Brooklyn Orthodontist
Metal and ceramic braces for kids, teens, and adults.
Table of Content
Braces are one of the most trusted and effective ways to straighten teeth and improve bite issues. At any given moment, millions of people (kids, teens, and adults alike) are wearing braces to achieve healthier, better-aligned smiles.
Located in Brooklyn, Brace Central Orthodontics is led by Dr. Polina Ingberman, DDS, a trusted orthodontist with over a quarter century of expertise and Dr. Amalya Igityan, DDS, a board-certified orthodontist with extensive experience. Our doctors and team are dedicated to a patient-first approach, making orthodontic treatment comfortable and personalized for every patient. We offer state-of-the-art orthodontic options to fit your needs, including Damon™ braces by Ormco, Symetri porcelain brackets by Ormco, and Carriere Votion appliances by Henry Schein. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if braces are right for you or your child.
Trusted Care
Brace Central has provided orthodontic care to Brooklyn families for over a quarter century, led by Dr. Polina Ingberman, DDS. We treat children, teens, and adults with three advanced systems chosen for the case: Damon self-ligating brackets by Ormco, Symetri Clear porcelain brackets by Ormco, and Carriere Votion appliances by Henry Schein.
Every treatment plan starts with a comprehensive set of records — digital impressions, photos, and a radiographic evaluation — and a one-on-one conversation about your goals, so we can plan precisely.
Call (718) 998-1888 to schedule a consultation, or book online.
The Basics
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, not a one-size approach.
Three Bracket Systems
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 innovative design helps them bond securely and guide the teeth efficiently. They're a reliable, fun, and colorful choice — perfect 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.
Why Braces
A straight, well-aligned smile isn't just about looking good, it also promotes 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.
Who Benefits
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.
Get Ready
Once you and Dr. Ingberman have chosen your bracket system, here's what to do in the weeks before placement:
Schedule a cleaning and evaluation with your general dentist. Brackets bond best to clean, healthy teeth.
Eat a meal with the foods you love but won't be able to enjoy easily for the next few days, like raw apples, hard bagels, or popcorn.
Eat a soft meal beforehand. Placement takes 60 to 90 minutes, and your teeth will be tender for 2 to 3 days afterward.
We'll send you home with a starter kit — soft-bristled toothbrush, orthodontic floss threaders, and interdental brushes — and walk you through how to use everything at your placement appointment.
Your insurance card, a list of any medications you take, and any X-rays from previous dental work if not already in our records.
From Start to Finish
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:
Your journey begins 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. The process takes 1 to 2 hours. Some soreness is normal, and we'll provide wax and tips to ease the discomfort.
Every 4 to 6 weeks, you'll return for an adjustment. 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 journey.
Aftercare
Some patients feel discomfort for 2 to 3 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.
Works Alongside
Braces often work alongside other orthodontic services we offer:
Our doctors recommend complementary treatments based on your case during the consultation, not as upsells.
Pricing
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.
Contact Us
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 personalized 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!
FAQ
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'll provide transparent pricing tailored to 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.
Sources
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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Walk in for a complimentary visit, or give us a call and we'll find a time that works for you.
(718) 998-1888