What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth using brackets bonded to each tooth and a thin archwire that connects them. The wire applies gentle, steady pressure that guides teeth into better positions over weeks and months. This corrects crowding, gaps, and bite issues for kids, teens, and adults.

At DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics, braces in Fresno help fix crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites for the whole family. Your teeth move a little at each visit as your doctor adjusts the wire and tension. The result is a healthier bite and a straighter smile.

We offer several styles to fit your lifestyle:

No two smiles are the same, so we build a custom treatment plan around your goals, age, and daily routine.

Orthodontist placing braces on a patient at DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics in Fresno

Benefits of Braces at DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics

Straight teeth do more than look great in photos. A well-aligned bite protects your long-term oral health, makes daily care easier, and gives your confidence a real boost.

Here's what you can expect when you choose braces with our team:

  • A smile you love to show off. Straighter teeth naturally lift your confidence at school, work, and everywhere in between.
  • A balanced bite. Correcting an overbite, underbite, or crossbite reduces jaw strain and uneven tooth wear.
  • Easier brushing and flossing. When teeth aren't overlapping, you lower your risk of cavities and gum irritation.
  • Better chewing and speech. Aligned teeth help you eat comfortably and speak clearly.
  • Long-term oral health. Good alignment supports healthier gums and helps your smile last a lifetime.

You also get options. Some families prefer the strength of metal braces. Others love the subtle look of clear braces or the flexibility of clear aligners. Our doctors match the treatment to your lifestyle and budget, which is a big reason patients call us the best orthodontist in Fresno. That's part of what makes us a 100% patient-centered practice where smiles are for life.

The Braces Process: What to Expect

The braces process at DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics in Fresno follows four simple steps: a free consult with digital scans, a custom treatment plan and bracket placement, regular adjustment visits every 4 to 8 weeks, and finally braces removal with a retainer program. Most treatments take 12 to 24 months, depending on your smile goals.

Here's a closer look at each step:

Step 1: Free Consult and Digital Scan

You start with a no-pressure visit at our Fresno office. We take digital X-rays, digital photos, and a quick digital scan of your teeth. Don't worry, they're painless and goop-free!

Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan and Placement

Dr. Pat DiCiccio, Dr. David Freeman, or Dr. Lucas DiCiccio walks you through your smile snapshot and options. Once you're ready, we bond the brackets to your teeth and thread the archwire. The visit is comfortable and usually takes about an hour.

Step 3: Adjustment Visits

You'll see us every 4 to 8 weeks so we can fine-tune your wires and check your progress. These check-ins are quick and keep your teeth moving on schedule.

Step 4: Removal and Retainers

When your smile is where we want it, we remove the brackets and fit you with retainers. Retainers hold your new alignment in place so your smile stays straight for the long haul.

Are You a Candidate for Braces?

You may be a candidate for braces in Fresno if you have crowding, gaps, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Braces work well for many ages and different bite issues, from kids getting an early check to adults trying orthodontics for the first time. A free consult confirms the right fit for you.

You may be a great candidate if you have:

  • Crowded teeth that overlap or twist
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overbite (upper teeth extend too far past lower teeth)
  • Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
  • Crossbite (upper and lower teeth fail to meet properly when you bite down)
  • Open bite (a gap remains between front teeth when your back teeth are closed)

Kids

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit around age 7. Early evaluation lets our team spot developing issues before they grow. Not every kiddo needs treatment right away, but a quick check gives peace of mind.

Teens

Teens are classic braces candidates because their jaws and adult teeth are still developing. That makes for efficient tooth movement and lasting smile shape.

Adults

Your smile is never over the hill. Many of our Fresno patients are adults who want a straighter, healthier bite, whether they wore braces years ago or are trying orthodontics for the first time. We treat every age, from a first checkup to adult treatment.

The best way to know for sure? A free consult with our team. No referral? No worries!

Why Choose DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics in Fresno

You've got choices for braces in Fresno, so here's what sets our team apart. You're a neighbor, not a number, and we treat every visit that way. Many families searching for the best orthodontist in Fresno land right here for a reason.

  • A legacy of experience. With over 30 years of combined experience, Dr. Pat DiCiccio, Dr. David Freeman, and Dr. Lucas DiCiccio have renewed smiles across the Central Valley for families.
  • Trusted teaching credentials. Our team includes an Associate Professor at Loma Linda University, so you get care from a doctor who trains the next generation of orthodontists.
  • Modern, comfortable technology. Digital scans, digital X-rays, and digital photography replace messy molds, and it makes every visit faster and cleaner.
  • Care for every age. From your kiddo's first visit at age 7 to adult treatment, we tailor every custom treatment plan.
  • Pricing transparency. We keep braces cost in Fresno clear and honest, with flexible monthly plans starting at $99/mo so treatment fits your family's budget.
  • Multilingual team. ¡Sí, Hablamos Español! We also support English and Hmong-speaking families across the area.

You'll feel the difference the moment you walk in. Great smiles grow here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Fresno

How much do braces cost in Fresno?

Braces cost in Fresno varies based on your bite, treatment length, and the type of braces you choose. At DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics, we offer pricing transparency with monthly plans starting at $99/mo for Level 1 Social Touch Up, $159/mo for Level 2 Limited Arch, and $259/mo for Level 3 Full Two Arch Treatment. Your free consult includes a clear, no-pressure quote.

How long does braces treatment take?

Most braces treatments take 12 to 24 months. Simpler alignment issues may finish sooner, while more involved bite corrections can take longer. Your doctor will give you a realistic timeline at your free consult.

Do braces hurt?

Braces shouldn't hurt. You may feel mild soreness for a day or two after placement or an adjustment, especially when eating. Over-the-counter relief and softer foods handle it easily, and the tenderness fades quickly.

What's the difference between metal and clear braces?

Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and are the most common option. Clear braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth.

Option Material Appearance Removable
Metal braces Stainless steel brackets Most visible No
Clear braces Tooth-colored ceramic Subtle, blends in No
Clear aligners Clear plastic trays Nearly invisible Yes

All three straighten teeth effectively, so the choice often comes down to appearance and lifestyle.

Can adults get braces?

Yes! Adults make up a large part of our Fresno patients. Your smile is never over the hill, and clear braces or clear aligners are especially popular with adults who want a more discreet option.

Does insurance cover braces?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, especially for kids and teens. Our team will check your plan during your free consult and apply any benefits to your custom treatment plan. If insurance doesn't cover the full amount, our monthly payment options help fill the gap.

Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation in Fresno

Ready to see what braces can do for your smile? Book a free consult with DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics and meet your smile architects. There's no pressure, no obligation, and no referral needed, just a friendly conversation about your goals and a custom treatment plan built around you.

Prefer to start from home? Ask about our virtual consult option for extra convenience.


Call (559) 325-3300 or book online. Our Fresno office welcomes families from across the Central Valley, and we also serve nearby Clovis. A smile is for life, let us make yours shine!