Braces in Livonia, MI for Every Age and Every Kind of Smile
Crowded front teeth, a gap that never closed, a bite that does not line up right — these are the concerns that bring patients to our Levan Road office every week. Masri Orthodontics has served Southeast Michigan for more than 26 years, and braces remain the most versatile tool we have. Whether you are asking about a fourth grader, a high school student who wants something less noticeable, or an adult finally ready to fix a long-standing bite problem, Dr. Nawaf Masri will walk you through the options that fit your teeth and your schedule.
How Braces Actually Move Teeth
Braces work through steady, gentle pressure. Brackets are bonded to each tooth — front or back, in the case of hidden braces — and connected by an archwire that guides teeth along a planned path as it returns toward its original shape. Bone around each root remodels to keep up, which is why treatment takes months rather than days and why adjustment visits matter.
Because every mouth is different, Dr. Masri chooses the bracket system based on what your teeth need to do. Several options are available at our Livonia office:
- Traditional metal braces — durable, precise, and effective for nearly every case, including the growing smiles we treat in orthodontics for children
- Ceramic or clear braces — tooth-colored brackets that blend in for patients who want a lower profile look
- Damon System self-ligating braces — a sliding door mechanism instead of elastic ties, which means fewer parts to catch food and a lighter force on the teeth
- Hidden lingual braces, including Incognito, bonded behind the teeth so no one sees hardware from the front
If fixed brackets are not your first choice at all, clear aligners are worth discussing as well. Dr. Masri is a certified Premier Invisalign provider, and we compare all of your choices side by side at the consultation rather than pushing one system.
What Braces Can Correct
Braces are still the workhorse of orthodontics because they handle the widest range of problems. Patients come to us for help with:
- Crowded, overlapping, or rotated teeth that are hard to brush and floss around
- Spacing and gaps, including teeth that drifted after an extraction
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
- Teeth that wear unevenly because the bite hits in the wrong place
- Impacted or stubborn teeth that need to be guided into position, sometimes with the help of a temporary anchorage device
- Jaw discrepancies severe enough to need coordinated orthodontic and surgical care
What Treatment Looks Like at Masri Orthodontics
Your first visit is a complimentary new patient consultation: digital imaging, panoramic X-rays, a financial planning conversation, and a personal exam with Dr. Masri. From those records we build a plan that spells out which appliance we recommend and why, what the appointment sequence looks like, and how insurance and our no-interest in-house financing apply to your case.
Once braces are placed, you will see us periodically for adjustments. Most patients settle in quickly: soft foods for a few days, wax for the first week, and a brushing habit that reaches around every bracket. Skip popcorn kernels, ice, hard candy, and sticky caramel, and keep up with your general dentist for cleanings.
When the braces come off, retention begins. Teeth drift for life, so a retainer is not optional — it protects everything you just invested in, and we go over how to wear and care for yours before the braces come off.
Why Livonia Patients Choose Dr. Masri for Braces
- More than 26 years of orthodontic care for Southeast Michigan families
- Convenient Livonia location at 15230 Levan Rd, directly across from St. Mary Mercy Hospital
- Early, mid-day, and late appointment windows, including 7:00am starts on Wednesday and Thursday
- A full menu of appliances, so the treatment fits the patient instead of the other way around
- No-interest in-house financing and acceptance of traditional insurances
- Recognized as an Incognito hidden braces center of excellence in Michigan
Common Questions About Braces
Do braces hurt?
The appointment itself is not painful. Teeth often feel sore for a day or two after placement and after adjustments, and most patients manage it with soft foods and whatever they would normally take for a headache.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Healthy teeth and gums matter far more than age, and a large share of our adult patients are treating problems they have lived with for decades.
Which is better, braces or clear aligners?
It depends on the movements your case requires and on how consistently aligners would be worn. Dr. Masri will tell you honestly if one option is the stronger choice for your bite.
Can I still play sports or a wind instrument?
Yes. Ask about an orthodontic mouthguard for contact sports, and expect a short adjustment period with a mouthpiece instrument.
What if a bracket comes loose?
Call the office. Loose brackets are common and usually a quick fix, but waiting can stall your progress.
Start With a Complimentary Consultation
If you are comparing types of braces or are simply ready to get a straight answer about your smile, we would like to meet you. Call Masri Orthodontics in Livonia at 734-261-8860 or send us a message through our contact form to schedule your complimentary new patient exam with Dr. Masri.