Treatment Options · Braces
Braces in Franklin, TN
Metal, clear ceramic, and self-ligating braces for kids, teens, and adults — from a board-certified orthodontist downtown.
Time-tested results, modern comfort
The Gold Standard, Reinvented
Braces remain the most reliable tool in orthodontics — and today’s braces look nothing like the bulky hardware you may remember. Modern brackets are smaller, smoother, and more efficient, applying gentle continuous pressure that moves teeth with less discomfort and fewer appointments than past generations.
At Roark Orthodontics, Dr. Roark offers traditional metal braces, discreet clear ceramic braces, and self ligating options — and she’ll give you an honest recommendation about whether braces or Invisalign will get you the best result. For complex bites, significant crowding, and younger patients, braces are often the fastest, most predictable path to a healthy smile.
Dr. Roark personally plans every Invisalign case in our downtown Franklin office, from your first digital scan to your final retainer check. Because she treats children, teens, and adults with clear aligners every day, she can tell you honestly at your free consultation whether Invisalign is the right tool for your smile — or whether braces would serve you better.
We’re in-network with most major PPO insurance plans and offer flexible monthly payment plans, so cost rarely has to stand between you and the smile you want.
your options
Types of Braces We Offer
Every smile is different, so we offer tow bracket styles — each with its own blend of strength, aesthetics, and personality.
Traditional Metal Braces
The most durable and cost-effective option. High-quality brackets handle everything from mild crowding to complex bite correction, and today’s smaller brackets are far more comfortable than in the past.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Tooth-colored ceramic brackets blend in with your smile while delivering the same corrective power as metal. A favorite of teens and adults who want subtlety but don’t want to commit to invisalign.
Every Age, Every Stage
Braces for Kids, Teens & Adults
Braces for Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 — early enough to spot crowding, bite issues, and jaw growth problems while they’re easiest to guide. Some children benefit from early (Phase One) treatment with braces or an expander; others are put on a regular check-up schedule until they are ready for treatment.
Braces for Teens
Metal braces remain a popular choice for teens. They are a tried-and-true option for patients of all ages who want a beautifully aligned smile. Known for their durability and effectiveness, metal braces are a reliable choice for treating everything from simple to complex orthodontic cases.
Braces for Adults
A straighter smile isn’t just cosmetic. Straightening teeth as an adult makes them easier to clean and protects against uneven wear — all while delivering the confidence of a smile you’re proud to show in meetings and photos. Dr. Roark treats adults at every stage of life at our downtown Franklin office.
Ready to see if Invisalign is your path to a straighter smile? Schedule a free consultation and let’s build a custom plan for you.
Timeline
How Long Do Braces Take?
Most cases take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, with 18–22 months being typical for comprehensive cases. Simple spacing or crowding corrections can finish in under a year; complex bite corrections or impacted canines can run longer than 24 months.
What moves the timeline most: case complexity, how your teeth respond, and staying on schedule with adjustments every 6–8 weeks. Dr. Roark will give you a realistic, personalized estimate at your free consultation.
That price includes everything: your consultation, X-rays, digital scans, your full series of custom aligners, all progress visits, and your first set of retainers when treatment is complete. No surprise fees at the finish line.
Investment
What Do Braces Cost in Franklin?
Braces at our Franklin office typically run anywhere from $3,500–$65,00, including your consultation, X-rays, all brackets and adjustments, and retainers at the end.
Most PPO insurance plans with orthodontic benefits apply to braces, we file the claims for you, and monthly payment plans keep the budget predictable. HSA and FSA dollars work here too.
Helpful Information
Braces FAQs
What are braces?
Braces are an orthodontic treatment that uses brackets, wires, and gentle continuous pressure to gradually move misaligned teeth and jaws into their correct positions. Each adjustment nudges teeth a little further along a plan Dr. Roark has mapped from your digital records — which is why results are so predictable.
What problems do braces treat?
Braces correct crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and crooked teeth — including complex cases other treatments can’t. Because braces work around the clock and every movement is precisely planned, they remain the most versatile tool in orthodontics for significant bite corrections.
Does getting braces hurt?
The process of getting braces on is painless; however, you will begin to feel soreness after the appointment. This usually lasts 2-3 days, but can be up to a week as teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used during this time. Each adjustment brings brief tenderness that typically fades within a day or two.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can break brackets and bend wires — popcorn, nuts, hard candy, caramel, taffy and ice.
How often do I need adjustments?
Every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. These visits are quick — usually 15–30 minutes — and keep tooth movement on schedule.
Can kids still play sports and instruments with braces?
Yes — braces don’t sideline athletes or musicians. Athletes should wear an orthodontic mouthguard for contact sports; brass and woodwind players usually adapt within a couple of weeks, and orthodontic wax makes the transition easier.
How much do braces cost in Franklin, TN?
Most braces treatment in Franklin runs $3,500–$6,500 all-in, with clear ceramic slightly higher than metal. Insurance with an orthodontic benefit, monthly payment plans, and HSA/FSA dollars bring the monthly cost within reach of most families — and your free consult includes a complete written estimate.
Metal or clear braces — which should I choose?
Both straighten teeth equally well. Metal is slightly more durable; ceramic is far less noticeable.
What if a bracket or wire breaks?
Call our office and we’ll get you in to fix it — broken brackets and poking wires are routine and repaired quickly. Until your visit, orthodontic wax covers any spot that’s irritating your cheek.
How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?
Brush after every meal with a soft brush angled 45 degrees at the brackets and floss daily with a threader or orthodontic flosser. Hygiene matters more with braces because plaque has extra places to hide. We coach every patient on technique at their bonding appointment — and check your brushing at every adjustment visit.
How long will I wear braces?
Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, with 18–24 months typical for full treatment. Simple cases can finish faster; complex bites take longer. Keeping adjustment appointments on schedule and not breaking brackets are the biggest things that patients can control that keeps treatment on time.
Do I need a retainer after braces?
Yes — a retainer is what keeps your teeth straight after the braces come off. Teeth naturally drift back toward their old positions without retention. You’ll wear your retainer full-time at first, then transition to nights. Dr. Roark includes retainers in your treatment plan and checks them at follow-up visits.