Braces are the typical solution for correcting teeth alignment issues, including protruding, gapped, or crooked teeth in teen and adults. Today’s options, including clear aligner trays and ceramic appliances, are ideal for adults.

If you’re unhappy with your smile, they are a solution offering permanent results. You will also enjoy better dental health with straight teeth as they are easier to keep clean. If you want to learn more about braces in Gainesville, please call us and request a consultation with our dentist. He or she can go over the process with you and tell you what to expect. Right now, about four and a half million Americans, including one million adults, are wearing orthodontic appliances, so you won’t stand out.

Who Do I See About Getting Braces?

Your dentist is the best person to talk to about orthodontic issues. He or she can advise you on the best solution to get the smile you want. You want a dentist you feel comfortable with as you will see him or her often for adjustments for at least one year. Your dentist will create a customized treatment plan to help you reach your goals in the shortest time possible. He or she will also advise you on the least noticeable option if appearance is your primary concern.

How Do Dentists Put Braces on Teeth?

Orthodontic appliances made from ceramic or metal go on your teeth the same way. Our dentist will clean your teeth and make sure they are dry. He or she will glue a bracket on each tooth and run the archwire through the brackets. The glue isn’t harmful, but it does not taste good. The wire is secured with rubber bands. You usually get to pick the color bands you want. The process takes about an hour. If you opt for clean aligner trays, you won’t need brackets, archwires or rubber bands.

What Are the Types of Braces I Can Get?

There are traditional metal braces, which are highly effective and affordable. If you have a very severe alignment issue, your dentist will most likely recommend a metal orthodontic appliance. The brackets are smaller and less noticeable than in the past. Ceramic braces have tooth colored brackets, so they are less noticeable than metal ones. Invisible braces are clear aligner trays that are virtually invisible. You switch out the trays every two weeks or so to gradually move your teeth into alignment. The trays are removable so you can eat and brush your teeth, making them very convenient.

All braces and invisible aligner trays work by applying constant pressure to the teeth. With metal and ceramic appliances, the wires move your teeth and clear aligner trays gradually move your teeth to fit in the next tray. The pressure put on your teeth goes up the tooth root to your jaw. The tooth socket moves in your jaw and your teeth move along with the socket. While many patients don’t care too much about how their orthodontic appliance works, they care about the results. Very few things can provide the same boost in self-confidence like attractive, straight teeth.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

There’s no standard cost for braces as the treatment is highly personalized. The type of braces you choose, along with the length of your treatment, will determine your cost. If you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of your cost. We also offer flexible financing to make your orthodontic treatment more affordable. Your dentist can estimate your total cost during your consultation.

How Long Will it Take to Get Braces?

Getting orthodontic appliances put on takes about one hour. Getting clear aligners is a faster process; your dentist creates a 3D image for the lab that makes the aligners so they can create a series of trays for you. The process for getting traditional braces isn’t painful, but you may feel a little sore afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to relive any soreness, which will subside in about one week. You’ll wear your braces for about one to two years. The more severe your alignment issues, the longer you will wear your appliance.

Will I Have to Wear a Retainer Afterward?

Once your braces dentist removes the brackets, he or she will talk to you about wearing a retainer. Retainers are necessary to maintain your results. If you had a metal or ceramic orthodontic appliance, your dentist will take an impression of your newly straight teeth and have a dental lab create a custom retainer for you. If you wore a clear aligner tray, you still need a retainer that is usually a duplicate of your final tray. Typically, you wear your retainer at night, possibly for several years, to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Book Online Now

Complete the form below to book your appointment today.

Our patients leave smiling


My daughter and I just had our first appointment at Tioga Dental and we were both really impressed. Everyone was very nice and professional. We have found our permanent dentists here in Gainesville!
Loren I.
Read more reviews

I’ve been to several other offices in town – this is, by far, the best. Dr. Brush is as personable as she is knowledgeable.
Jon M.
Read more reviews

very nice and caring
Becky E.
Read more reviews

Everyone in my family is a patient here, and over the years they have grown with us. From cleanings when my kids were young, to orthodontia and more complex issues, they’ve been there for all of it. The staff is wonderful- everyone from the front desk to the dentists (and orthodontists) who see our family. They are very patient with me- I have never LOVED going to the dentist- but they calm…
Debbie S.
Read more reviews

Great Service!
Markus S.
Read more reviews

Everyone is so kind and helpful!
Haylee H.
Read more reviews

I have been going to Dr. Brush ever since she was at Willow Walk Family Dentistry and I have nothing but good things to say about her. My whole family sees her and she has treated us very well! I always know I’ll receive incredible, top-notch care with everyone at Tioga Dental and the office is really relaxing. We are lucky to have her in Gainesville!
Alexandria B.
Read more reviews

Very professional and friendly. All staff are extremely knowledgeable and efficient, and doctors are top-notch.
Debbie C.
Read more reviews

Excellent service in this office. Appointments run on time, the facilities are clean and bright, the hygienist I had was very kind and patient, and the doctor is down-to-earth and approachable. When I mentioned that an extraction that another dentist had done was very painful, the doctor said “I don’t want anything to hurt you. We will make sure it’s handled well.” I got an…
Ellen J.
Read more reviews

I switched to these folks from Gentle Dental, what a difference. Tioga Dental is terrific!
Randy F.
Read more reviews

This was my first appointment with Tioga Dental and I was very impressed with there friendliness and kind service.
Hugh G.
Read more reviews

Went in for cleaning. Was in the chair quickly from appt time. Very gentle technician. Was over before I knew it. Very professional
Dru H.
Read more reviews

All the staff is friendly and professional. Dr. Sara Potter is thorough and has a wonderful bedside manner. Dental hygienist, Casey S. is also very thorough. I’ve already highly recommended this office and to request both Dr. Potter and Casey S. I will return.
Krystal H.
Read more reviews

Tioga Dental makes going to the dentist actually a pleasant experience.
Bobby D.
Read more reviews

My teeth are clean and healthy because of these guys
Jillian H.
Read more reviews

Always a good experience. Always friendly staff. Always a great cleaning or exam. I have been going to Tioga Dental for 18 years.
Carrie G.
Read more reviews

5+ star experience! The staff was super friendly and helpful and the office is amazing. Highly recommended!
Arin M.
Read more reviews

Tioga Dental and Orthodontics go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Their staff is always professional and courteous. I highly recommend them to anyone with any dental needs.
Larry G.
Read more reviews

I love Tioga Dental. They have the most professional and friendly staff. All the Doctors are awesome! Best dental office in Gainesville! I highly recommend them! Linda Goolsby
Linda G.
Read more reviews

Great staff and very comfortable visit (for a dentist).
Cory T.
Read more reviews

Literally the best dental office and staff I have ever come into contact with in my years.
Carter K.
Read more reviews

Amazing facilities and wonderful staff. They got us in very quickly for urgent needs for my wife and routine checkups for myself. Dr. Norris was very personable as well as his partner (she cared for my wife). We have our family dentist!
Parker L.
Read more reviews

Very nice staff, great dental care, highly recommend.
Samantha G.
Read more reviews

Best dentist in Gainesville! I really thought all my prior dentists were good until I started coming here, within a couple of visits I could tell Dr. Brush and all of the Tioga dental employees operate with a high level of skill and precision. They also use the latest and greatest technologies to help you keep your teeth nice and cavity free! I’ve never had to wait more than 5 minutes either…
Chris G.
Read more reviews

Very good people and service here. I’ve been coming here since November 2013 and have not once been disappointed. Recommend this for sure.
Corbin P.
Read more reviews

Everyone is nice, helpful, and excellent at their jobs. They all went above and beyond to make our visit smooth and thorough. Thank you
Kel A.
Read more reviews

Very friendly staff! Conscientious. Do everything possible to make visit a pleasant experience.
Denise W.
Read more reviews

Friendly professional staff that keeps you informed concerning your oral health. It is my dental destination.
Jack S.
Read more reviews

Great atmosphere, great dentist, great hygienist. A wonderful experience for my first time to the dentist in quite some years…Dr Potter is the bomb! :)
James M.
Read more reviews

Friendly staff. Staff very friendly among each other. Great customer service and care. High professionalism.
Mark L.
Read more reviews

Hate going to the dentist, but Tioga Dental makes it bearable. It’s a spa like atmosphere and everyone is very friendly!
Jody A.
Read more reviews

I had a great experience at Tioga dental. Everything went smoothly with my appointment. I didn’t have to wait at all. Staff were very nice and professional. My hygenist (I am forgetting her name) did an amazing and thorough job with regular cleaning. Dr. Brush was really sweet and great to work with! Highly recommend this clinic.
Rakshaa M.
Read more reviews

Walked in with an emergency situation first think Friday morning. They had a full slate of patients but bent over backward to work me in. Not only that but when I needed specialist help that they were unable to handle that day they arranged for me to be worked in elsewhere. Staff was more than friendly to say the least. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Kirk H.
Read more reviews

Such a great staff and great place
Matthew K.
Read more reviews

Awesome professionals with outstanding customer service and care!
B B.
Read more reviews

Professional, clean environment and they care about your comfort. They have addressed issues I have that were not identified by other dentists. I just Had dental implant surgery with good experience and follow-up thus far.
Becky W.
Read more reviews

Staff are always so cheerful, patient and understanding. They answer all your questions.
John-Chari H.
Read more reviews

I hadn’t been to the dentist in years, so I was super nervous, but I knew I needed to go. Everyone was so nice and there was no judgement – just honesty! They quickly set me up with a treatment plan and when I went back in for my cleaning, it was painless! I highly recommend Tioga Dental & Orthodontics!
Abigail M.
Read more reviews

Our Orthodontist is in Tampa and we had an emergency with Michael’s braces. The fine people at Tioga helped us out. We are very grateful! Thank you!
Metal M.
Read more reviews

This is the best dentist my family has ever visited. My five rating emcompasses cleanliness, modern facility, expertise,and each member of the staff obviously takes pride in ther work.Joline has excellent communication skills when working with my daughter who actually looks forward to going to the dentist. Thank you Dr. Brush
Dan P.
Read more reviews

My experience with this firm from beginning to end was “great” with “gravy on top” sprinkled with some “awesome sauce”.
Robert M.
Read more reviews

Fantastic place, they really took care of me and the issues i was having with my dental health. Everyone there works hard and is super happy to help with any issues.
Vito R.
Read more reviews

Nice environment…caring staff…
Lisa T.
Read more reviews

Quality work, friendly staff. I recommend.
Steve B.
Read more reviews

Tioga Dental is a very professional and comprehensive dental practice, from general, to orthodontics, periodontics and oral surgery. Every single one of staff members go above and beyond to help their patients with genuine concern and care. The sweet ladies at reception, go out of their way to accommodate every patient according to their needs for schedule and insurance. The girls at checkout are…
Sarah S.
Read more reviews

While on vacation. I needed oral surgery and was impressed by the care I received . Staff was professional and the offices spotless. My surgery went well and would highly recommend this service. My thanks to everyone!?
Linda L.
Read more reviews

Great environment, loved the interaction with the orthodontist she was sweet, knowledgeable and understanding. What more can you ask for in a provider!
Maria C.
Read more reviews

Always a pleasant experience coming in for a checkup and cleaning. Everyone is super friendly and caring and I would recommend any of their services without reservation!
Paige H.
Read more reviews

I had a great experience with tioga. I am glad they have everything in one place.
Brandi S.
Read more reviews

Nice facility, knowledgeable staff, and a bunch of fun. My wife and I enjoyed our first visit there. And it’s close to where we live. Thumbs up!
Les A.
Read more reviews

Good experience. Explained everything and made sure I was comfortable
Jimmy C.
Read more reviews

Dr. Potter is the best! Also, the girls who take care of you and perform the cleanings are always very kind and attentive. The atmosphere is top knotch for a dentists office too! I recommend that any of my friends or family get their dental work done here!
Anna S.
Read more reviews

Braces in Gainesville