(260) 486-4400
(260) 486-4400Fort Wayne Braces at Hoagburg Orthodontics
What Are Braces and How Do They Straighten Your Smile?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that use brackets, wires, and bands to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. They correct crowded teeth, gaps, and bite conditions like overbites and underbites. Whether you're seven or seventy, braces remain one of the most reliable ways to achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
Dr. Brian Hoagburg and Dr. Rachel Hoagburg offer metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners to help Fort Wayne families achieve the results they're looking for. The days of clunky headgear and bulky brackets are long gone. Today's braces are smaller, more comfortable, and work more efficiently than ever before.
Our Fort Wayne office offers two main types of braces. Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires to move teeth into position. They're durable, effective for even complex cases, and let you personalize your look with colored bands. Clear braces work the same way but use ceramic brackets that blend with your natural tooth color for a more discreet appearance.
For those who prefer a removable option, clear aligners offer another path to a straighter smile. Unlike a general dentist in Fort Wayne, our orthodontists specialize exclusively in straightening teeth and correcting bites. During your free consultation, Dr. Brian or Dr. Rachel will help you find the treatment that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Benefits of Getting Braces in Fort Wayne
Braces at Hoagburg Orthodontics in Fort Wayne deliver more than a straighter smile. Here's what you can expect from treatment:
Better Oral Health
Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces where food particles and bacteria hide. Brushing and flossing become a challenge. Once your teeth are properly aligned, keeping them clean gets much easier, and your risk of cavities and gum disease drops significantly.
More Confidence
There's something powerful about loving your smile. We hear it all the time: people tell us they feel bolder in social situations, more at ease at work, and actually excited to be in photos after completing treatment. When you're proud of your teeth, it shows.
Corrected Bite Conditions
Bite concerns aren't just cosmetic. An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can cause jaw discomfort, uneven tooth wear, and even speech difficulties. Braces address these functional conditions while improving your appearance.
Options That Fit Your Life, Plus Treatment for Every Age
Not everyone wants the same type of treatment. Metal braces offer proven durability and work well for complex cases. Clear braces give you effective treatment with a subtler look. You get to choose what works best for you. If you've been searching for Invisalign in Fort Wayne, we offer clear aligners as well. And braces aren't just for teenagers. Dr. Brian and Dr. Rachel treat children, teens, and adults. Your whole family can achieve beautiful smiles under one roof. It's never too late to invest in your oral health.
The Braces Process: From Free Consultation to Final Results
Getting braces at Hoagburg Orthodontics in Fort Wayne is straightforward. Here's how it works:
- Schedule Your Free Consultation
Your first step is a no-cost, no-obligation visit to our office. You'll meet with Dr. Brian or Dr. Rachel, who will examine your teeth and discuss your goals. Ask anything. That's what this visit is for.
- 3D Imaging and Custom Treatment Planning
We use advanced 3D X-Ray technology to capture detailed images of your teeth, jaw, and facial structure. From there, your orthodontist creates a customized treatment plan designed specifically for you. You'll know exactly what to expect before treatment begins, including timeline and cost.
- Braces Placement Appointment
This typically takes one to two hours. Our team will carefully attach each bracket and thread the archwire through. Most people find the process comfortable and straightforward.
- Regular Adjustment Visits
Throughout your treatment, you'll visit our Fort Wayne office every four to eight weeks for adjustments. Quick and easy. Dr. Brian or Dr. Rachel will tighten your wires and make any necessary modifications during these appointments. Each visit keeps your treatment on track and moving forward.
- Braces Removal and Retention
Once your teeth reach their ideal positions, it's time to remove your braces. This is the appointment everyone looks forward to. Afterward, you'll transition to a retainer to maintain your results. Our smile savers retainer club makes retention simple and stress-free.
The entire process typically takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on your specific needs. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that most braces treatments fall within this range. Some cases finish sooner, while more complex situations may take a bit longer. Dr. Brian (DDS, MSD) and Dr. Rachel (DMD, MSD) oversee every step of your treatment at both our Fort Wayne and Auburn, Indiana locations.
Metal Braces vs. Clear Braces vs. Clear Aligners
Hoagburg Orthodontics offers three treatment types. Metal braces are the most affordable, clear braces blend with your teeth, and clear aligners are removable.
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel | Ceramic | Smooth plastic |
| Visibility | Noticeable | Blends with teeth | Nearly invisible |
| Removable | No | No | Yes |
| Best For | Complex cases, all ages | Discreet look with full correction | Mild to moderate cases |
| Durability | Very high | High | N/A (replaced every 1-2 weeks) |
| Cost | Most affordable | Slightly higher | Varies by case |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?
Good candidates for braces include anyone with crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites. At Hoagburg Orthodontics in Fort Wayne, we treat people of all ages dealing with:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or twist
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Overbite where upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth
- Underbite where lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite where some upper teeth close inside lower teeth
- Open bite where front teeth don't meet when you close your mouth
What Age Should You Get Braces?
Children and Teens
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Dr. Brian and Dr. Rachel can spot developing concerns at this age and determine if early treatment would help. Many teens start braces between ages 11 and 14 when most permanent teeth have come in.
Adults
More adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment. Maybe you never had braces as a kid, or your teeth have shifted over time. Either way, it's not too late. We see adults in their 20s, 40s, 60s, and beyond.
People Who Prefer Fixed Appliances
Some people like knowing their braces are working around the clock. If you think you might forget to put aligners back in after meals, braces could be the better choice.
The best way to know if braces are right for you? Schedule a free consultation. Dr. Brian or Dr. Rachel will evaluate your teeth and recommend the treatment that makes the most sense for your situation. People searching for the best orthodontist in Fort Wayne often find us through word of mouth, and we'd love to show you why.
Why Fort Wayne Families Choose Hoagburg Orthodontics
We treat you like family because we are one. Dr. Brian and Dr. Rachel continue the legacy their father, Dr. Steve Hoagburg, built when he established our practice. That family-first approach, rooted in excellence, integrity and compassion, shows up in how we greet you at the front desk, how we explain every step of your treatment, and how we celebrate with you on the day your braces come off.
Experienced Care You Can Trust
Our Fort Wayne orthodontists have spent their careers creating stunning smiles for 35 years. Dr. Brian Hoagburg earned his DDS and MSD in Orthodontics, while Dr. Rachel Hoagburg holds a DMD and MSD in Orthodontics. Both are members of the American Association of Orthodontists. You're in skilled hands. Some people search for "Fort Wayne orthopedics" when they actually mean orthodontics. Orthopedics treats bones and joints, while orthodontics focuses on teeth and jaw alignment. If you're looking for straighter teeth, you're in the right place.
Free Consultations
Everyone deserves to explore their options without financial pressure. Your first visit costs nothing. You'll get honest answers about your treatment needs and a clear picture of what to expect.
Full Range of Treatment Options
From metal braces and clear braces to clear aligners, we offer it all. We also provide orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. Your whole family can get the care they need in one place.
Smile Savers Retainer Club
Keeping your results matters. Our retention program helps you protect your investment long after your braces come off. It's one more way we support your smile transformation.
Flexible Financing
You deserve orthodontic care that doesn't break the bank. We work with you to find payment options that fit your budget. Great orthodontic care should be accessible to everyone.
People across Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas trust us with their smiles. We'd love the chance to earn your trust too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Fort Wayne
How long does braces treatment take?
Most braces treatments take 12 to 24 months. The exact timeline depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Simple cases may finish in under a year, while more complex alignment concerns take longer. During your free consultation, Dr. Brian or Dr. Rachel will give you a personalized estimate.
How much do braces cost in Fort Wayne?
Braces in Fort Wayne typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the type of treatment and complexity of your case. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation for exact pricing. You'll receive a customized treatment plan with clear numbers, and we offer flexible financing to help make treatment affordable.
Do braces hurt?
Less than you'd think. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort after your braces are placed and following adjustment appointments. This usually fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during that window.
What is the difference between metal braces and clear braces?
Metal braces use stainless steel brackets that are highly durable and effective for all types of cases. Clear braces use ceramic brackets that match your tooth color, making them less noticeable. Both deliver excellent results. Dr. Brian or Dr. Rachel can help you decide which option fits your needs and preferences during your free consultation.
Can adults get braces?
Absolutely. Hoagburg Orthodontics in Fort Wayne treats people of all ages, including adults. Many adults in our practice are getting braces for the first time, while others are addressing teeth that have shifted since previous treatment. There's no age limit on achieving a healthier, straighter smile.
What happens after my braces come off?
After your braces come off, you'll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally want to shift back over time, so consistent retainer wear is important. Our smile savers retainer club makes this easy and gives you peace of mind knowing your results are protected.
Start Your Path to a Straighter Smile, Schedule Your Free Consultation
Ready to see what braces can do for your smile? The team at Hoagburg Orthodontics, led by Dr. Brian Hoagburg (DDS, MSD) and Dr. Rachel Hoagburg (DMD, MSD), offers free consultations at our Fort Wayne and Auburn, Indiana offices. There's no cost and no obligation, just honest answers about your treatment options.
During your visit, you'll receive a full evaluation using our advanced 3D X-Ray technology, a customized treatment plan, and a clear breakdown of costs and financing options. We'll walk you through every detail so you can make a confident decision for yourself or your family.
Call us at (260) 486-4400 or visit our website to schedule your appointment. Our family can't wait to meet yours.