Braces in Boston
Smilebar now offers metal and ceramic braces for kids, teens and adults. Invisalign is still the focus of the practice. But some teeth are better moved with brackets and wires, and when yours are, you can be treated here at our Back Bay studio rather than sent to another practice.
When braces are the better choice
It depends on the movement your teeth need and on how you live, and it is a clinical call made at your consultation after a 3D scan. As a rule of thumb:
- Invisalign suits most crowding, spacing, and relapse after old braces, especially for adults who want treatment to stay out of sight.
- Braces can be more predictable for some complex movements, such as large rotations, teeth that need to move up or down a long way, and bigger bite corrections.
- Braces stay on around the clock, so they do not depend on you wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. For some patients, that alone makes them the better option.
If Invisalign can do the job well, we will tell you. If braces will give you a better result, we will tell you that instead. Either way you leave the consultation knowing which one we recommend and why.
Metal or ceramic braces
Both work the same way: brackets bonded to the teeth, joined by a wire that is adjusted as treatment goes on. The difference is how they look. Metal brackets are the classic option. Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured, so they blend in with your teeth and are much harder to spot. You can talk through both with the orthodontist at your consultation.
Braces and Invisalign compared
| Aspect | Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| How they work | Brackets bonded to the teeth, joined by a wire | A series of clear aligners you swap as treatment progresses |
| What people see | Metal brackets, or tooth-coloured ceramic ones, and a wire | Close to invisible |
| Eating | Nothing to take out, but hard and sticky foods are off the menu | Take the aligners out and eat anything |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss around the brackets and wire | Take the aligners out and brush as normal |
| Wear | Working around the clock with no effort from you | Worn 20 to 22 hours a day |
| Check-ins | Regular in-person adjustment visits | Aligners issued three months at a time, with remote monitoring in between |
Braces for kids, teens and adults
Smilebar treats kids, teens and adults, with braces or Invisalign. Braces are not only for teenagers: teeth can be moved at any age, so the choice comes down to what your teeth need rather than how old you are. For a child, the consultation also tells you whether now is the right time to start.
What braces cost here
Braces at Smilebar cost $3,900 to $6,900, the same range as Invisalign. Where your case lands depends on what your teeth need, and you get one firm price at the free consultation. Interest-free monthly payment plans apply to braces just as they do to Invisalign.
HSA and FSA funds can be used for braces, because orthodontic treatment is an eligible medical expense for both. If your dental plan includes an orthodontic benefit, it typically applies to braces too, and the insurance page explains how claims work at Smilebar. Smilebar does not currently accept MassHealth for braces.
Who treats you
Every case at Smilebar is planned by a specialist orthodontist. Dr. Nayson Niaraki trained at Tufts and Boston University, and Dr. Alex Ma at Columbia and Harvard. Orthodontists train for years beyond dental school, and braces are at the core of that training.
What happens at the free consultation
You get an iTero 3D scan, an orthodontist's view on whether braces or Invisalign suits your teeth, and a firm price. It is free, and there is no obligation to book treatment. Smilebar is at 303 Columbus Ave in Back Bay, a short walk from Back Bay station.
Braces: common questions
Do you offer braces as well as Invisalign?
Yes. Smilebar offers metal and ceramic braces as well as Invisalign. Which one suits your teeth is decided at your free consultation.
How much do braces cost at Smilebar?
$3,900 to $6,900, the same range as Invisalign, depending on what your teeth need. You get a firm price at your free consultation, and interest-free monthly plans are available.
Do you treat kids, teens and adults?
Yes. Smilebar treats kids, teens and adults, with braces or Invisalign.
What is the difference between metal and ceramic braces?
They work the same way. Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured, so they are much harder to spot than metal ones.
Does MassHealth cover braces at Smilebar?
Not at the moment. Smilebar does not currently accept MassHealth for braces, and MassHealth does not cover Invisalign.
How do I know whether I need braces or Invisalign?
You find out at the free consultation. An orthodontist looks at your 3D scan and tells you which treatment will give you the better result, and why. If Invisalign can do the job well, that is usually what we recommend.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for braces?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment, braces included, is an eligible medical expense for both, so you pay with pre-tax money.
Ready to start? Book a free consultation.
Ten minutes, at our Back Bay studio or virtually. You will leave knowing which treatment suits your case, what it will cost, and how long it will take.
Invisalign is still the focus of the practice. If your case genuinely needs braces, we will say so.