Dental Braces in Gaithersburg and Clarksburg, MD
Tong Dental Care offers orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults right here in Gaithersburg and Clarksburg, MD, no outside specialist referrals required. Our family dental team straightens teeth, corrects bites, and builds lasting confidence, all under one roof.
Since 1997, we have served families with trusted, personalized orthodontic care.
Orthodontic Care Within Your Family Dental Home
Tong Dental Care is an established family practice that delivers orthodontic treatment within a complete dental home. Rather than referring patients to standalone clinics, we provide personalized dental braces. We have three incredible specialists in our office, including Dr. Jame Tong – a board-certified orthodontist and pediatric dentist, Dr. Andrew Tong – a board-certified periodontist and
Consolidating your family’s dental care with us offers clear advantages:
- Unified Records: We track your jaw development, hygiene, and alignment in one central file.
- No Referrals: Routine cleanings and orthodontic adjustments happen under one roof.
- Simple Scheduling: We coordinate multiple household dental appointments together, including Saturdays.
We treat children, teens, and adults, managing your progress from active alignment through long-term retainer wear.
Dental Alignment Issues We Treat in Gaithersburg
Braces in Gaithersburg, MD correct both appearance and function. We design personalized treatment plans for patients at every stage of life.
Our practice treats these common alignment problems:
- Crowding and spacing, teeth that overlap or leave gaps that trap food and complicate cleaning.
- Bite misalignments, deep bites, crossbites, open bites, overbites, and underbites.
- Protruding teeth or overjet, affects chewing, speech, and increases the risk of dental injury.
Leaving structural alignment untreated makes brushing and flossing harder over time, raising the long-term risk of decay, gum disease, uneven enamel wear, and TMJ discomfort. For younger patients, we offer early evaluations and interceptive orthodontics to guide jaw growth and reduce the complexity of future treatment.
Traditional Orthodontics vs. Invisalign: Choosing Your Best Path
Traditional orthodontics uses metal brackets bonded to teeth and connected by a flexible archwire. This system applies continuous, calibrated pressure to guide teeth into position and correct bite misalignments. Because these appliances are fixed, they are the reliable standard for complex structural movements and eliminate the compliance risks that come with removable systems.
Comparing Your Treatment Options
Invisalign® clear aligners use removable, smooth plastic trays to align teeth gradually. While aligners offer cosmetic advantages and simplify oral hygiene, they require strict compliance: patients must wear them 22 hours per day. When evaluating options like traditional braces, the right choice depends on whether your case needs complex biological movement or mild cosmetic alignment.
The best path forward comes down to your lifestyle, goals, and dental anatomy. A personal consultation with our team will pinpoint the most effective option for your smile.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Plan and Financial Options
Achieving a straight smile with braces in Gaithersburg, MD typically takes 12 to 36 months, depending on case complexity. Your treatment follows a structured progression designed to deliver stable, lasting results.
- Exams and Records: We capture 3D scans and X-rays to map your teeth and bite.
- Bracket Placement: We bond your brackets and set the initial archwires.
- Regular Adjustments: You visit every 4 to 6 weeks to progress alignment.
- Retention: Custom retainers keep your results stable after braces come off.
During your first week, expect mild pressure and soreness. Stick to soft foods and use dental wax on any rough spots. If a wire pokes or a bracket loosens, apply wax to protect your cheek and call our office right away.
The total cost depends on treatment length, appliance type, and complexity. Our team will review your insurance coverage and help file PPO claims. We also accept CareCredit financing to fit your monthly budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How much do braces cost?
The cost of braces varies based on alignment complexity, treatment duration, and appliance type. We do not publish flat rates because every case is different. We accept most major dental PPO insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing to keep treatment accessible.
How long do metal braces take?
Metal braces typically take one to three years. The exact timeline depends on how far your teeth need to move and the complexity of your bite issues. Keeping scheduled appointments and maintaining good oral hygiene also helps keep treatment on track. We share an estimated timeline at your initial diagnostic exam.
Are traditional braces painful?
Traditional braces do not cause severe pain, but you will feel mild soreness and pressure during the first week and after routine adjustments. This is a normal sign that your teeth are moving. Over-the-counter pain relievers and dental wax on irritating brackets manage most discomfort. Call our office if you experience sharp pain or a broken wire.
Braces vs Invisalign: How do I choose?
The choice between traditional braces and Invisalign aligners comes down to how complex your bite issues are and your personal preferences. Braces handle severe crowding and jaw alignment problems better. Clear aligners offer a discreet, removable option for mild to moderate cases. Our team makes the call after a full physical exam and digital jaw imaging.
Can kids play sports with braces?
Yes. Children can play sports safely while wearing braces. A specialized orthodontic mouthguard protects lips, cheeks, and brackets during practices and games. Standard retail mouthguards often do not fit properly over orthodontic hardware, so we can help source a custom-fit guard.
What happens after braces come off?
Once we remove your braces, a custom retainer keeps your teeth in their new positions. Teeth naturally shift back over time, making consistent retention critical to protecting your investment. We design comfortable, custom retainers and provide clear instructions on wear schedules.
Begin your tong care journey
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation
Ready to explore your orthodontic options? Contact us today to book an evaluation at one of our two office locations. .