Braces in Brooklyn, NY
Medically reviewed by Dr. Polina Ingberman, DDS, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics | 25+ Years Experience | Last Updated: April 2026
Braces are one of the most trusted and effective ways to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. At any given moment, millions of people (kids, teens, and adults alike) are wearing braces to achieve healthier, aligned smiles. These orthodontic appliances gradually move crooked or crowded teeth into place, fixing problems from gaps to overbites.
Located in Brooklyn, Brace Central Orthodontics is led by Dr. Polina Ingberman, DDS, a top-rated orthodontist with over 25 years of experience, and Dr. Amalya Igityan, DDS, an ABO Board-Certified Orthodontist with more than 20 years of 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 brace options to fit your needs, including Damon™ braces, Symetri porcelain brackets by Ormco, and Votion braces. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if braces are right for you or your child.
What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic devices that use brackets and wires to gently move your teeth into proper alignment over time. Small brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth (or sometimes the back, for hidden braces), and a thin metal archwire connects them. The braces apply continuous, light pressure, which guides teeth to straighten and bites to correct gradually. Additional components like elastic bands or springs may be used as needed to help with specific corrections.
Modern braces come in a variety of styles, from traditional metal looks to low-profile clear versions. No matter the type, all braces work under the same principle: consistent, gentle force over months or years to shift teeth into a healthy, aligned position. Dr. Ingberman will evaluate your orthodontic needs and recommend the appropriate braces for your case.
Benefits of 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:
- Enhanced confidence: By correcting crooked teeth or gaps, braces help you achieve a beautiful smile that can greatly boost your self-esteem.
- Improved bite and speech: Aligning the teeth and jaws can fix bite problems, making it easier to chew food and even improving speech clarity for some patients.
- Easier cleaning: Straighter teeth are simpler to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease since there are fewer hard-to-reach spots.
- Less wear and strain: Properly aligned teeth come together evenly, preventing excessive wear, grinding, or chipping that can occur with a misaligned bite.
- Better overall oral health: 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 They're For
Braces can benefit patients of virtually any age who want to correct alignment issues and improve their smile. Children often get braces once most of their adult teeth have come in (commonly between ages 11 and 15). The American Association of Orthodontists even recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early check-ups can catch issues while a child’s jaw is still growing. Not every young child will need braces right away, but monitoring growth can inform the best timing for treatment.
Teenagers are the most common age group for braces, since by the early teens, all permanent teeth are usually in place and the jaw is still highly adaptable. Getting braces as a teen can correct issues before adulthood, and often, peers are going through similar treatment, so it feels pretty normal.
Adults can absolutely get braces, too. In fact, more adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment for themselves, currently, about one in four braces patients is an adult. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is really no age limit. “Braces aren’t just for kids. I’ve treated patients from age 7 to 70. It’s never too late to get a healthier smile,” says Dr. Polina Ingberman. Many adults find that improving their teeth alignment boosts their confidence and oral health well into later years.
Ultimately, the decision to get braces is a personal one. Orthodontic treatment is a significant time commitment (most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months or more), so it’s important to feel ready. During a consultation, our doctors will examine your teeth and discuss whether braces are the right option now, and what the expected timeline and results would be. We ensure every patient, whether child, teen, or adult, gets the guidance they need to make an informed decision about braces.
“The ‘right time’ for braces isn’t a single number. I’ve placed first braces on 8-year-olds catching a crossbite early, and I’ve straightened 55-year-olds who decided they finally wanted the smile they’ve always pictured. What matters is the case, not the age.”
Dr. Polina Ingberman, DDS, Founder, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
Types of Braces
At Brace Central Orthodontics, we offer several types of braces to match your lifestyle and preferences. Our doctors will recommend the best type for your specific case. Our options include:
Damon Braces
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 Braces
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.
Votion Braces
Votion braces are a modern take on traditional stainless steel braces. These metal brackets are designed with a low-profile shape for comfort inside your mouth. Votion brackets still use elastic ties, but their innovative design ensures they bond securely and guide teeth efficiently. They’re a reliable, cost-effective choice for patients looking for tried and true braces that get the job done. Dr. Ingberman might recommend Votion braces for cases that can be well treated with a classic, high-quality bracket system.
Invisalign®
While not braces in the traditional sense, Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment we offer as an alternative to brackets and wires. Invisalign® uses a series of custom clear aligner trays that are removable and nearly invisible. They straighten your teeth without metal hardware. Many teens and adults love Invisalign for its convenience and discreet appearance. If you’re interested in a braces alternative, ask us about Invisalign treatment. We’ll
help you determine if clear aligners are a good option for your smile.
Braces Treatment Process
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:
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.
How much do braces cost, and will my insurance cover it?
The cost of braces varies by case complexity and treatment length. At our Brooklyn office, comprehensive orthodontic cases run around $5,500, and limited short-term cases (minor corrections, typically 4 to 9 months of treatment) generally range from $800 to $2,500. During your consultation, we provide a written, exact quote and walk through exactly what’s included, no surprises. Many dental insurance plans do offer orthodontic coverage for braces, especially for children (and sometimes for adults, too). Our office team verifies your benefits and files claims on your behalf so you capture the full coverage you’re entitled to.
We also believe finances shouldn’t be a barrier to a healthy smile. We offer interest-free in-house payment plans that spread the balance across treatment length, so treatment fits comfortably into a monthly budget.
Schedule Your Braces Consultation in Brooklyn
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 or contact us online to book your appointment today. We can’t wait to help you or your child achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What types of braces are available at Brace Central?
A:
We use Damon brackets, Symetri porcelain brackets from Ormco and Votion brackets.
Q:
What is the typical duration for wearing braces?
A:
Typical duration of the orthodontic treatment is 12 to 24 months.
Q:
What is the cost range for braces in Brooklyn?
A:
Average price for a comprehensive orthodontic case is $5500. Limited short time orthodontic cases are less expensive and generally range for $800 to $2500.
Q:
How long after getting braces can I eat normally?
A:
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.
Q:
Can you chew gum with braces?
A:
No, you should not chew gum with braces as it can cause the braces to break.
Q:
Can you eat pizza with braces?
A:
Yes, you can eat pizza with braces, but if the crust is very crunchy, it should be avoided.
Q:
Can you eat chocolate with braces?
A:
Yes, if it is not straight from the refrigerator. Soft, normal chocolate can be eaten.
Q:
What foods loosen braces?
A:
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.
Q:
How to whiten teeth with braces?
A:
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.
Q:
How do you get rid of yellow teeth with braces?
A:
Brushing and communicating very well should solve the issue; professional cleaning is also recommended at least once every six months.
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.