Braces in Ames & Boone, Iowa
Metal & Ceramic Braces for Kids, Teens & Adults
Braces are one of the most proven ways to straighten teeth and correct your bite, and the options today look very different from the braces you may remember. At Stark Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Tom and Dr. Michael Stark have helped thousands of kids, teens, and adults across Ames, Boone, and Central Iowa get the smile they’ve been waiting for, with smaller, more comfortable metal braces and discreet ceramic (clear) braces, and a plan built around you.
Not sure which type is right for you or your child? You don’t have to figure that out alone. We’ll walk you through every option at your first consultation. No pressure, just honest answers.
Braces in Ames & Boone, Iowa
Metal & Ceramic Braces for Kids, Teens & Adults
Braces are one of the most proven ways to straighten teeth and correct your bite, and the options today look very different from the braces you may remember. At Stark Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Tom and Dr. Michael Stark have helped thousands of kids, teens, and adults across Ames, Boone, and Central Iowa get the smile they’ve been waiting for, with smaller, more comfortable metal braces and discreet ceramic (clear) braces, and a plan built around you.
Not sure which type is right for you or your child? You don’t have to figure that out alone. We’ll walk you through every option at your first consultation. No pressure, just honest answers.
Which Braces Are Right for You? Metal vs. Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Both types work the same way: brackets bonded to your teeth and a wire that applies gentle, constant pressure to guide teeth into place. The difference is how they look, how they hold up, and what they cost.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the classic for a reason. They are strong, dependable, and effective for everything from simple spacing to complex bite problems. Today’s brackets are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, and you can choose colored bands to match your school colors, your favorite team, or just your mood that month.
Best for: kids, teens, and adults who want a reliable option, complex cases, and anyone who wants to keep costs down.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with your smile. The wire is still there, but the brackets are much harder to spot, which is why many adults, college students, and image-conscious teens love them.
Best for: patients who want a more discreet look but still want the predictability of braces.
Braces for Every Stage of Life
Braces for Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if your child’s smile looks fine. An early visit doesn’t mean early braces. Most kids simply need their growth monitored, and we offer complimentary growth-monitoring visits until treatment makes sense. When early (Phase 1) treatment helps, it may include an expander, a space maintainer, or limited braces.
Braces for Teens
The early teen years, roughly ages 11 to 15, are one of the most effective windows for comprehensive treatment because most permanent teeth are in and the jaw is still growing. Teens can choose metal or ceramic braces, play sports (with a mouthguard), and keep up with band, theater, and everything else.
Braces for Adults
It’s never too late. Many of our adult patients, from busy professionals to Iowa State students, tell us they wish they’d started sooner. Ceramic braces are a popular choice for the office and the graduation photo, and metal braces remain a great fit when your bite needs more correction. Because adult smiles often have fillings, crowns, or gum considerations, we’ll coordinate with your regular dentist.
What Can Braces Treat?
Braces can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing between teeth
- Overbite (upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth)
- Underbite (lower jaw extends past the upper jaw)
- Crossbite and jaw misalignment
- Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed)
- Protruding front teeth (overjet)
- Missing teeth that need to be repositioned before replacement
The Benefits of Braces: More Than a Beautiful Smile
A confident smile is a big part of it. (So many selfies!) But there’s more to it than looks:
- A healthier, easier-to-clean smile: straighter teeth can be easier to brush and floss, which supports healthy gums and teeth.
- A bite that works better: correcting bite problems can make chewing more comfortable and reduce uneven wear on your teeth.
- Guided growth in young patients: early evaluation helps us catch jaw and bite issues while the jaw is still developing.
- Confidence at every age: kids stop hiding their smile, teens walk taller, and adults feel more confident at work and in photos.
- Results that last: with a retainer after treatment, your new smile is built to stay.
Your Braces Journey: What to Expect
1. First Consultation
2. Records and a Custom Plan
3. Get Your Braces
4. Regular Visits
5. Celebrate a Selfie-Worthy Smile
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Are metal or ceramic braces better?
Each option has their own benefits. Metal braces are very durable and typically more affordable. Ceramic braces are far less noticeable but are more delicate and typically cost more. We’ll recommend what fits your bite, lifestyle, and budget.
How much do braces cost?
Cost depends on your case, the length of treatment, and the type of braces you choose. At your free consultation, we’ll give you a clear, itemized quote and review payment options and insurance benefits.
How long do I have to wear braces?
Most people wear braces for one to three years. Your plan will include a time estimate based on your age, your case, and how consistently you follow your doctor’s directions.
Do braces hurt?
Your teeth may feel sore for the first few days after you get braces or after adjustments, and your lips and cheeks may be irritated for a week or two. Soft foods, salt-water rinses, orthodontic wax, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
What age should my child get braces?
We recommend a first evaluation by age 7, as the American Association of Orthodontists advises. Most children start comprehensive treatment in their early teens, but the right timing is different for every child.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Healthy teeth and gums can be moved at any age, and many of our adult patients are surprised at how comfortable and efficient treatment is. We’ll check your gum health and coordinate with your dentist.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Avoid chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods, and foods you bite into, like corn on the cob. Our Life With Braces guide includes a downloadable “Red Light/Yellow Light/Green Light” food list.
testimonials
What Our Patients Say
These are real, currently published reviews from Stark Smiles families:
Ready to Start Your Braces Journey?
Contact us and schedule your consultation at our Ames or Boone office and find out how Dr. Tom and Dr. Michael Stark can help you get the confident, healthy smile you’ve been waiting for.
Ready to start your Stark Smiles journey?
Ames Office
1212 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 232-2255
(888) 402-2255
Boone Office
703 8th St
Boone, IA
(515) 432-4522
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