Close up of girl's mouth and braces

Braces

A crooked smile can have an impact on more than just your appearance. Misaligned teeth can also affect your overall health.

Braces are a trusted solution to straighten your teeth and improve your bite, giving you the smile of your dreams.

Learn more about why Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics is the preferred provider for so many Philadelphia, PA, patients.

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Many people are interested in orthodontic treatment because they desire straighter teeth. While braces can certainly enhance the aesthetics of your smile, they also improve your bite and protect your overall health. At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Montgomeryvilleour orthodontists provide braces so that you can make your smile more attractive and easier to maintain, reducing your risk of decay and gum disease.

Patients of all ages can benefit from conventional braces. In some instances, we may even recommend early orthodontics for children. Our orthodontists believe that by addressing issues while your child is still in the developmental stages, we can help them avoid more complex problems in the future.

The friendly staff at our Philadelphia, PA, area practice can help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve. To meet with an orthodontist, request a consultation online or call us at:

(610) 617-0700

Laughing girl hiding smile

"The best." Why Greater Philadelphia Turns to Us

1

Mea Peterson

Bala Cynwyd, PA

2023

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These 2 years under Dr Hodges and staff's care have been absolutely amazing!!! The front office, back office, and staff are the BEST!!! I will continue to refer this office and praise you to everyone I know!! Thanks for everything!!!

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Mireille Lors

Montgomeryville, PA

2023

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I love, I Love, that place..they make me feel like family when ever I go there! My teeth are beautiful and I’m so in love.I highly recommend Dr. Hodges!

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Braces Are a Time-Tested Orthodontic Solution

Dr. Kellyn Hodges explains how the brackets and wires of braces work together to bring teeth into proper alignment. Our patients in the Greater Philadelphia area can generally expect to see their finished results in 24–30 months. If you have mild to severe crookedness, misalignment, or bite issues, braces may be an excellent choice for you.

Take a Look at How Braces Work

Crooked Teeth Can Affect Your Social Life

Contact Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics

Your oral health is important not just to the state of your smile, but to your overall well-being. We can help you develop a plan that works towards your dental goals while staying within your budget. From affordable braces to the Invisalign® clear aligner system, our orthodontists can help you determine the right treatment plan so the smile of your dreams can become your reality.

If you are ready to learn more about how to achieve the beautiful smile you dream about, call our Philadelphia area orthodontist offices to book an appointment or contact us online today. We serve patients in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Greater Philadelphia.

(610) 617-0700

Dr. Kellyn Hodges
Dr. Kellyn Hodges

"I am very happy."

"Each doctor in the office also made sure that everything was in place before removing my braces. Whenever I asked questions, they made sure to answer them and even go in details for me to understand. I am very happy with the end results!"

Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

Braces are used in orthodontic dentistry to align and straighten crooked or crowded teeth, as well as correct a variety of bite problems and malocclusions. Orthodontics also improve your overall dental health. At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics in Philadelphia, we offer several solutions to meet your dental needs. However, braces remain one of the most popular and economical options for patients throughout the Philadelphia area.

Orthodontic treatment can deliver a healthier, more attractive smile, giving you the confidence to take on the world.

Traditional braces are composed of metal brackets strung with a wire designed to slowly mold your teeth into proper alignment. Metal braces are generally the most affordable type of orthodontics. Braces are also required for patients who are in need of extensive realignment. During a personal consultation with one of our orthodontists, our team will tailor a proper course of orthodontic treatment based on your unique needs and goals. At our Philadelphia area orthodontist offices, we can determine if you qualify for Invisalign, or if braces are right for you. If you are looking for the perfect smile, we can also incorporate your orthodontics into a complete smile makeover.

Braces are made up of several components...

Illustration of braces Illustration of braces

What Are Spacers?

Dr. Kellyn Hodges describes orthodontic spacers, also known as separators, that create room for dental appliances in future visits to our Philadelphia area offices.

What to Expect During Treatment with Braces

Preparation

After your orthodontist takes molds of your teeth, and dental braces are deemed the proper course of treatment, the procedure can begin at one of our Philadelphia area offices. The procedure starts with the application of an adhesive to the teeth that will receive brackets so that the bonding material is able to adhere properly. The teeth are then banded, and brackets are bonded to the individual teeth. This process usually takes just a few seconds per tooth.

Attaching Brackets and Archwires

Spacers are sometimes used to make space for future molar banding if we determine this step should be included as part of your treatment plan. Once the brackets are placed, and spacers if necessary, the wire (called an archwire) will be threaded between the brackets and secured in place using ligature elastics. Depending on the case, there are a variety of configurations for braces to help remedy a range of orthodontic issues at our Philadelphia area offices. The brackets, elastics, and archwires are available in a variety of colors and materials, so there are still choices, even with traditional metal braces.

Adjustments

During follow-up appointments at one of our Philadelphia area offices, the braces will be adjusted and tightened, slowly correcting the teeth by stretching the periodontal membrane. Adjustments must be made about once a month. Depending on the case, braces treatment generally takes about two and a half years to achieve complete and lasting results.

After-Care

Following treatment with dental braces, you must wear a retainer in order to avoid your teeth from reverting back to their original misaligned position. While metal braces are used primarily by younger patients, they are an effective and affordable way for adults to achieve a beautiful smile. 

Many adults in the Philadelphia, PA, area who qualify opt for a more cosmetically appealing orthodontic treatment such as clear braces or Invisalign. Many of our patients choose to undergo teeth whitening to further highlight their newly straightened teeth.

"Very grateful." We Give Philadelphia A Reason to Smile

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Starr Guzman

Bensalem, PA

2023

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The staff are accommodating, flexible and friendly. Both my children are patients and the results are better than expected. Linda helped to make our transitions smooth especially when my sons braces were removed. The warm candle scents and complimentary snacks and hot beverages made our experience a comfortable one. I am very grateful that I chose Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics!

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Jemiah Allsop

Bala Cynwyd, PA

2023

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It's a pleasure for me to write this review. I started my dental journey back in 2018, from the first day until the end I must say thank you for the exceptional service I have received. The staff are the best from being patient with me, assisting me in every way possible, and answering questions I may have. A Special thanks to my favorite's Natalia and Tierra. Thanks for giving me the smile that I always desired to have and I will definitely recommend people to Hodges Orthodontics. They are the BEST

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Reducing Discomfort  During Treatment

Any time your teeth are moved, some tenderness can be expected. You may begin to experience slight soreness a few hours after the braces are placed. You may also notice irritation on the inside of the cheeks or sore spots on the tongue. These side effects are typical and should fade in a few days. Most patients in the Philadelphia, PA, area become fully accustomed to their new braces in about one month.

As your teeth begin shifting, the tension decreases. That is why periodic adjustments are necessary during treatment. Every few weeks, your doctor will monitor your progress and tighten your braces at one of our Philadelphia area offices to increase the tension. Due to the new position of your teeth following these adjustments, most patients feel some soreness.

Typically, the discomfort on subsequent visits is not as pronounced as when the braces are first placed. The friendly staff at our Philadelphia area practices are well known for a gentle touch. At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, we make every effort to relieve discomfort during your treatment.

Tips for Managing Orthodontic Discomfort

By following a few guidelines, you can effectively reduce the soreness caused by braces. This allows you to enjoy a more comfortable treatment.

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen as needed
  • Use orthodontic wax to reduce soft tissue irritation caused by metal wires, brackets, and elastic bands
  • Apply a cold compress to the external jaw as needed to reduce inflammation and soreness
  • Eat softer, cool foods to help soothe any discomfort, such as smoothies, frozen yogurt, and ice cream
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, including popcorn, nuts, taffy, caramel, and hard candy

"The staff is really nice and welcoming."

Isaac is a braces patient at Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics. He says he used to hate showing his smile before treatment, but he's much more comfortable sharing it now. Isaac says he would recommend our Greater Philadelphia practice to any of his friends who need braces, too.

Interested in More Discreet Treatment? Consider Invisalign

Teen and adult patients in the Philadelphia area may also wish to consider Invisalign, a discreet alternative to conventional braces. The Invisalign system straightens crooked teeth using a series of removable, clear aligners rather than metal brackets. Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving patients throughout the Philadelphia area, offers this state-of-the-art treatment to qualifying patients. 

Treatment involves a series of custom aligners. You will wear an aligner for at least 20 hours a day, only removing it to eat, brush, or floss. About every two weeks, you will begin wearing the next aligner in the series. Each aligner is slightly different, and will gradually guide your teeth closer to their proper positions.

Unfortunately, not every candidate seeking orthodontic treatment will qualify for Invisalign. If you have severe or complex alignment issues, you may be better suited to traditional orthodontics

smile divided in half with Invisalign® and braces

Let Us Find the Right Treatmtent for You

During a consultation at one of our Philadelphia-area offices, our orthodontists can determine if Invisalign is an effective option for your smile, or if your case is better suited to traditional braces. Get in touch with us today to request your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our practice serving Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Greater Philadelphia invites you to explore answers to some of the most common questions about braces:

How do I maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing braces?

To help keep your teeth and gums healthy and your braces clean, you will need to brush and floss when you wake up in the morning, after every meal, and before you go to sleep at night. You should brush at an angle at the top of the bands and brackets to reach any trapped food or bacteria. A water flosser (sometimes marketed under the name Waterpik®) can help achieve a thorough cleaning when you care for your teeth.

What is the best age to get braces?

Braces may be recommended for children as young as eight, depending on their needs. However, the best time to get braces depends entirely on your needs.

Am I too old for braces?

Absolutely not. Whether you needed braces as a child but didn't undergo treatment, developed misalignment after having worn braces, are just now developing alignment issues, or want to straighten your teeth for cosmetic reasons, braces can help you.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

You will need to watch what you eat in order to avoid breaking or loosening your braces. Common foods that should be avoided when wearing braces include:

  • Caramels
  • Chewing gum
  • Corn on the cob
  • Hard candy
  • Peanut brittle
  • Popcorn
  • Taffy
  • Whole hard apples
  • Whole raw carrots

"So kind and sweet." Why We Are Philadelphia's First Choice

1

Wendy Fritz

Bensalem, PA

2023

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Not only is Dr. Hodges a brilliant orthodontist (her work is fantastic) - but she employs the kindest and most helpful staff. It is a pleasure to deal with them!!!!

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Alina Rodriguez

Montgomeryville, PA

2022

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Dr. Hodges is amazing. She is so kind and sweet. Makes you feel at home. I love coming here and I'm so happy with the results so far.

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Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics staff

Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics

At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving patients in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and throughout Philadelphia, we are committed to helping children and adults of all backgrounds achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Our compassionate and widely respected doctors are members of prestigious dental organizations, including: 

  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association 
  • National Dental Association
  • National Board of Orthodontics, U. S. 

To reach our helpful, multilingual staff, call us at (610) 617-0700 or request a consultation online.

Contact Us Today

We love Kellyn Hodges! She listens to her patients and provides excellent care! Her staff is very friendly and helpful as well! Tara F.

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