Posted on October 14, 2026
Thinking about getting braces? Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect.
At Hudson Orthodontics in Springfield, VA, we believe that understanding your treatment options is an important first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Our team is here to make orthodontic care comfortable, convenient, and affordable for families throughout Springfield, Burke, Fairfax, and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
To help you feel confident about getting started, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about braces.
Braces gradually move your teeth into their proper positions by applying gentle, consistent pressure over time.
Traditional braces use brackets attached to your teeth and wires that guide tooth movement. As treatment progresses, your orthodontist makes adjustments to help straighten your teeth, correct bite issues, and improve the overall alignment of your smile.
Braces can help address several common orthodontic concerns, including:
The cost of braces is one of the most common questions patients ask when considering orthodontic treatment.
At Hudson Orthodontics in Springfield, VA, braces start at $2,998, making orthodontic care more accessible for local families. We also offer flexible payment plans starting at $150 per month.
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid for qualifying patients.
During your complimentary consultation, our team will review your treatment recommendations, discuss available payment options, and help you understand the cost of achieving your new smile.
The length of orthodontic treatment varies depending on your individual needs. Many patients wear braces for approximately 12 to 24 months, although some cases require more or less time.
Several factors can affect your treatment timeline, including the complexity of your alignment or bite concerns, how your teeth respond to treatment, and how closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
During your initial consultation at Hudson Orthodontics, we’ll evaluate your smile and provide an estimated treatment timeline based on your specific needs.
Getting braces shouldn’t be painful, but it’s normal to experience some mild soreness or pressure when they’re first placed or after adjustments.
This discomfort is typically temporary and should improve as your mouth adjusts to treatment.
Eating softer foods, using orthodontic wax for irritation, and following your orthodontist’s recommendations can help you stay comfortable.
The good news? Most patients adjust to wearing braces relatively quickly and can continue enjoying their normal daily activities.
You can still enjoy plenty of your favorite foods while wearing braces! However, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to protect your brackets and wires.
Braces-friendly foods include:
Foods to avoid with braces include:
You can still enjoy foods like apples and carrots by cutting them into small, manageable pieces.
Making these simple changes can help prevent broken brackets and keep your orthodontic treatment on track.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment because brackets and wires can trap food and plaque.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces:
There’s no single perfect age to get braces!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This allows an orthodontist to identify potential concerns with jaw development, tooth alignment, and bite function.
However, an early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean your child will need braces right away.
Many children begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 14, when most permanent teeth have erupted. Adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment at nearly any age, provided their teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment.
At Hudson Orthodontics, we provide orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults throughout Springfield and Northern Virginia.
Absolutely! It’s never too late to work toward a straighter, healthier smile.
Adult braces can address many of the same orthodontic concerns treated in younger patients, including crowding, spacing, and bite misalignment.
Whether you’ve never had braces or your teeth have shifted since previous orthodontic treatment, our team can help you explore your options.
If you’re looking for adult braces in Springfield, VA, Hudson Orthodontics offers personalized treatment options to fit your smile goals and lifestyle.
While wearing braces, you’ll need periodic appointments so your orthodontist can monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments.
Many patients have orthodontic visits approximately every 6 to 10 weeks, although your appointment schedule will depend on your individual treatment plan.
Attending your scheduled visits is an important part of keeping your treatment moving forward.
Conveniently located in Springfield, VA, Hudson Orthodontics welcomes patients from Burke, Fairfax, Annandale, Alexandria, Lorton, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
Occasionally, a bracket may become loose or a wire may shift during orthodontic treatment.
If this happens, contact your orthodontist for guidance. Even if you’re not experiencing discomfort, damaged braces may need attention to avoid delaying treatment.
Orthodontic wax can sometimes provide temporary relief from a wire or bracket irritating your mouth.
If you’re a patient at Hudson Orthodontics, give our Springfield office a call so our team can help determine the next steps.
Yes! Wearing a retainer is an important part of protecting your new smile after braces.
Once your braces are removed, your teeth can gradually shift if they aren’t properly maintained. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions and preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist will recommend a retainer schedule based on your individual needs. Many patients need to continue wearing retainers at night long-term.
Getting started is easier than you might think!
At Hudson Orthodontics, your orthodontic journey begins with a free consultation. During your visit, our team will evaluate your smile, discuss any alignment or bite concerns, recommend appropriate treatment options, and review pricing and payment plans.
Whether you’re exploring braces for your child, your teen, or yourself, we’re here to help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic care.
If you’re searching for an orthodontist in Springfield, VA, Hudson Orthodontics is here to help you take the next step.
Our practice provides personalized orthodontic care for patients of all ages. With modern treatment options, affordable braces, and flexible payment plans, we’re committed to helping Northern Virginia families achieve smiles they love.
We proudly welcome patients from Springfield, Burke, Fairfax, Annandale, Alexandria, Lorton, and surrounding communities.
Hudson Orthodontics
6116 Rolling Road, Suite 201
Springfield, VA 22152
Phone: (703) 451-4666
Ready to get started? Schedule your free orthodontic consultation today!
