Smiling teen boy with curly hair and braces wearing headphones around neck with friends outdoors.

Traditional Braces

Get The Smile You Deserve

Straighten Your Teeth With Traditional Braces in Williston

Traditional braces in Williston have stood the test of time for good reason. These reliable orthodontic appliances deliver predictable results for patients of all ages. We're proud to offer this tried-and-true treatment that corrects alignment issues while improving your oral health.

When you visit Contemporary Dental Arts, you benefit from Dr. Flores' years of training and experience with orthodontics. She will guide you through this proven path to a healthier smile. Before you know it, you'll find it easier to clean between your teeth, chew and bite without pain or difficulty, and show off your smile with confidence.

a close-up of a person smiling

Align Your Smile

Traditional metal braces use small brackets and wires to move your teeth into better alignment. While you might prefer the discretion of aligners, Dr. Flores may recommend braces when:

  • Your teeth need significant movement, as traditional braces often work better than clear aligners.
  • You have greater orthodontic challenges, such as bite problems, that aligners can't address.
  • You have compliance concerns and don't want to remember to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day.

Your budget, treatment timeline, and age also matter when suggesting the right option. Dr. Flores will help you make the best choice for your smile journey.

a couple of women smiling

Correct Your Bite

Once Dr. Flores determines braces are right for you, here's what you can expect:
  • We attach small brackets to your teeth and connect them with a wire.
  • This system puts gentle pressure on your teeth to guide them into ideal position.
  • You'll visit us for adjustments that keep your smile moving in the right direction.

You'll start seeing changes in just a few months. You can expect to wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, or longer depending on the extent of your issues.

We can't wait to help you get started with traditional braces in Williston. Get started today by scheduling a consultation.

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

Daniel L.

I have been a patient of Dr. Shanard’s for over 5 years. She and her team are simply wonderful. They are extremely professional and warm in their care. Besides the entire practice being very talented they are a fun bunch. Smiles and jokes are a routine part of the treatment process. And if... I have been a patient of Dr. Shanard’s for over 5 years. She and her team are simply wonderful. They are extremely professional and warm in their care. Besides the entire practice being very talented they are a fun bunch. Smiles and jokes are a routine part of the treatment process. And if you are lucky you might meet Dr. Shanard’s dog Enzo who might be the best part of the treatment team. Truly wonderful people who do a fantastic and thorough job. I could not state it any more plainly, this is the best dental practice in Vermont.

Mary W.

I was able to get an emergency appointment & I was very happy! Everyone was so kind & helpful. My mouth is very small, and Dr Lauren Shanard was able to keep my jaw muscles comfortable during the lengthy procedure! Kudos to the crew & another stellar dental appointment at Contemporary Dental... I was able to get an emergency appointment & I was very happy! Everyone was so kind & helpful. My mouth is very small, and Dr Lauren Shanard was able to keep my jaw muscles comfortable during the lengthy procedure! Kudos to the crew & another stellar dental appointment at Contemporary Dental Arts!

Nancy C.

This is coming from a HUGE dentist-phobe. To say I get nervous going into a dentist's office, is gigantic understatement. That being said, I had the absolute wonderful fortune to find Dr. Lauren Shanard when I was facing a huge dental crisis. Terrified, I made an appointment...and in I crawled.... This is coming from a HUGE dentist-phobe. To say I get nervous going into a dentist's office, is gigantic understatement. That being said, I had the absolute wonderful fortune to find Dr. Lauren Shanard when I was facing a huge dental crisis. Terrified, I made an appointment...and in I crawled. From the first minute, the staff at Contemporary Dental Arts gently pulled me off the ceiling, and with the utmost compassion and understanding of my high anxiety, Dr Shanard helped me through my initial tough situation. EVERY person in that office, went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and felt safe. As Dr Shanard worked on me, it was clearly evident that she is a highly skilled dentist who pays attention to detail, to make sure the outcome is the very best it can be. Also clear, is that she enjoys her team, and what she does. I am not finished with my oral challenges, but I am BEYOND GRATEFUL that I have Dr. Shannard at the helm, along with all the wonderful women who have been at my side (and hers). I will go nowhere else. Fives stars just aren't enough.

Miles J.

I’ve been visiting the Contemporary Dental Arts and Dr. Shanard since I was a little kid. They have always been so nice and kind throughout every cleaning and filling, and there’s a super friendly and cute dog to greet you!

Tyler E.

Great people, very knowledgeable. They had answers to all my questions about how everything is handled and how much things cost. Staff is very nice and they try hard to get everything done right.

Daniel F.

I've been here on multiple occasions. Marie and Dr. Shanard are really great to work with. Marie also always goes above and beyond with communication and accommodating my timeline. To say their quality of work is excellent is an understatement. Thanks!

Peter S.

The difference at Contemporary Dental is that they are a family of very good caring people. You are welcomed from the first moment you arrive with a comprehensive visit. My hygentist is very thorough... my teeth are sparkling after a cleaning. They don't rush you through the visit and are... The difference at Contemporary Dental is that they are a family of very good caring people. You are welcomed from the first moment you arrive with a comprehensive visit. My hygentist is very thorough... my teeth are sparkling after a cleaning. They don't rush you through the visit and are very accommodating to your needs. I won't go anywhere else!

Caleigh C.

OK so I was TERRIFIED for my first filling. I’d gone 29 years with zero oral problems and despite my bone-deep horror, I went in for a filling today with Dr. Shanard. WOW was that easy. I didn’t feel the needle or anything she was doing, and Marie held my hand the entire time. I wasn’t... OK so I was TERRIFIED for my first filling. I’d gone 29 years with zero oral problems and despite my bone-deep horror, I went in for a filling today with Dr. Shanard. WOW was that easy. I didn’t feel the needle or anything she was doing, and Marie held my hand the entire time. I wasn’t afraid at all after we got started. Five stars for the whole team! I won’t go anywhere else! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Nancy P.

I was at the beginning of a month long road trip and broke part of a molar. I called over 30 dentists in 2 towns and no one could see me. Even though they were busy, this practice made room for me to come in, and within 30 minutes they fixed my tooth so that I could continue my trip. They were... I was at the beginning of a month long road trip and broke part of a molar. I called over 30 dentists in 2 towns and no one could see me. Even though they were busy, this practice made room for me to come in, and within 30 minutes they fixed my tooth so that I could continue my trip. They were so nice, professional and competent that I wish they were my permanent dental practice. I thank them so much for helping me in my hour of need. They deserve a higher rating than 5 stars!

Common Questions About Traditional Braces

How long will I need to wear traditional braces?

Most patients wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, though your timeline may vary based on your specific needs. You'll start seeing noticeable changes in your smile within just a few months of beginning treatment. Dr. Flores will give you a personalized estimate during your consultation based on the complexity of your alignment issues. Regular adjustment appointments help ensure your treatment stays on schedule and progresses smoothly.

Do traditional braces feel uncomfortable?

You'll feel some pressure and temporary discomfort when you first get your braces and after adjustment appointments. This mild soreness typically lasts just a few days as your teeth begin to shift into their new positions. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort you might experience during these brief periods. Most patients adjust quickly to wearing braces and find the minor discomfort is well worth the lifetime of benefits they'll gain.

How do I clean my teeth with braces?

Cleaning your teeth with braces requires more attention, but we'll show you exactly how to maintain good oral hygiene. You'll need to brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush, taking extra time around brackets and wires. Special tools like interdental brushes and floss threaders help you clean between teeth and under the wires where food particles can hide. We'll check your cleaning technique during adjustment visits and offer tips to keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.

Patient Philosophy

Our mission is to provide our valued patients with individualized care and the most advanced dental treatments available today. You will experience the highest level of professional customer service, all delivered in a warm, friendly, comfortable, relaxed, state-of-the-art environment. The team at Contemporary Dental Arts promises to treat you like family.

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