Oasis Family Dentistry & Orthodontics offers metal and ceramic braces in Gilbert, Arizona, under the care of Dr. Shana Vohra, a board-certified orthodontist with advanced training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Whether you're a parent exploring options for your child, a teen navigating school and social life, or an adult ready to finally address your smile, braces remain one of the most effective and time-tested orthodontic treatments available.
Braces work for virtually every case, from mild crowding to complex bite problems, and they do it without requiring you to remember to wear anything. Once they're on, they work continuously. Treatment typically takes 12 to 24 months, braces can usually be placed within one to two weeks of your consultation, and free consultations are available to help you get started. Most insurance plans with an orthodontic benefit apply.
We see patients from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and across the East Valley at our office located at 1467 W. Elliot Rd, Suite 101, Gilbert, AZ 85233.
Why Braces Are Still the Gold Standard
Clear aligners have grown in popularity, and for good reason, but braces remain the most versatile and clinically precise orthodontic tool available. For patients with moderate to complex misalignment, significant bite issues, or cases where consistent aligner wear would be difficult to maintain, braces consistently deliver excellent results.
The biggest practical advantage is that compliance is never a factor. Once brackets are bonded to the teeth, they work around the clock without any action required on your part. That matters especially for younger patients and anyone who knows they are not likely to wear a removable appliance 20 to 22 hours a day.
At Oasis, Dr. Vohra evaluates each patient individually and recommends braces when they are genuinely the best clinical option for that person's case.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces use high-grade stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and connected by a wire that Dr. Vohra adjusts periodically to guide teeth into their correct positions. Modern metal braces are far smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than they were even a decade ago.
What Metal Braces Treat Well:
- Moderate to severe crowding
- Complex bite problems, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Cases requiring precise three-dimensional tooth control
- Patients who may not be ready for the compliance demands of clear aligners
Advantages of Metal Braces:
- The most cost-effective orthodontic option
- Effective for virtually any case complexity
- No compliance required, they work continuously
- Durable and resistant to damage
Metal braces are a great fit for kids, teens, and adults with moderate to complex cases, or for anyone who wants the most reliable and affordable path to a straight smile.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work exactly like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets instead of stainless steel. The result is a significantly less noticeable appearance while delivering the same clinical precision and effectiveness. The archwire running through the brackets may still be visible, but the brackets themselves blend naturally with the tooth surface.
What Sets Ceramic Braces Apart:
- Brackets are tooth-colored or clear, making them far less noticeable than metal
- Treatment effectiveness and timeline are identical to metal braces
- Slightly higher cost than metal due to materials
- Brackets can stain from coffee, tea, or heavily pigmented foods, so good oral hygiene and some dietary awareness help maintain their appearance
Ceramic braces are an excellent choice for adults and older teens who want the clinical reliability of traditional braces with a more discreet look, particularly in professional or social settings.
Metal vs. Ceramic vs. Clear Aligners: How to Choose
| Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Clear Aligners | |
| Visibility | Most visible | Much less visible | Virtually invisible |
| Best case types | All cases, including complex | All cases, including complex | Mild to moderate cases |
| Compliance required | None, fixed to teeth | None, fixed to teeth | High (20 to 22 hrs/day) |
| Cleaning | Requires care around brackets | Requires care; avoid staining foods | Easy, remove to clean |
| Cost | Most affordable | Moderate | Moderate |
| Treatment time | 12 to 24 months | 12 to 24 months | Typically 12 to 18 months |
Not sure which option is right for you? Dr. Vohra will give you a clear, honest answer at your free consultation based on your specific case, not a sales pitch.
What to Expect: Getting Braces at Oasis
Free Consultation Dr. Vohra evaluates your teeth, bite, and alignment and recommends the best treatment option for your case. No cost, no pressure, and no obligation.
Digital Records We use the iTero intraoral scanner to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. No messy impressions required.
Treatment Plan Before anything begins, you receive a clear timeline, a full cost breakdown, and your financing options.
Braces Placement Brackets are bonded to your teeth in a single appointment, typically scheduled within one to two weeks of your consultation. Plan for about one to two hours.
Adjustment Appointments You will visit every six to eight weeks for Dr. Vohra to check your progress and adjust the wire. These visits are quick, usually 20 to 30 minutes.
Braces Removal and Retainers When treatment is complete, brackets are removed and your retainer is fitted. Wearing your retainer as directed is essential to maintaining your results long-term.
Life With Braces: What to Know
Foods to Avoid Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can damage brackets or bend wires. Avoid ice, hard candy, popcorn, caramel, and chewing gum. Cut firmer fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, into small pieces rather than biting directly into them.
Cleaning Brush carefully around each bracket after every meal. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean between teeth and under the wire. Plaque buildup around brackets can cause white spot lesions, which are permanent marks on the enamel, so consistent hygiene throughout treatment is important.
Soreness Expect mild soreness for two to three days after braces are placed and after each adjustment. This is a normal sign that the teeth are moving. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help, and orthodontic wax can relieve any irritation from brackets rubbing against the cheeks or lips.
Orthodontic Emergencies If a bracket comes loose or a wire is poking, call us at (480) 926-4498. We will get you in promptly to fix it and keep treatment on track.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Gilbert, AZ?
Braces at Oasis typically range from $3,500 to $6,400, depending on the type selected and the complexity and length of your case.
Insurance Many PPO dental plans include an orthodontic benefit that applies to braces. Benefits commonly range from $1,000 to $2,500, though coverage varies by plan. We verify your specific benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises.
Financing We offer interest-free in-house payment plans as well as extended financing through CareCredit, HFD, and Cherry. There is an option to fit virtually any budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do braces take? Treatment time depends on case complexity. Most patients with moderate alignment issues complete treatment in 12 to 18 months. More complex cases, particularly those involving significant bite correction, may take 18 to 24 months. Dr. Vohra will give you a realistic estimate at your free consultation.
Do braces hurt? Most patients experience mild soreness for two to three days after placement and after each adjustment. This is normal and expected. Between appointments, braces should feel comfortable. Orthodontic wax is helpful for any bracket irritation against soft tissue.
At what age can kids get braces? Most children are ready for braces between ages 10 and 14, after enough permanent teeth have come in. Some cases benefit from earlier Phase 1 treatment around ages 7 to 9 to address jaw development before full braces. Dr. Vohra will evaluate your child's readiness at a free consultation. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.
Are ceramic braces more expensive than metal? Yes, slightly. Ceramic brackets cost more to manufacture, which is reflected in the treatment fee. The clinical process, timeline, and outcome are identical. The difference is purely cosmetic. Dr. Vohra can give you exact pricing for both options at your consultation.
Can adults get braces? Absolutely. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and adults frequently choose ceramic braces for their more discreet appearance. Many adult patients are surprised by how manageable treatment is and wish they had started sooner.
Can I play sports or musical instruments with braces? Yes. Athletes should wear a mouthguard during contact sports to protect both the braces and the mouth. Musicians who play wind or brass instruments may need a brief adjustment period, but most adapt quickly. Let Dr. Vohra know about any activities at your consultation.
What happens if a bracket falls off? Call us at (480) 926-4498 as soon as possible. A loose bracket is not a dental emergency, but it should be addressed promptly so treatment stays on schedule.
Do I need a retainer after braces? Yes, and this part is non-negotiable. Teeth naturally shift back toward their original positions after braces are removed, and only consistent retainer wear prevents this. Dr. Vohra will fit you with a retainer at your final appointment and walk you through how long and how often to wear it
