Modern Braces.
Personalized Care.
Expert Braces Treatment in the Western Suburbs
Braces are more effective, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before thanks to incredible technological advancements in the last few decades. At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we leverage this technology to help patients of all ages find the right type of braces for their orthodontic needs, budget, and lifestyle.
If you’re ready to explore braces, our friendly and caring team is ready to help at one of our three convenient locations in Minnetonka, Excelsior, or Wayzata. We serve kids, teens, and adults with personalized treatment, trusted expertise, and a comfortable, welcoming experience. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about our expert approach to braces treatment!
What Are Braces and How Do They Work?
Braces are orthodontic appliances designed to gently move your teeth into better alignment. Whether you’re dealing with crowding, spacing, or bite issues, braces can help improve how your teeth look and function, often boosting your oral health and confidence along the way.
They work by applying continuous, controlled pressure using small brackets attached to your teeth and a thin wire that connects them. Over time, your teeth shift into place with regular adjustments from your orthodontist to guide the process.
Our practice uses advanced materials like 3M Unitek™ metal and Clarity™ clear ceramic brackets, offering sleek, low-profile options with effective results.
The Lasting Benefits of Braces
Braces do more than straighten teeth; they’re an investment in your overall health and confidence. By improving the way your teeth fit and function, braces can make everyday things like eating, speaking, and smiling more comfortable and natural. They also help prevent future dental problems and support lifelong oral wellness.
Better Confidence
Whether it’s for school photos or in work meetings, feeling good about your smile matters. Braces help align your teeth and enhance your appearance, giving kids, teens, and adults alike a reason to smile with confidence every day.
Making Oral Hygiene Easier
When teeth are crowded or too widely spaced, it can be tough to clean them properly, leaving room for plaque and decay. Braces help align your teeth, making brushing and flossing more effective.
Preventing Gum Disease & Tooth Decay
Braces help align your smile, making daily cleaning easier and reducing buildup. Over time, this helps protect your enamel, prevent gum recession, and support long-term oral health.
Improve Facial Balance & Bite Function
Poor bite alignment can cause uneven wear, jaw strain, and affect your facial balance. Braces gently guide your teeth and jaws into better position, improving your bite function and enhancing the overall harmony of your smile and facial features.
Modern Braces for Every Lifestyle: What We Offer
We offer multiple advanced braces options, including Clarity™ Clear Braces from 3M and Unitek™ Metal Braces. Each option is designed to suit different lifestyles, goals, and treatment needs.
Clarity™ Clear Braces
Clarity clear braces offer a comfortable and discreet option for braces treatment without sacrificing effectiveness. Made with a translucent, stain-resistant ceramic that blends in with your natural tooth color, the brackets on Clarity ceramic braces are smaller and smoother to help reduce any rubbing or irritation.
Unitek™ Metal Braces
There’s a good reason why metal braces remain the most commonly used orthodontic appliance; they work extremely well (especially for complex cases) and offer the most control over tooth movement. We use 3M Unitek metal braces, which are smaller and less visible than the clunky appliances of decades past, allowing patients to receive effective treatment without drawing too much unwanted attention.
Looking for a Braces Alternative? Invisalign® Might Be the Answer
Invisalign clear aligners can be an appealing braces alternative. They are practically invisible and can be conveniently removed, allowing patients to eat and drink what they like, when they like.
If you’re considering a braces alternative, you’re in good hands at Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics! Our experts can treat almost any bite misalignment using clear aligners, and we’re proud to be a Diamond Plus Provider, which means we’re among the top 1% of Invisalign providers. If you’re curious about Invisalign, we encourage you to set up a free consultation with us to see if this treatment is a good fit for your needs.
What To Expect on Your Braces Journey
More than just brackets and wires, your braces journey with Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics is a personalized experience designed around your unique smile. With decades of experience and a warm, knowledgeable team, we guide each patient with care and clarity from start to finish.
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Complimentary Consultation
Your braces journey starts with a complimentary consultation, where we will examine your teeth, create digital models of your teeth and gum structure using our iTero scanner, and discuss your dental history. We use this information to craft a custom treatment plan designed for your smile.
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Placement of Your Braces
The next step is placing your braces. Your orthodontist will place each bracket and then the assistant will place the archwire and ties. This process typically takes between 60-90 minutes.
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Check-Ups and Adjustments
During the treatment phase, you will need to visit us for periodic check-ups and braces adjustments. We will make necessary adjustments to your archwire based on your progress.
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Braces Removal
Once you’ve completed treatment (the average braces treatment takes about two years), it will be time for your braces removal. This process is straightforward and painless, and very exciting for everyone involved!
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Retainers
The final step of the braces process is retention. We will fit you with custom-made retainers that will help preserve your hard-earned results, and your investment of time and money.
What Conditions Can Braces Treat?
From crooked teeth to complex jaw misalignments, braces help create a healthier, more functional smile. Here are some of the issues that braces treatment can help with:
- Open Bites
- Gapped Teeth
- Crowding
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Tooth Position/Rotation
- Intrusion and Extrusion
- Midline Movement
Braces can be a great orthodontic for teens and adults. At Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics, we also offer early intervention for younger patients when needed, setting the stage for smoother treatment down the road.
Let’s Make Your Smile Goals a Reality
Our expert team at Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics is dedicated to exceptional, personalized care, right here in the communities we proudly serve. Led by Dr. Nelson, Dr. Tiziani, and Dr. Carr, we have been helping families in Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Excelsior smile with confidence for over 50 years. Many of our team members grew up in the area, and we’re proud to be the trusted orthodontic home for generations of patients.
Whether you’re considering traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Invisalign®, we’ll help you find the option that fits your lifestyle and goals, backed by advanced technology and a top-rated patient experience.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward a happy, healthy smile