Brace Central has treated Brooklyn families for over a quarter century, led by Dr. Polina Ingberman, DDS.
Before any brackets go on, one of our orthodontists takes a full set of records: digital impressions, photos and X-rays. You also talk one-on-one with the doctor about your goals. From those records the doctor recommends whichever of our three bracket systems fits your case: Damon, Symetri Clear or Carriere Votion. The consultation is free, and you can walk in for it.
Braces are an orthodontic system that uses brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by archwires to apply continuous, gentle pressure. Over months, this pressure moves teeth into a healthier alignment and improves crowding, gaps, and bite issues. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 [1], because some bite problems are easier to improve while the jaw is still developing. Adults benefit too: orthodontic treatment for adults has expanded substantially over the past two decades.
At Brace Central, we use three bracket systems. Our doctors recommend one based on your case.
At Brace Central Orthodontics, we offer several types of braces to match your lifestyle and preferences. Our doctors will recommend the right type for your specific case. Our options include:
Damon™ braces are advanced self-ligating metal braces. Instead of using elastic ties to hold the wire, Damon brackets have a special slide mechanism that holds the archwire in place. This allows the wire to move freely as your teeth shift, which can result in faster treatment and fewer adjustment appointments. Damon braces are also known for being comfortable and easier to keep clean than traditional braces, since they don't have rubber bands that can trap food.
Symetri Clear brackets from Ormco are a type of ceramic braces that blend in with your teeth. These brackets are made of a translucent porcelain material, making them far less noticeable than metal braces, a great option if you want a more discreet look. Despite being clear, Symetri brackets are strong and effective. They work just like metal braces to straighten your teeth, but with the aesthetic advantage of barely being visible in photos or everyday life.
Carriere Votion appliances by Henry Schein use colorful elastic ties, and their design helps them bond securely and guide the teeth efficiently. They're a reliable, fun, and colorful choice, a good fit for patients (especially kids and teens) who want effective treatment with a little personality. You pick your colors at every adjustment, so your braces can match your mood, your team, or the season. Our doctors may recommend Votion appliances when improving the bite first sets up a smoother, more efficient finish.
A straight, well-aligned smile also supports better oral health and function. Orthodontic treatment with braces offers both cosmetic and health benefits, including:
By improving crooked teeth or gaps, braces help you achieve a beautiful smile that can greatly boost your self-esteem.
Aligning the teeth and jaws can fix bite problems, making it easier to chew food and even improving speech clarity for some patients.
Straighter teeth are simpler to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease since there are fewer hard-to-reach spots.
Properly aligned teeth come together evenly, preventing excessive wear, grinding, or chipping that can occur with a misaligned bite.
By addressing crowding or bite issues, braces can alleviate jaw pain or discomfort and reduce the likelihood of future dental complications.
All these benefits contribute to healthier teeth and gums in the long run. When your smile is aligned, it's easier to maintain and sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Braces work for patients across a wide age range and a broad set of orthodontic needs:
Braces aren't right for every case. Patients with active gum disease, untreated cavities, or insufficient bone support should resolve those issues first. During your consultation, our doctors will review your dental history and X-rays to confirm braces are the right fit, or recommend an alternative.
Getting braces is a multi-step process that we guide you through from start to finish. Here's what you can expect during orthodontic treatment at Brace Central Orthodontics:
It starts with a comprehensive evaluation. Our doctors will examine your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment, often taking X-rays or digital scans. They'll discuss your goals and create a custom treatment plan that includes the type of braces and estimated timeline.
At this appointment, brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected with an archwire. Some soreness is normal in the first days, and we go over how to ease it before you leave.
You will return for regular adjustments. Our doctors will make changes like tightening the wire or adding elastics to guide your teeth into better alignment. We're always here if anything feels off or breaks.
Once treatment is completed, your braces are gently removed, and you'll receive a custom retainer. Retainers keep your new smile in place, and we'll show you how to care for them. Congrats on your straightened smile!
Throughout each step, our team at Brace Central Orthodontics focuses on your comfort and care. We encourage you to ask questions and stay involved in your treatment.
Some patients feel discomfort for a few days after placement. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods get you through it.
Day-to-day with braces:
See our home care for braces guide for the full routine.
Braces often work alongside other orthodontic services we offer:
Our doctors recommend complementary treatments based on your case during the consultation.
Many insurance plans include orthodontic coverage; the exact amount varies by plan and case complexity. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer interest-free in-house financing.
See our insurance and financial information for details, or ask during your consultation.
Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, straighter smile? We're here to help. Schedule a consultation with our expert orthodontists at Brace Central Orthodontics in Brooklyn to discuss your braces options and treatment plan. Our warm, knowledgeable team will answer all your questions and make you feel right at home from day one. Call our office at 718-998-1888 today. We can't wait to help you or your child achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve!
We use Damon brackets by Ormco, Symetri porcelain brackets by Ormco, and Carriere Votion appliances by Henry Schein.
Cost varies case by case. Give us a call and schedule a consultation, where we go over the cost for your specific treatment plan.
The discomfort from braces should last but two to three days after placement; after that, most foods can be eaten but very crunchy, very hard, or very sticky foods should be avoided.
No, you should not chew gum with braces as it can cause the braces to break.
Yes, you can eat pizza with braces, but if the crust is very crunchy, it should be avoided.
Yes, if it is not straight from the refrigerator. Soft, normal chocolate can be eaten.
Any hard, sticky, or crunchy food such as gum, sticky candy, or very hard fruits or vegetables like raw carrots, or hard bars like granola bars should be avoided as they can damage the braces.
Teeth should not be whitened when braces are attached, as the surface of the tooth that has a brace on will not be whitened. However, it's definitely possible to whiten teeth once the braces are removed.
It depends. You can eat soft chips like potato chips, but not hard chips like tortilla chips because they can damage the braces.
Yes, burgers should not be a problem as long as they do not contain large pieces of hard ingredients like nuts.
There are a few indications. Some people have crowding or spacing they want addressed. Sometimes a dentist may recommend braces for a bite problem, and many younger patients should be screened by an orthodontist so issues can be caught early.
A child should be screened by an orthodontist around seven or eight years old, and the orthodontist will advise on the appropriate timing for braces.
No, it moves teeth at about the same speed as traditional orthodontic treatment.
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual orthodontic needs.
Meet The Team
Founder · A quarter of a century of experience
Founder of Brace Central Orthodontics and Brooklyn Orthodontics with a quarter of a century of experience. She is an NYU College of Dentistry graduate and a Columbia University trained orthodontist, treating children, teens, and adults with braces and Invisalign.
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Orthodontist
Board-certified Brooklyn orthodontist trained at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, with a three-year orthodontic residency at Maimonides Medical Center. Treats children, teens, and adults with braces, Invisalign®, and a full range of orthodontic appliances.
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Orthodontist
Brooklyn-born orthodontist, NYU College of Dentistry graduate with a three-year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Maimonides Medical Center. Known for meticulous, compassionate, individualized care.
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Orthodontist · Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Board-certified orthodontist (Diplomate, ABO 2025), NYU College of Dentistry graduate with residency training at St. Barnabas Hospital, NY. Treats children, teens, and adults with braces, clear aligners, and orthopedic appliances. Speaks English and Russian.
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(718) 998-1888