Traditional braces remain the most reliable orthodontic treatment available for a wide range of alignment and bite issues, including cases that are too complex for clear aligners to address predictably. While clear aligner technology has advanced significantly, braces continue to produce outcomes that are difficult or impossible to replicate with removable appliances for patients with moderate to severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies, or teeth that require precise three-dimensional control throughout treatment.
At Alber Dental Studio, we offer traditional metal braces for patients of all ages as part of our comprehensive orthodontics services. Dr. Marc Alber evaluates every orthodontic case with the same care and directness that has built our practice’s reputation over 26+ years. We recommend braces when braces are the right tool, and we recommend clear aligners when they are — without a commercial bias toward either. The goal is always the best clinical outcome for the patient.
How Braces Work and What They Can Treat
Braces apply continuous, controlled force to teeth through a system of metal brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that runs through them. As the wire exerts pressure, the bone around the tooth root gradually remodels, allowing the tooth to move into its new position. Adjustments are made at periodic appointments — typically every six to eight weeks — to advance the tooth movement plan. This continuous force application is one of the reasons braces are more reliable than aligners for cases requiring complex three-dimensional tooth movement.
Braces effectively treat crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites, underbites, and open bites, as well as cases involving teeth that are rotated, tipped, or impacted. They are appropriate for patients of all ages, from early teens through adults, and are often the recommended choice for more severe or complex cases that exceed what clear aligners can achieve predictably. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the ideal time for orthodontic evaluation is age 7, though treatment can be effective at any age when the clinical situation warrants it.
One practical advantage of braces that is rarely discussed upfront: they work whether the patient thinks about them or not. Unlike clear aligners, which depend entirely on the patient choosing to wear them, braces are fixed in place and apply force continuously. For patients — teens especially — who may struggle with the discipline required to keep aligners in for 20 to 22 hours a day, braces often produce a more predictable outcome because compliance is built into the system.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners: How We Decide
The decision between braces and clear aligners is a clinical one, not a preference one. We evaluate each patient’s case individually and recommend what the orthodontic exam supports. Factors that favor braces include moderate to severe crowding requiring significant expansion or extraction, bite correction that requires precise vertical or rotational tooth control, cases involving significant interarch discrepancies, and patients whose compliance with aligner wear is uncertain. Factors that favor clear aligners include mild to moderate cases, adult patients with good compliance track records, and situations where aesthetics during treatment are a strong priority.
We offer Invisalign Teen and Invisalign for appropriate cases and make that comparison transparently during consultations. Our goal is always the best clinical outcome — not steering patients toward any particular treatment modality. After treatment, retainers are required to hold the result long term, and we provide them and give clear retention instructions at the completion of every case. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon.
Life with braces requires some adjustments. Certain foods should be avoided to prevent breaking brackets or bending wires — hard, sticky, and chewy foods top that list. Oral hygiene takes more effort: brackets and wires create spaces where plaque accumulates, and thorough brushing around each bracket is essential to prevent decalcification. We provide hygiene guidance at the bonding appointment and reinforce it at every check-up. Patients who maintain good hygiene during braces treatment consistently arrive at debond with healthier enamel than those who do not. We use our advanced dental technology to support precise treatment planning throughout.
What to Expect at Your Evaluation
At your orthodontic consultation at Alber Dental Studio, Dr. Alber will examine your teeth, review X-rays, assess your bite, and discuss the goals you have for treatment. He will give you a direct recommendation — braces, clear aligners, or a different course of action — along with an honest explanation of why. If braces are recommended, we will explain the bonding appointment process, the adjustment schedule, what to expect in terms of comfort and lifestyle adjustments, and the estimated treatment timeline. Contact our Boulder office to schedule your consultation. Learn more about Dr. Alber on his provider profile.
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no untreated decay or gum disease
- Want to address stains, chips, gaps, or irregular tooth shape
- Maintain good daily oral hygiene habits
- Do not grind excessively, or are willing to wear a night guard
- Have sufficient enamel to support bonding
- Are looking for a long-term cosmetic investment
Dr. Alber will confirm whether braces are the right treatment for your alignment goals during your consultation — and clearly explain the timeline, bracket options, and what to expect at each stage.
The Braces Process
Examination & Treatment Plan
Dr. Alber begins with a thorough exam to confirm you are a good candidate — healthy gums, adequate enamel, and no untreated decay. From there, we discuss your smile goals and review shade options. Digital photos help visualize the proposed changes before any treatment begins. For patients unsure about shade or shape, we can discuss temporary mock-ups to preview the result.
Bracket Placement & Banding
Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and connected by an archwire. The wire applies gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth in the planned direction over time.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners
Adjustment appointments are scheduled every 4–8 weeks. At each visit, Dr. Alber tightens the archwire or changes it to maintain the correct level of pressure as teeth shift toward their target positions.
Progress Visits & Adjustment
Once teeth have reached their final positions, brackets are removed and a retainer is fitted. Retainer wear is essential to prevent teeth from shifting back — most patients wear it nightly long-term.
Start Your Orthodontic Consultation
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alber to find out whether braces are the right treatment for your case — and get a clear, honest assessment of your timeline and expected outcome.
Braces vs. Invisalign
Braces vs. Invisalign
Both are cosmetic options — the right choice depends on the extent of the change you want and how long you want results to last.
| Traditional Braces | Clear Aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Metal brackets and wires visible on teeth | Clear plastic trays — nearly invisible when worn |
| Compliance required | Fixed — works continuously without patient action | Must be worn 20–22 hours daily for treatment to progress |
| Case complexity | Handles severe crowding, rotations, and complex bite correction | Best for mild to moderate cases; complex cases may need braces |
| Hygiene | Requires extra care brushing and flossing around brackets | Remove aligners — brush and floss normally |
| Best for | Patients needing maximum control or who prefer a compliance-free approach | Patients with mild to moderate issues who want a discreet option |
Caring for Your Braces
How to Care for Your Teeth During Braces Treatment
Good oral hygiene during braces is essential. Food and plaque trap easily around brackets and wires, which can cause decalcification — the white spots that become visible after braces are removed if hygiene is poor.
Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can bend wires or dislodge brackets. Popcorn, hard candy, ice, and chewy foods should be avoided throughout treatment.
If you grind at night, Dr. Alber may recommend a night guard to protect brackets and prevent excessive force on the teeth during treatment. This is especially important in the early stages of tooth movement.
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled brush and interdental brushes to clean around each bracket. Floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to clean beneath the archwire.
Routine six-month cleanings are essential during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Alber coordinates with your orthodontic schedule to ensure teeth and gums remain healthy while braces are active.
Braces With Flexible Payment Options
Orthodontic treatment is covered in part by most dental insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins. For remaining costs, we offer 0% financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon, and we accept HSA and FSA funds. Visit our financing page for details.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Explore Our Other Cosmetic Services
Braces are part of a broader orthodontic and cosmetic care pathway. These services are commonly paired with or follow braces treatment at Alber Dental Studio.
For patients who want a clear alternative to braces, Invisalign uses a series of removable aligners to achieve similar results — with no brackets or wires.
A same-appointment option for minor chips or gaps — no enamel removal needed.
Professional-strength whitening when tooth color is the primary concern.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Alber Dental Studio: Braces in Boulder, CO
Dr. Marc Alber and the team at Alber Dental Studio bring over 26 years of clinical experience to every orthodontic case. We treat patients of all ages and select the treatment approach that is clinically appropriate — not the one that is easiest to sell. With 735+ five-star reviews and a fee-for-service model focused on long-term outcomes, our reputation is built on giving honest guidance. Learn more about Dr. Alber on his provider profile. Contact our Boulder office to schedule your orthodontic consultation.