Braces in South Riding, VA

Braces

Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth affect far more than your appearance. Dental misalignment, called malocclusion, creates a cascade of problems that impact your oral health, confidence, and quality of life.

Braces solve all these problems. By gradually aligning your teeth to their proper positions, traditional braces correct your bite, improve oral hygiene, reduce your risk of disease, and restore your confident smile. Ready to restore your smile? Call (703) 214-9126 or schedule your consultation today.

What Are Braces?

Braces are a proven orthodontic treatment that uses brackets, wires, and bands to move teeth into proper alignment gradually. Metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by an archwire that applies gentle, consistent pressure. As your dentist or orthodontist adjusts the wire at regular appointments, your teeth slowly shift into their ideal positions. Traditional braces are highly effective for all types of dental misalignment, from mild crowding to severe bite problems.

Common Types of Misaligned Teeth That Braces Correct

Braces address all forms of malocclusion.

Misalignment Type	Appearance	Main Problems	Braces Solution
Crowding	Overlapping, cramped teeth	Cavities, gum disease, plaque traps	Spread teeth; create proper spacing
Overbite	Upper teeth overlap lower excessively	Tooth wear, jaw strain, TMJ problems	Pull upper teeth back; adjust bite
Underbite	Lower teeth protrude (“bulldog look”)	Jaw pain, TMJ issues, and chewing difficulty	Reposition the lower teeth back
Crossbite	Upper teeth bite inside lower teeth	Asymmetrical wear, TMJ pain, jaw misalignment	Correct alignment gradually
Open Bite	Front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed	Chewing difficulty, speech problems, gaps	Move front teeth together; close the gap
Gaps (Diastema)	Spaces between teeth	Food traps, gum disease, aesthetic concern	Close gaps; create a unified smile

Types of Braces: Traditional, Ceramic & More

At Prime Family Dentistry, we offer multiple brace options so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Type	Appearance	Durability	Comfort	Best For
Metal Braces	Visible silver/metallic brackets and wires	Very durable; rarely breaks	Slightly adjustable; expect soreness after adjustments	Severe/complex cases; most affordable option; active teens
Ceramic Braces	Tooth-colored or clear brackets; blend with teeth	Durable but can stain with dark beverages	High comfort; tooth-colored wire available	Adults seeking discretion; mild to moderate cases
Lingual Braces	Brackets bonded behind teeth; invisible from front	Durable; harder to clean	Initial tongue soreness; adjustment period needed	Professionals, those prioritizing aesthetics above all
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)	Nearly invisible removable trays	Removable; must be worn 20–22 hrs/day	Most comfortable; no wires or brackets	Mild to moderate cases; convenience and flexibility seekers

The Benefits of Braces: Why They're Worth It

Braces offer transformative benefits that go far beyond a straighter smile.

Correct All Types of Misalignment: Unlike some alternatives, braces work for every severity of malocclusion, from mild crowding to severe bite problems. If your case is complex, braces are often the most effective solution.
Improve Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean. You’ll brush and floss more effectively, reducing plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Studies show orthodontically treated patients have better long-term oral health.
Restore Proper Bite Function: Correct bite alignment reduces jaw strain, alleviates headaches, and prevents TMJ disorders. You’ll chew more efficiently and comfortably.
Boost Confidence & Self-Esteem: A straight, beautiful smile transforms how you feel about yourself. Patients report increased confidence in social situations, improved communication, and better professional presence.

Prevent Future Dental Problems: Aligned teeth are less prone to wear, chipping, and uneven stress. Proper alignment can prevent the need for more extensive (and expensive) dental work later.
Long-Lasting Results: With proper retainer use after treatment, your straight smile lasts a lifetime. Your results are permanent: braces create lasting change, not temporary correction.
Cost-Effective Over Time: While braces require an initial investment, they prevent costly future procedures like veneers, crowns, and tooth extractions. Many dental insurance plans cover 50% of the cost of braces, making them very affordable.

The Braces Treatment Process at Prime Family Dentistry

Our approach is personalized, thorough, and designed to keep you comfortable every step of the way.

Step 1: Comprehensive Consultation & Evaluation

During your first visit, we listen to your concerns, examine your teeth and bite, and take X-rays and 3D digital images. We’ll discuss your goals, explain your options (metal, ceramic, clear aligners), and answer all your questions. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your treatment plan, timeline (typically 18–24 months), and cost estimate with insurance information.

Step 2: Impressions & Treatment Planning

We create detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth to design your custom treatment plan. Advanced 3D imaging shows exactly how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like. This visualization helps you feel confident about your decision.

Step 3: Bracket Placement

During this appointment, we bond brackets to the front of each tooth using a special dental adhesive. We thread the archwire through each bracket and secure it with tiny bands. You may feel some pressure but no pain; the entire process takes about an hour.

Step 4: Regular Adjustments (Every 4–6 Weeks)

You’ll visit us regularly so we can tighten your archwire, change bands, and monitor your progress. Each adjustment gently increases pressure on your teeth, encouraging them to move toward their ideal positions.

Step 5: Care During Treatment

We’ll teach you how to brush and floss with braces (special techniques are needed), which foods to avoid (hard, sticky, and crunchy foods), and how to manage any discomfort. Regular professional cleanings every 6 months keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.

Step 6: Brace Removal & Retainer Placement

Once your teeth are perfectly aligned (typically 18–24 months), we remove your braces. Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and we’ll fit you with a custom retainer. You’ll wear your retainer nightly for life to keep your teeth in their new positions. Without a retainer, teeth naturally shift back over time.

What to Expect During & After Braces

Phase	Timeline	What to Expect	What to Do
Initial Adjustment	First 3–5 days	Mild soreness in teeth and jaw; mouth irritation	Use over-the-counter pain relievers, ice, and soft foods; apply wax to irritated areas
During Treatment	Weeks 2–24 months	Gradual tooth movement; minimal discomfort after adjustments	Maintain excellent oral hygiene; avoid hard, sticky, crunchy foods; regular adjustments every 4–6 weeks
After Brace Removal	Lifetime	Teeth want to shift back without a retainer	Wear retainer nightly for the first year, then several nights/week long-term

Cost of Braces in South Riding, VA

Braces are an investment in your oral health and confidence, with costs varying based on complexity and treatment duration. The average cost is $3,000–$7,000 for traditional metal braces. The factors affecting this cost:

Severity of misalignment (mild vs. severe)
Type of braces chosen (metal, ceramic, lingual)
Treatment duration (18–24 months typical)
Complexity requiring extractions or additional procedures
Your geographic location

Most dental insurance covers 50% of orthodontic treatment, often capping coverage at $1,500–$2,000. After insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is typically $1,500–$3,500. Compared to the cost of treating cavities, gum disease, and damaged teeth that result from untreated misalignment, braces are a wise investment in long-term oral health.

Insurance & Financing Options

At Prime Family Dentistry, cost should never prevent you from achieving the smile you deserve.

We’re in-network with all major PPO insurance providers. Many plans cover 50% of braces after your deductible, typically with a $1,500–$2,000 lifetime maximum. Bring your insurance card to your consultation, and our team will verify your coverage and provide a precise out-of-pocket estimate.

If insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, we offer several flexible payment plans:

CareCredit®: A third-party lending option that lets you pay over time with little to no interest if paid in full within the promotional period
In-house payment plans: Work with our team to arrange payments that fit your budget
Multiple payment methods: We accept cash, check, credit, and debit

Ready to discuss your options? Call (703) 214-9126 and speak about your finance-related queries, or learn more about our full range of financial options here.

Meet Dr. Subha C. Yerabollu: Your Orthodontic Expert

Dr. Subha C. Yerabollu, known as Dr. Sue, has been a trusted dentist since 2010. A graduate of New York University College of Dentistry (2009), she brings advanced clinical expertise in full-mouth restorations and orthodontic treatment. Dr. Yerabollu prioritizes patient education, ensuring you understand your treatment and feel confident about your plan. She’s committed to continuous learning and stays current with the latest orthodontic techniques and technology. Known for her exceptional chairside manner, she takes time to listen to your goals and concerns, addressing them with warmth and professionalism. Her dedication extends beyond the treatment room with exceptional follow-up care and accessibility when questions arise.

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

Crooked teeth don’t have to hold you back. Braces provide proven, permanent alignment that improves your oral health, function, and confidence for life. Our dedicated team at Prime Family Dentistry is ready to guide you through every step.

Contact Prime Family Dentistry today by calling (703) 214-9126 or book an appointment online.
You can visit us at 24805 Pinebrook Rd., Ste. 316, South Riding, VA 20152.

FAQs

How long do braces take to straighten teeth?

Treatment generally takes 18–24 months. Mild cases may take 12 months, while more severe misalignments may take up to 36 months. Dr. Yerabollu will provide a realistic timeline during your consultation, tailored to your specific case.

Will braces be painful?

Braces themselves don’t cause pain, but you’ll feel mild soreness or pressure for 3–5 days after placement and after each adjustment. This is entirely normal and managed easily with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. After the initial adjustment period, most patients barely notice their braces.

What can I eat with braces?

Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage braces or get trapped: hard candies, popcorn, nuts, chewing gum, and sticky caramels. Stick to soft foods initially, then gradually return to normal foods as you adapt. Soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are great during adjustment periods.

How do I clean my teeth with braces?

Use a regular toothbrush angled at 45 degrees toward the gum line, brushing above and below each bracket. Use a special floss threader or water flosser to clean between teeth. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful. We’ll provide detailed instructions and special cleaning tools at your first appointment. Professional cleanings every 6 months are essential.