Serving The San Gabriel Valley For 15 Years
Traditional Braces in San Gabriel
Board-Certified Precision for Complex Bite & Alignment Correction
Get the Proven Power of Traditional Braces to Fix Even the Toughest Bites. Start Today with a Free 3D Scan and a $0 Down Payment Plan That Actually Says ‘Yes’ to Your Budget
- Thousands of cases completed
- Real Before & After Results
- After-School & Saturday Appointments
- Board-Certified Specialist Care for All Ages
- 0% Interest Flexible Financing
- Braces vs Invisalign Recommendation
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Traditional Braces or Clear Braces — Which Option Is Right for You?
Both options can straighten your teeth effectively, but the best choice depends on your treatment needs, appearance preferences, and how important durability and control are throughout the process.
Traditional Braces
- Trusted and proven treatment for a wide range of orthodontic cases
- Strong, durable metal brackets designed for reliable tooth movement
- Fixed in place, so treatment stays on track without needing patient compliance
- Often a practical option for kids, teens, and more complex cases
- Great for patients who want effective results and long-term reliability
Clear Braces
- Blend in better with your teeth for a less noticeable look
- Popular with teens and adults who want a more discreet appearance
- Offer the strength of braces with a more subtle design
- Can be a good option for patients focused on appearance during treatment
- May be preferred when aesthetics matter more in day-to-day life
Best Choice for Patients Who Want Proven, Reliable Treatment
Traditional braces are often the better choice for patients who want strong, consistent tooth movement and a treatment option that works well for many types of orthodontic cases.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationTraditional Braces for Real Bite Correction
Braces remain the gold standard for:
- Severe crowding
- Overbites & underbites
- Crossbites
- Jaw alignment issues
- Complex cases Invisalign can’t fully control
If your case requires precision and strength, braces are often the best choice.
Most cases: 18–24 months depending on complexity.
Find Out If Braces Are Right for YouAlready Had a Consultation Elsewhere?
We’re happy to provide a complimentary second opinion.
Traditional Metal braces treatment planning varies significantly between providers.
If you’ve been recommended Invisalign or metal braces,
we’ll evaluate your case independently and explain your options clearly.
No pressure. Just clarity.
What Our Orthodontic Patients Say
Thinking About Braces? Make Sure They’re Done Right.
Most people searching for braces already understand what they are.
What they really want is:
- Confidence the treatment will fix the problem completely
- A clear cost breakdown
- A realistic treatment timeline
- Expert guidance — not a rushed decision
At Valley Smiles Orthodontics, braces aren’t just placed. They’re carefully planned.
If traditional braces will give you (or your child) the most stable, long-term result, we’ll explain why.
If Invisalign is a better fit — we’ll say that too.
Why that matters
- Precise diagnosis before treatment begins
- Clear explanation of your best option
- Focus on stable, long-term results
- No pressure to choose what’s trending
Because braces are about precision, not trends.
Schedule Your Free Braces EvaluationReal patient before & after results
- Adult Invisalign cases
- Teen braces cases
- Complex transformations
Braces Options for Every Stage
Braces for Adults
Adults choose braces when:- Bite correction is complex
- Invisalign isn’t ideal
- Stability is the priority
Braces for Teens
Teens are the most common braces patients — for a reason. Braces:- Work 24/7 (no compliance issues)
- Deliver consistent movement
- Correct complex bite issues
- Require no tray-wearing discipline
Early Braces for Younger Patients
In some cases, early orthodontic intervention prevents bigger issues later. We evaluate:- Jaw development
- Spacing and crowding
- Bite alignment
- Growth patterns
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Let’s answer the biggest concern upfront.
Braces cost depends on:
- Case complexity
- Length of treatment
- Bite correction required
- Appliance type
At your consultation, you’ll receive:
- Complete cost breakdown
- Insurance review
- 0% interest financing options (if eligible)
- Clear monthly payment estimates
No hidden fees. No surprise adjustments.
What Happens at Your First Visit?
Your consultation is designed to give you total clarity, confidence, and a clear next step.
You leave knowing:
- Is braces the right option?
- How long will it take?
- What will it cost?
Our Orthodontic Services
Explore personalized orthodontic treatments designed to improve comfort, function, and confidence in your smile.
Brackets
Reliable orthodontic treatment to help align teeth and improve your smile over time.
Overbite Treatment
Correct bite alignment issues that may affect comfort, appearance, and oral function.
Crooked Teeth Treatment
Straighten misaligned teeth with customized treatment options for a healthier smile.
Retainers
Maintain your results and help keep your teeth in their new position after treatment.
TMJ Treatment
Support jaw comfort and function with treatment options designed for TMJ-related concerns.
Braces
Traditional and effective orthodontic care for correcting a wide range of alignment issues.
Clear Aligners
A discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth with removable aligner trays.
Overcrowding Treatment
Create proper spacing and improve alignment when teeth overlap or crowd together.
Smile Improvement
Enhance the overall appearance of your smile with customized orthodontic solutions.
Underbite Treatment
Address jaw and bite positioning issues to improve both function and smile balance.
Meet Your Board-Certified Orthodontist, Dr. Michael Lee
CONVENIENT FOR SAN GABRIEL & NEARBY CITIES
- San Gabriel
- Alhambra
- El Monte
- Rosemead
- San Marino
- Monterey Park
Valley Smiles vs High-Volume Corporate Offices
- Board-Certified Planning
- Personalized Treatment
- Honest Timelines
- Flexible 0% Financing
- Rushed Cases
- Delegated Planning
- Cookie-Cutter Aligners
- Hidden Refinements
- Sales Pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from a board-certified orthodontist
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist with 2-3 years of additional CODA-accredited residency training after dental school, focused on diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities.
How long do braces take?
Most teen and adult cases take 18–24 months. Minor cases may be shorter.
Are braces better than Invisalign?
For complex bite corrections and cases requiring strong control — often yes. We evaluate which is best.
Can braces fix overbite, underbite, or crossbite?
Yes. Traditional braces are highly effective for complex bite corrections.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Flexible monthly financing options are available.
No you do not need a referral by your general dentist to schedule a consultation at our office.
No you do not need a referral by your general dentist to schedule a consultation at our office.
What is Phase I and Phase II Treatment?
If needed, Phase I treatment is most commonly recommended around ages 7-9 while your child still has most of his or her baby teeth. Some issues the orthodontist will look for are crossbites, skeletal discrepancies, extreme crowding, and periodontal issues caused by misaligned teeth that can cause major problems while your child is developing. The major problems will be fixed first and then your child will have a break before Phase II treatment. Phase II usually occurs a couple of years later when the rest of the adult teeth have come into the mouth. Phase II treatment finishes when an ideal bite and smile is achieved.
Can Adults have braces or aligners?
Yes! It is never too late to get the smile you always wanted.
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having your child be seen as early as age 7 by an orthodontist. The orthodontist can examine if there are any major concerns in regards to how the teeth and jaws are developing.
How often do I have to come in for appointments?
Patient’s will be seen in a 4-8 week interval depending on what we are trying to accomplish. The interval will be determined at each appointment by the doctor.
Do I have to wear a retainer?
Yes, we’re located in San Gabriel near Alhambra, Monterey Park, El Monte, San Marino, Temple City, Montebello, & Los Angeles. We commonly see patients from these cities at your easy to access office.
Ready To Feel Confident About Your Smile?
- Personalized care
- Teen braces cases
- Clear treatment plan
- Flexible payment options
- No pressure