MetalBraces

Metal braces at Bloom use stainless steel brackets and a wire to move teeth into place, and most treatment takes 12 to 24 months. They are offered to adults, teens, and Phase 1 patients, with visits every 4 to 6 weeks, and the fee is $3,500 to $5,500 depending on your case.

Dr. Thao Nguyen Vu and Dr. Judy Nguyen are board-certified orthodontists who plan and adjust metal braces at our Long Beach and Garden Grove offices.

How Metal Braces Work

Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by an archwire. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) explains that the brackets and wire put steady pressure on the teeth to move them gradually, and elastic bands can be added for extra force to correct the bite. Each adjustment visit updates the wire so the teeth keep moving on plan.

Who Metal Braces Are For

The AAO describes metal braces as known for their efficacy and affordability, and notes they may be recommended for some complex cases because they are highly durable. At Bloom, metal braces are a good fit when:

• The bite needs significant correction
• You want the most durable bracket option
• You prefer a fixed appliance with no trays to track
• You want to start at the lowest braces fee

What Metal Braces Fix

• Crowding and spacing
• Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
• Open bite
• Rotated or tipped teeth
• Bite problems in growing children during Phase 1

What to Expect

Free consultation. X-rays, records, and a treatment simulation, so you see the plan first.

Placement. The AAO says placement is usually the longest visit of treatment.

Adjustments. Every 4 to 6 weeks at Bloom.

Eating and care. Skip hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can break brackets. Our guide to what you can eat with braces has a full list.

Duration. Most cases take 12 to 24 months.

Retainers. Required after treatment to hold teeth in their new positions. Your first set is included in the treatment fee. See retainers after braces.

Metal Braces vs Other Options at Bloom

Option	Look	Fee at Bloom
Metal braces	Stainless steel brackets	$3,500 to $5,500
Clear (ceramic) braces	Tooth-colored brackets	$4,000 to $5,500
Lingual braces	Hidden behind the teeth	$4,000 to $6,000
Clear aligners	Removable clear trays	$3,500 to $6,000

Cost and Financing

Metal braces at Bloom are $3,500 to $5,500, and your exact fee is set after an exam. We accept most PPO orthodontic insurance plans and verify benefits before treatment starts. Low and no-interest monthly payment plans are covered on our insurance and financing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do metal braces take?

Most cases take 12 to 24 months. Your orthodontist gives you an estimate after the first exam.

How often are adjustment visits?

Every 4 to 6 weeks at Bloom.

Can adults get metal braces at Bloom?

Yes. Metal braces are offered to adults, teens, and Phase 1 patients.

How much do metal braces cost at Bloom?

$3,500 to $5,500, depending on your case. The exact fee is set after your consultation.

What happens if a bracket breaks?

Call the office. Most broken brackets are fixed at your next visit, or we book a repair appointment. See what to do about a broken bracket.

Sources

• American Association of Orthodontists, Braces
• American Association of Orthodontists, What Are Ceramic Braces?
• Bloom fees (Dr. Thao Vu, 2026-10-12) and metal braces details (Dr. Thao Vu, 2026-10-28): Insurance and financing

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Want to know if metal braces fit your case? Book a free consultation in Long Beach or Garden Grove.