Types of Braces

Medically reviewed by Dr. David Dung, DDS, MS, Board-Certified Orthodontist.

Types of Braces in Honolulu & ʻAiea, HI

Dung Orthodontics offers metal and ceramic braces at our Honolulu and ʻAiea offices, fitted by three board-certified orthodontists. Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than the braces you may remember. The right type for you depends on your smile goals, your budget, and how you want your braces to look during treatment.

Braces remain one of the most reliable ways to straighten teeth and correct a bite, and they can treat nearly every case, from simple crowding to complex jaw alignment. Because Dr. David Dung, Dr. Kaitlyn Tom, and Dr. Lauren Todoki are all orthodontic specialists, they will recommend the option that gives you the best result in the least time. Here is a look at the braces we offer in Honolulu and ʻAiea, what life with braces is really like, and how we make treatment affordable.

Your Braces Options at Dung Orthodontics

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common and most affordable choice, and modern versions are far smaller and more comfortable than older styles. Made from high-grade stainless steel, they use advanced alloys that move teeth efficiently with gentle, steady pressure. They are an excellent, dependable option for patients of every age and work well for even the most complex cases.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic braces work just like metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your smile, so they are far less noticeable in photos and across a room. They are a popular choice for teens and adults who want a more discreet look while still getting the precise, predictable results of fixed braces. They call for a little extra care to keep them looking their best, which we will walk you through.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)

For many teens and adults, Invisalign® clear aligners are the “braceless” path to a straight smile. The aligners are virtually invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and have no metal brackets to irritate your mouth. As a Blue Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, we bring deep aligner experience to every case, and we also offer Angel Aligners as an additional clear-aligner option. Learn more on our Invisalign and clear aligners page.

Braces or Invisalign? We Will Help You Decide

Not sure whether braces or clear aligners are right for you? Braces are fixed in place and ideal for complex cases and patients who would rather not manage removable trays, while Invisalign® offers a nearly invisible, removable option for many crowding and spacing concerns. At your consultation, our orthodontists will compare both for your specific smile and goals, with no pressure either way.

Life with Braces: Eating and Care

Caring for your braces is simple once you know the routine, and it protects both your teeth and your treatment timeline.

Eating with braces. Right after an adjustment, your teeth may feel tender, so stick to soft foods like yogurt, pasta, soup, and smoothies for a day or two. Throughout treatment, avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, such as nuts, ice, hard candy, popcorn, and chewing gum, which can break a bracket or bend a wire.
Brushing and flossing. Brush after every meal to keep food from collecting around the brackets, and floss daily using a floss threader or interdental brush. Clean teeth move faster and finish healthier.
If something breaks. A loose bracket or poking wire is rarely an emergency. Cover any sharp spot with orthodontic wax and call us so we can get you comfortable. See our emergency care page for quick tips.

What to Expect During Treatment

Most braces treatment takes 12 to 24 months depending on your case, with quick adjustment visits about every 6 to 10 weeks. At each visit we fine-tune your wires to keep your teeth moving on schedule. When your braces come off, you will wear a retainer to keep your beautiful new smile in place for the long term.

Braces Cost and Financing

Braces in Honolulu generally range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the type and the complexity of your case. Dung Orthodontics offers in-house no-interest payment plans from $200 a month, files all insurance plans, and accepts HSA and FSA dollars. See our cost of braces and insurance and financing pages for the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of braces does Dung Orthodontics offer?

We offer traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces at both our Honolulu and ʻAiea offices. If you would prefer a removable option, we also offer Invisalign clear aligners. Your orthodontist will help you choose the best fit at your free consultation.

Are ceramic braces as effective as metal braces?

Yes. Ceramic braces move teeth just as effectively as metal braces; the main difference is appearance. Ceramic brackets are clear or tooth-colored so they blend in, while metal brackets are more visible but slightly more durable and affordable.

How long will I need to wear braces?

Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, depending on how much correction is needed. Simple cases finish sooner, and wearing your elastics and keeping your teeth clean help you finish on time.

Do braces hurt?

You may feel mild soreness for a day or two after your braces are placed and after each adjustment, which is a sign your teeth are moving. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods make it easy to manage, and the discomfort fades quickly.

Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation

Ready to start your smile journey? Our board-certified orthodontists will examine your teeth and recommend the braces option that fits your goals, your look, and your budget, at no cost. Call our Honolulu office at (808) 941-5241 or our ʻAiea office at (808) 488-0026, or request an appointment online. Proudly serving Honolulu, ʻAiea, Pearl City, and communities across Oʻahu.