Getting a straighter smile starts with understanding your options. At Boller Orthodontic Arts, we offer braces as a proven, reliable way to correct alignment issues for patients of all ages in Crown Point and throughout Northwest Indiana. Whether you’re researching braces in Crown Point, IN for the first time or comparing providers, we want you to feel informed before you ever sit in our chair.
What Are Braces?
Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that use brackets and archwires to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. They apply gentle, steady pressure to shift teeth, close gaps, and correct bite problems. The result is a healthier bite and a more balanced smile.
At Boller Orthodontic Arts, Dr. Boller offers several types of braces to fit your lifestyle and preferences:
- Metal braces: The classic option, now smaller and more comfortable than ever
- Ceramic braces: Tooth-colored brackets that blend with your smile
- Lingual braces: Placed behind your teeth for a nearly invisible look
Braces work well for correcting crowding, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They’re effective for children, teens, and adults alike. Because every mouth is different, Dr. Boller selects bracket types, wire sequences, and adjustment intervals based on what your specific bite needs to move safely and predictably.
While Invisalign offers a removable alternative, braces often provide more predictable results for complex cases involving rotation, significant crowding, or major bite correction. Dr. Boller will help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your specific situation during your free consult at our Crown Point practice. You’ll leave that visit with a clear understanding of how each option compares for your goals.
Benefits of Braces Treatment
Braces do more than create a beautiful smile. They address underlying issues that affect your oral health, your ability to chew comfortably, and even how clearly you speak.
At a glance, braces treatment can:
- Correct complex alignment and bite issues
- Improve daily oral hygiene
- Boost self-confidence
- Relieve functional problems like jaw discomfort
- Deliver long-lasting, stable results
- Work for patients of nearly any age
Corrects complex alignment issues
Braces handle severe crowding, significant bite problems, and rotated teeth more predictably than many aligner systems. The fixed brackets give Dr. Boller precise control over tooth movement.
Improves oral health
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. When teeth overlap or crowd together, plaque builds up in hard-to-reach spots. Proper alignment reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease.
A straighter, more symmetrical smile also changes how you feel about yourself. Many patients tell us they smile more freely after treatment, both in photos and in everyday conversation.
Bite issues can cause TMJ discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even speech problems. Braces correct the underlying alignment, often relieving these symptoms over the course of treatment. You can read more about jaw-related concerns on our TMJ/TMD treatment page.
Delivers lasting results
When you wear your retainers as directed after treatment, your results can last a lifetime. Braces create stable, long-term changes to your bite and alignment.
Whether your child needs Phase 1 treatment to guide jaw development or you’re an adult ready to finally address crowding, braces adapt to your needs at any stage of life.
The Braces Treatment Process at Boller Orthodontic Arts
Knowing what to expect makes the entire experience smoother. Here’s how braces treatment works for our Crown Point braces patients:
Step 1: Free Consultation and Digital Imaging
Your first evaluation includes a thorough exam and digital imaging. Dr. Boller reviews your teeth, bite, and facial structure to understand exactly what needs correction. This appointment is completely free with no pressure to commit.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Boller creates a personalized plan outlining your timeline, the type of braces recommended, and a clear cost breakdown. As an orthodontic specialist, she shapes every recommendation around your specific bite, facial proportions, and goals. You’ll know exactly what to expect before starting.
Step 3: Bracket Placement
At your bonding appointment, we attach brackets to your teeth and connect them with archwires. This visit usually takes around an hour. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, though your teeth may feel tender for a few days as they begin adjusting.
Step 4: Routine Adjustments
You’ll return every 4-8 weeks for adjustments. Dr. Boller tightens wires and makes modifications to keep your teeth moving according to plan. These appointments are quick, usually under 30 minutes.
Step 5: Braces Removal and Retainer Fitting
Once your teeth reach their final positions, we remove the brackets and fit you with retainers. Wearing retainers as directed protects your investment and keeps your smile looking great.
Average treatment time typically runs 12-24 months in Dr. Boller’s practice, depending on the complexity of your case. Some patients finish sooner, while others with more significant corrections may need additional time.
Are Braces Right for You?
Braces work for many patients and conditions. Here’s how to know if they might be your best option:
Do you have alignment or bite issues? Braces effectively correct:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite (upper teeth protrude too far)
- Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
- Crossbite (teeth don’t align properly when biting down)
- Open bite (teeth don’t meet when mouth is closed)
If you’re a parent of a young child, plan an early visit. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. An early assessment lets Dr. Boller identify developing issues and determine if Phase 1 treatment could benefit your child.
Teens are often great candidates
Adolescence is the most common time for braces. Once adult teeth have emerged, we can address the full picture of alignment needs.
Adults are welcome too. There’s no age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as your gums and bone are healthy, braces can work for you. Many adults choose braces for their reliability with complex corrections.
For complex cases, braces may be a stronger fit than aligners. Severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies, or teeth that need precise rotation often respond better to braces than removable aligners. For jaw-related concerns, surgical orthodontics or airway orthodontics may also be part of the conversation.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Schedule a free consult. Dr. Boller will give you an honest assessment and explain all your choices.
Why Choose Boller Orthodontic Arts for Braces in Crown Point
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. Here’s what sets our practice apart:
Dr. Boller is a specialist-trained orthodontist who completed advanced post-doctoral education in orthodontics beyond dental school. As a true private practice, every treatment plan reflects her clinical precision and an artist’s eye for facial harmony. You won’t be passed between rotating providers or rushed through a corporate-style schedule.
Multiple treatment options
Beyond traditional braces, we offer Invisalign, surgical orthodontics, airway orthodontics, and TMJ/TMD treatment. If your needs change or you’re unsure which approach is best, you have choices under one roof.
Experience with complex cases
Dr. Boller has worked with patients facing challenging orthodontic situations, including those needing coordination with other specialists for craniofacial concerns. Our practice is equipped to handle nuanced cases with care.
Modern technology
We use 3D scanners, digital X-rays, and advanced treatment options including TADs (temporary anchorage devices) when needed. Better technology means more precise results and often shorter treatment times.
Personal attention is built into how we run each day. As a Certified Invisalign Provider and female-owned practice rooted in Northwest Indiana, we treat every patient like family. You’ll see Dr. Boller at every appointment, not a rotating cast of providers.
Flexible financing
We offer payment plans and work with your insurance to make treatment accessible. Our team provides clear pricing upfront so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How much do braces cost in Crown Point, IN?
The cost of braces in Crown Point typically ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the type of braces you choose and the complexity of your case. During your free consult, we provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss payment plans to fit your budget. We also work with most insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage.
How long do braces take to straighten teeth?
Most patients in our practice wear braces for about 12-24 months. Mild cases may finish in under a year, while more complex corrections can take longer. As an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Boller gives you a realistic timeline estimate during your free consult based on your specific needs.
Do braces hurt?
You may experience some tenderness for a few days after getting braces and following adjustments. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during adjustment periods. The discomfort typically fades within a week.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Skip hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or get stuck in wires. This includes:
- Hard candies and ice
- Popcorn and nuts
- Caramel and taffy
- Corn on the cob (cut it off first)
- Whole apples and raw carrots (slice them instead)
We’ll give you a complete list at your bonding appointment.
Are metal or ceramic braces better?
Both work equally well for most cases. Dr. Boller can recommend the best option based on your priorities and treatment needs. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | More visible | Tooth-colored, blends in |
| Cost | Typically lower | Slightly higher |
| Durability | Very durable | Durable, slightly more fragile |
| Best for | All ages, complex cases | Image-conscious teens and adults |
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, typically covering a portion of treatment costs. Our team verifies your coverage and helps you understand your benefits before you start. We also offer in-network support to help you get the most from your benefits.
Schedule Your Braces Consultation in Crown Point
Ready to explore braces for yourself or your child? Boller Orthodontic Arts makes getting started simple.
Your free consult includes a complete evaluation, digital imaging, and a personalized plan recommendation. There’s no pressure to decide on the spot. Ask questions about costs, financing, and timelines. We’re here to help you make an informed choice.
Call (219) 322-7645 or book online to schedule your appointment for braces in Crown Point. We often have same-week availability.