Braces in Kansas City

Looking for braces in Kansas City that fit your life and your smile goals? Kanning Orthodontics offers modern options for kids, teens, and adults at our Kansas City office. Dr. Neil Kanning and Dr. Jereme Sebastian combine years of orthodontic experience with the latest technology to help you get your smile across the finish line.

What Are Braces?

Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that use brackets, wires, and bands to apply steady, gentle pressure to your teeth. Over months of treatment, that pressure guides each tooth into its ideal position. Braces correct crowding, spacing, bite issues, and jaw alignment for lasting results.

At Kanning Orthodontics in Kansas City, you have options. We offer traditional metal braces and LightForce clear braces, which use 3D-printed custom brackets designed specifically for your teeth. Both work the same way, just with different looks.

Braces are fixed to your teeth, so they're working 24/7 without any effort on your part. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable trays you take out to eat and clean. Braces often handle more complex cases that aligners can't, which is why they remain a go-to choice at our Kansas City office.

Benefits of Braces for Kansas City Patients

Braces do more than straighten teeth. They set you up for better oral health, better function, and better confidence for years to come. Here's what Kansas City patients gain from treatment at Kanning Orthodontics:

• A smile you'll want to show off. Straight teeth boost confidence at work, at school, and in every photo.
• Relief from bite problems. Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites can ease jaw strain, TMJ discomfort, and tension headaches.
• Easier brushing and flossing. Straight teeth are simpler to clean, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Better chewing and speech. Properly aligned teeth help you chew food more efficiently and speak more clearly.
• Protection against uneven wear. A balanced bite spreads chewing forces evenly, helping you avoid chips, cracks, and more extensive dental work later.
• A solution for complex cases. Braces can handle severe rotations, major bite corrections, and tough movements that clear aligners simply can't match.

For many Kansas City families, braces are the most dependable path to a healthy, lasting smile. Dr. Kanning will walk you through exactly how braces can benefit your specific case during your complimentary consultation.

The Braces Treatment Process at Kanning Orthodontics

Getting braces at Kanning Orthodontics is a straightforward process. Here's what to expect from start to finish:

1. Complimentary consultation. Your first visit is on us. Dr. Kanning or Dr. Sebastian will examine your teeth and bite, take digital scans and X-rays, and talk through your smile goals.
2. Custom treatment plan review. We'll walk you through your personalized plan, including the recommended braces type and expected timeline. You'll leave with a clear picture before you ever commit.
3. Bonding appointment. When you're ready, you'll come in for your bonding visit. We attach each bracket to your teeth and thread the archwire through. The visit is straightforward and comfortable for most patients.
4. Adjustment visits. Every 6 to 8 weeks, you'll stop by our Kansas City office so we can adjust wires, swap bands, and check progress. These visits are quick and keep your teeth moving on schedule.
5. Braces removal and retainers. Once your teeth reach their ideal spots, we remove the braces and fit you with a custom retainer. Retainers protect your results so your new smile stays put.

Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though the exact timeline depends on how much movement your teeth need. Simpler cases finish faster, while more involved corrections may take longer. Dr. Kanning will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation so you know what to plan for.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?

Braces work for just about everyone. Our office offers orthodontics for all ages, and here's who tends to benefit most:

• Children ages 7 and up. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early treatment can guide jaw growth and prevent bigger issues later.
• Teens with permanent teeth. This is the classic braces age. Most teens have all their adult teeth, making it the perfect window for full correction.
• Adults of any age. According to the AAO, adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients. It's never too late to improve your smile.
• Patients with bite or spacing issues. Crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite all respond well to braces.
• Complex cases. When clear aligners aren't the right fit, braces can handle significant tooth rotations and severe bite corrections.

Not sure if braces are right for you or your child? A complimentary consultation at Kanning Orthodontics is the easiest way to find out.

Why Choose Kanning Orthodontics for Braces in Kansas City

Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision. Here's why Kansas City families keep choosing Kanning Orthodontics:

• Specialty-trained orthodontists. Dr. Neil Kanning and Dr. Jereme Sebastian bring specialized orthodontic training and years of experience to every case.
• The latest technology. We use digital scans instead of messy molds, and we offer LightForce clear braces with 3D-printed brackets custom-designed for your teeth.
• Orthodontics for all ages. From early treatment for kids to adult braces, we treat the whole family under one roof.
• Complimentary consultations. Your first visit is free, with no obligation to move forward.
• A home away from home. Our Kansas City office is designed to feel warm, friendly, and welcoming for every patient.
• Proven results. Five-star Google reviews and video testimonials from real patients speak to the smile experience we deliver every day.
• Active in our community. Dr. Kanning is engaged in Missouri dental community leadership, and we're proud to serve the families who've trusted us for years.

When you choose Kanning Orthodontics, you're choosing a team that treats you like family from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

How long does braces treatment take?

Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Simpler cases can wrap up in under a year, while more involved corrections may take closer to two years. Dr. Kanning will give you a personalized timeline based on your specific smile goals at your complimentary consultation.

Do braces hurt?

Braces aren't painful, but you'll likely feel mild soreness for 3 to 5 days after your bonding appointment and after adjustment visits. Over-the-counter medication, soft foods, and orthodontic wax usually do the trick. Most patients adjust quickly and forget the braces are even there.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

Skip hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. That means no popcorn, caramel, hard candy, ice, nuts, or gum. You can still enjoy most of your favorites, including softer breads, pasta, cooked vegetables, and plenty of other options. We'll give you a full food guide at your bonding appointment.

Can adults get braces?

Yes. According to the AAO, adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients. Adult braces are more common than ever, and both metal and LightForce clear braces work beautifully for grown-up smiles. Age isn't a barrier to getting the smile you've always wanted.

Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation in Kansas City

Ready to start? Book your complimentary consultation at Kanning Orthodontics today. Your free visit includes a full exam, digital scans, and a personalized treatment plan, with no obligation to move forward.

Call our Kansas City office at (816) 451-4404 to get started. You can also book online at your convenience. Dr. Kanning, Dr. Sebastian, and our team can't wait to help you get your smile across the finish line.