Traditional Braces by Solventum®
Braces have come a long way; at Tend, they’re more comfortable and effective than ever.
Whether you’re starting your smile journey or helping your teen feel confident, we make the process easy, judgment-free, and fully personalized.
Why so many choose traditional metal braces
Metal braces have stood the test of time—and for good reason. They’re one of the most effective orthodontic treatments available for straightening teeth, correcting overbites, underbites, crowding, and closing gaps.
At Tend, we use advanced low-profile brackets that are smaller and more comfortable than traditional ones. They’re an excellent option for teens and adults who want predictable, efficient results, especially in more complex cases.
Choosing braces at Tend means you’ll get the best of both worlds: clinically proven results and a care experience that actually feels, well, caring. Whether you’re navigating orthodontics for your child or considering braces as an adult, our team customizes each plan to fit your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
Which orthodontic treatment is right for you?
Traditional Braces
Clear Aligners
Orthodontic care, the Tend way
We believe orthodontics should feel a lot less overwhelming—and a lot more human.
From the moment you book your free consultation, our orthodontists and care team make it easy. We start with a digital scan (no goopy impressions here) and a personalized treatment plan. Every visit is on your schedule, and every question gets a clear answer. You’ll know what to expect, how long treatment will take, and exactly what your smile will look like when it’s all done.
We also make cost simple and transparent. No hidden fees. No pressure. And with our in-house financing options and insurance support, getting braces is more accessible than ever.
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Get up to $3,000 covered by insurance
We believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for before you commit. We’ll walk you through every detail of your plan and payment options before starting
We’ll also verify your insurance coverage in advance, so there are no surprise bills down the line. Our goal? High-quality, expert Invisalign care that’s accessible and affordable.
Searching for Invisalign cost near me? Tend gives you transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Why people love Tend
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Gloria Andrews at Tend Chelsea for over two years, and I can confidently say she’s amazing! Dr. Andrews has the most upbeat and bubbly personality, making every visit a pleasure. She is incredibly kind, patient, and detail-oriented. I’ve been undergoing Invisalign treatment with her, and her perfectionism ensures my teeth are perfectly aligned to my liking before completing the process—a quality I deeply appreciate. She genuinely cares about her patients and encourages me to reach out anytime with questions or concerns. Dr. Andrews is truly the best, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly!
Another fantastic experience with Nancy, my dental hygienist! Everything she recommended has been working, and she has a great “chairside” manner. Highly recommend!
I was recommended Tend when I first moved here, and I’ve been loving my experience ever since! They are very flexible and willing to figure out the best plan for you. They always make sure I’m comfortable, and with their TVs, it’s a much easier experience if you’re not fond of going to the dentist. Shoutout to Nancy who always makes sure my sensitive teeth and I are cared for!
Have been seeing Dr Payriani for years. And he is lovely. Overall I’ve been to many tend locations. Always great service and easy to get into and schedule with. The shift lead took the time to help with a billing issue today and was very kind and thoughtful!
I had to have a complex procedure done that I really wasn't looking forward to. Dr. Mujtaba and her assistant, Diana, allayed my fears completely by explaining every step of the process and checking in with me throughout the procedure. They were so kind and patient with me. On a previous visit, my hygienist, Veretta, was very friendly and great about guiding me through the X-rays I needed. The front desk and administrative staff have also been friendly and helpful on my two visits. I am so glad I found this clinic.
I had a dental emergency and was able to get an appointment and my tooth fixed within an hour of reaching out. The facility is nice, clean, new equipment, lots of things to make the patient comfortable. Every level of staff (front desk, dental assistance and dentist) were very nice and accommodating.
I was recommended Tend by a friend and it has been a great experience thus far. I began my Invisalign journey with Dr. Haidar who is such a kind soul, inside and out. This place is very modern and unique. The interior design is gorgeous; not your average dental office. The set up process was seamless and easy plus the staff is always so polite and helpful. So happy for this recommendation and I am excited to continue the journey in fixing my smile with Tend.
I was on a lookout for new dentist in the area and was glad to find Tend at the Ballstone VA location. I was happy to find out they’re in my network so i wouldn’t have to pay more than i would elsewhere .The booking process was easy . I was able to see the nearest available appointments via their booking system . The experience was 10/10 .The customer service goes beyond expectations. My dental hygienist was really friendly and did a great job with my cleaning and x-rays . Most importantly the dentist listened when i raised issues with my dental insecurities unlike a lot of traditional dental practices who often brush me off . I am looking forward to starting my braces or invisalign journey with them and trust that i will be in good hands .
Went to Flatiron studios for j Krupa Invisalign consultation. Booking and letting to my appointment was super easy. Office is clean and organized. Staff is very professional and friendly. Saw Dr Reem who gave me full/comprehensive information on my options and what to expect. Appreciated transparency and understanding. Will move forward with my treatment with her. About to join the Tend patients fam! Yay
10/10 would recommend. Tend uses the latest in dental technology to make your visit seamless and comfortable! The staff are all so nice and welcoming. Shoutout to Kayla at the front desk- from the moment I walked in the door she made me feel comfortable! You will get a full explanation of your treatment plan and price breakdown, and there’s no pressure from anyone to do anything extra. I am SO glad I chose Tend. Thank you everyone for a great visit!
Dr. Tara is truly the best! I’ve never had a dentist make me feel more comfortable in their chair when getting dental work. If I could rate her 10 stars out of 10, I would!
I am very happy I switched from my old dentist to Tend. Their facility is new and modern and very high tech. The staff is friendly, attentive, and very professional.
Literally the same dental procedures you can get done at any dentist, but such a more relaxing and enjoyable vibe. Staff was attentive and helpfully explained every part of the process. Gorgeous modern office. Laid back and watched Netflix during my cleaning - didn’t even notice time was passing! Definitely a “millennial” dentist.
Tend was able to settle my anxiety around not having gone to the dentist in 7+ years. The experience was seamless from the moment i entered to when i left. My care team was very thorough and informative. Shout out to Riana at the reception desk! They were such a lovely, patient, and kind person who took the extra care to help settle my anxiety around billing. Overall very satisfied; Tend is my new dentist home.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Tara for several months now, and I can’t recommend her enough! She has been incredibly helpful, kind, and always takes the time to thoroughly explain what needs to be done. It’s reassuring knowing that she is so knowledgeable about my dental care, and I always leave my appointments feeling confident and well-informed. Her advice and recommendations have been spot-on, and I truly appreciate her approach to patient care.
I absolutely hate going to the dentist and have a lot of anxiety around being at the dentist office. Everyone from the front desk, dental assistant, and dentist were so incredibly kind to me and went out of their way to make sure I was feeling ok. Their kindness made what is typically a nerve wracking experience a much more comfortable one.
Clean bright offices. Efficient and friendly front desk staff. Young but technically capable dentists. Quick checkout process.
The facilities are beautiful, clean, and modern. The staff are lovely and extremely personable as well as professional. The services I received were excellent and made the experience well worth it. Honestly the best dental experience i’ve had in a long time.
I recently had an outstanding experience at Tend! From the moment I walked in, the staff greeted me with warm smiles and made me feel right at home. Dr Ayaz was fantastic! He took the time to explain every step of the process, making sure I felt comfortable and informed about my treatment. The dental hygienist Alex was also wonderful, gentle yet thorough. He provided excellent tips for maintaining my oral health. Genesis was also very pleasant and made sure I was comfortable throughout my X-Rays. The entire visit was not only efficient but also pleasant, which is a rarity when it comes to dental appointments. Highly recommend Tend to anyone looking for a top-notch dental experience.
I love Tend! The office is beautiful and clean. My appointments are always on time and easy to book online. Lena’s cleaning today was the gentlest I’ve ever had. Watching TV during the appointment is relaxing. This makes going to the dentist enjoyable.
Before and after
Tend has transformed the smiles of over 10,000 people just like you.
So many ways to pay
From insurance and HSA/FSA benefits to monthly payments, we’ll help create a plan that works for you.
Use insurance coverage
You may be able to apply up to $3,000 in orthodontic benefits.
Take advantage of pre-tax dollars
Invisalign aligners are an eligible HSA and FSA expense.
Pay over time with Care Credit
CareCredit lets you pay monthly for Invisalign treatment, if approved.
Frequently asked questions
Traditional metal braces use a system of brackets, archwires, and elastics to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Each bracket is bonded to a tooth and connected by a thin wire, which your orthodontist adjusts over time to apply gentle pressure. This consistent force encourages bone remodeling, which moves your teeth into their ideal positions. At Tend, we use modern low-profile brackets that are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than older styles, with customized treatment plans for faster, more predictable results.
That depends on your orthodontic needs. Metal braces are typically recommended for more complex cases, like significant bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite), overcrowding, or severe misalignment. Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, are great for milder cases and those looking for a more discreet option—but they require strict wear compliance. If you're unsure, our orthodontists can walk you through your options and help you choose the best path based on your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Braces shouldn’t be painful, but it’s normal to feel some pressure or soreness—especially after your braces are first placed or following adjustments. This is a sign your teeth are moving! Most discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and usually subsides in a day or two. Our orthodontists are here to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and we’ll share plenty of tips to ease any tenderness.
Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but treatment time varies based on how much correction is needed and how your teeth respond. During your free consultation, we’ll provide an estimate tailored to your smile goals. We also track your progress at every visit, and we’ll let you know if we can speed things up—or if more time is needed to get the best results.
Yes! Braces aren’t just for kids or teens. In fact, adult orthodontics is more popular than ever. Many adults choose metal braces for their affordability and effectiveness—especially in cases where clear aligners aren’t recommended. If you're ready to fix crowding, spacing, or bite issues you’ve lived with for years, it’s never too late. Plus, Tend makes the experience more comfortable and supportive than you might expect.
You’ll usually visit us every 4–6 weeks. These check-ins are quick, but important—they allow your orthodontist to make small adjustments to the archwire, change elastics, and monitor progress. If something feels off between visits (like a poking wire or loose bracket), just reach out. We’ll fit you in right away.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits—especially for children and teens, though some cover adults too. Our team will handle all the heavy lifting: we’ll verify your coverage, break down what’s included, and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer interest-free monthly payment plans to help make braces more affordable.
Mostly, yes—but there are a few foods you’ll want to avoid. Sticky, chewy, or super hard foods can damage brackets or wires. That means skipping things like gum, caramel, popcorn, and ice. Don’t worry—we’ll give you a full list of what to watch for, and most people adjust quickly. Bonus: it’s a great time to try new recipes and soft snacks!
Brushing and flossing with braces takes a little extra care, but we’ll show you exactly how to keep your smile healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and consider a water flosser or interdental brushes to clean around brackets and wires. Keeping up with your hygiene is key—it prevents cavities, plaque buildup, and staining around the brackets.
Once your braces come off, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Retainers are crucial—they help maintain your beautiful new smile by preventing teeth from shifting back. Depending on your case, you might wear your retainer full-time at first, then switch to nighttime wear. We’ll give you a personalized retention plan and make sure your results last.
If something breaks or feels off, don’t panic—just give us a call. A loose bracket or poking wire is usually a quick fix, and we’ll get you in for a repair appointment ASAP. Avoid trying to fix it yourself, and in the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spots and ease irritation.
The cost of traditional metal braces can vary depending on the complexity of your case and how long treatment will take—but at Tend, we’re upfront about pricing from day one. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan along with a clear breakdown of total costs. Most insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, especially for children and teens, and we’ll work directly with your provider to help you maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible monthly payment options to fit your budget—so you can get started without financial stress.
You’ve got options! Every time your braces are adjusted, you’ll have the chance to choose a new rubber band color. From fun, bold shades like teal, pink, and neon green to more subtle tones like navy or silver, the color combos are endless. For adults or anyone wanting a lower-profile look, we also offer clear or tooth-colored elastics that blend in with your natural teeth. These give your braces a more discreet appearance—perfect for work or events where you want your smile to look a little more under the radar.
Each orthodontic option—traditional braces and Invisalign— comes with its own benefits, and the best one for you depends on your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and the complexity of your case.
Traditional braces are the most effective and versatile choice for treating moderate to severe misalignment, bite issues, and overcrowding. They’re fixed to your teeth, so there’s no need to remember to wear them. They’re visible (though more discreet than they used to be), and they do come with eating restrictions, but they’re consistent, reliable, and often the most affordable option. For teens or adults who need precise, hands-on correction, traditional braces are a solid choice.
Invisalign aligners are removable and nearly invisible. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, and they generally come with fewer lifestyle adjustments. The adjustment period is shorter, and there’s less impact on your speech. However, they only work if worn consistently, at least 22 hours a day. Invisalign is great for mild to moderate cases, but may not be the best fit for more complex needs.
If you’re not sure which is best, we’ll walk you through your options at your free consultation. Our orthodontists will assess your case and help you choose the treatment that works for your smile and your schedule.