two weeks. They work best for mild to moderate crowding when worn 20 to 22 hours a day.
Ceramic Braces

Tooth-coloured brackets that blend in far more than metal but handle the same complex movements. Treatment usually runs 18 to 24 months.
Metal Braces

Traditional stainless steel brackets and wire, still the most durable option. Best for complex bites, rotated teeth and younger patients.
Early Treatment (7–10)

A first check around age seven catches problems while the jaw is still growing. Short, simple treatment can prevent extractions or surgery later.
Adult Orthodontics

Adults make up about a quarter of our orthodontic patients. Aligners let you straighten your teeth without anyone at work noticing.

How it works

From first scan to your last retainer check

Orthodontics is a series of small appointments rather than one big event.

Consultation and digital scan

We take an intraoral scan, photos and X-rays, then examine how your teeth and jaw meet. There are no impression trays.
Your treatment plan

Dr. Nair shows you a digital simulation of the finished result, plus how long it will take and what it will cost.
Fitting or first trays

Braces are bonded in one visit of about an hour. Aligner patients receive their first sets and a schedule for changing them.
Adjustments along the way

Braces are checked every six to eight weeks. Aligner patients are seen every eight to ten weeks and can send photos between visits.
Retention for life

When the teeth are aligned, we remove the braces and fit a retainer. A fixed wire plus a night retainer keeps your result for decades.

Compare your options

Aligners or braces?

Both straighten teeth well when used properly. The honest difference comes down to your bite and how disciplined you are about wear time.

	Clear aligners	Ceramic braces	Metal braces
How visible	Nearly invisible	Tooth-coloured	Visible metal
Removable	Yes, to eat and clean	No	No
Typical treatment	6–18 months	18–24 months	18–24 months
Best for	Mild to moderate crowding	Moderate to complex bites	Complex bites, all ages
Typical KC cost	$3,200–$6,500	$3,800–$6,000	$3,000–$5,200

Costs reflect the Kansas City market in 2026 and depend on case complexity. You receive a written quote after your free consultation.

Getting started

What to expect in the first weeks

The first week is the adjustment period. Knowing what is normal helps you settle in faster.

Expect mild soreness for two to three days
Stick to soft foods until chewing feels comfortable
Use the wax we give you on any bracket that rubs
Brush after every meal with braces on
Change aligners at night so tightness passes while you sleep
Clean aligners with cool water, never hot
Keep aligners in their case when they are out
Call us if a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes

Good to know

Orthodontic questions

The things parents and adult patients ask us most, answered plainly.

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

A first check around age seven, while the jaw is still growing, is recommended. Most seven-year-olds need only monitoring, and we will say so.

Are clear aligners as effective as braces?

For mild to moderate crowding they work just as well, provided you wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Complex bites still respond better to braces.

How long will treatment take?

Most cases run 12 to 24 months. Aligner cases are often shorter, around 6 to 18 months, and we give you a realistic estimate after your scan.

Do you still use impression trays?

No. We use an intraoral scanner that takes a few minutes and shows a digital model on screen. It is far more comfortable than putty.

What happens after treatment ends?

Retention is not optional, because teeth drift back for life. Most patients get a fixed wire plus a night retainer, which holds the result for decades.

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