Braces in Worcester, MA

Q: What foods should I avoid with braces?

A few foods can damage brackets and wires. Avoid hard candies, ice, sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gum, crunchy snacks like popcorn and hard pretzels, and whole apples or corn on the cob unless they are cut into smaller pieces.

What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment using small brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. The wire applies steady, gentle pressure that guides teeth into their ideal positions over time, correcting crowding, gaps, and bite issues.

Worcester braces at Central Mass Orthodontics put that proven approach to work for you. Dr. Giarrusso or Dr. Livanos uses braces to straighten smiles for kids, teens, and adults across the region.

Braces work by combining three key parts:

Brackets bonded to the front of each tooth
Archwires that direct tooth movement
Elastics or ligatures that hold everything in place

You've got two main styles to choose from at our Worcester office. Traditional metal braces are the time-tested option, while clear braces blend in with your natural smile for a more subtle look. Both work the same way, just with a different appearance.

Benefits of Braces at Central Mass Orthodontics

Braces do more than transform your smile cosmetically. They solve real bite and alignment issues that can affect your oral health for a lifetime. Here's what you and your family can expect:

Corrects misalignment and bite issues. Braces fix crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites with proven, predictable results.
Improves long-term oral health. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums.
Boosts confidence. A straighter smile changes how you feel about yourself, whether you're a teen heading to prom or an adult presenting at work.
Handles involved cases reliably. Braces are excellent at fixing detailed tooth issues that other treatments can't always address.
Works for every age. From kids and teens to adults in their 60s and beyond, braces deliver beautiful smiles at any age.

At Central Mass Orthodontics, everyone deserves a beautiful smile. That's why we offer braces options designed just for you, your child, or your teen. With decades of experience, Dr. Giarrusso and Dr. Livanos have helped countless children, teens, and adults transform their smiles right here in Worcester.

Bright smile, bright future, that's the goal.

The Braces Treatment Process

Getting braces at Central Mass Orthodontics follows a clear, simple process. Treatment typically lasts 12 to 24 months depending on your specific needs, and the entire experience is built around your comfort and convenience. Here are the five steps from your first visit to your finished smile.

Step 1: Consultation and Exam

Your smile starts with a consultation at our Worcester office. Dr. Giarrusso or Dr. Livanos will examine your teeth, review your goals, and answer every question you have. No pressure, no commitment.

Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan and Digital Imaging

We'll use our digital scanner to capture detailed digital scans of your teeth. From there, we build a treatment plan designed just for you, including timeline, costs, and the type of braces that fit your needs best.

Step 3: Braces Placement

On placement day, brackets are carefully bonded to each tooth and connected with the archwire. The visit takes about an hour, and you'll leave with your new braces in place. Most people are surprised by how comfortable it feels.

Step 4: Periodic Adjustments

You'll visit us every 4 to 8 weeks for quick adjustments. These appointments keep your teeth moving in the right direction. Modern wires are designed to deliver steady, gentle force between visits, so your teeth keep progressing even while you go about your day.

Step 5: Removal and Retainer Phase

Once your teeth are in their ideal positions, we remove the braces and fit you with a custom retainer. Wearing your retainer as directed keeps your new smile in place for the long haul.

Are You a Candidate for Worcester Braces?

Most people are good candidates for braces, and Dr. Giarrusso or Dr. Livanos can confirm the right option for you at your consultation. Braces work well for many orthodontic concerns and all age groups.

Common issues braces correct:

Crowded or overlapping teeth
Gaps and spacing between teeth
Overbite (upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth)
Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don't line up correctly)
Open bite (front teeth don't touch when biting down)

Who can benefit from braces?

Children: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Early evaluation lets us spot issues while your child is still growing.
Teens: Adolescence is often the ideal window because the body is growing rapidly, which can speed up tooth movement.
Adults: Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Ortho at any age is real, and many of our adult patients are amazed by how quickly they adjust to even the more involved cases.

Good oral health and a commitment to caring for your braces are the main things you'll need. We'll walk you through everything else at your consultation.

Why Choose Central Mass Orthodontics in Worcester

Choosing the right orthodontist in Worcester, MA matters. Central Mass Orthodontics has been a trusted family practice in Central Massachusetts for decades, and our Worcester office is here to make your smile experience easy from start to finish. Unlike practices that treat you like a number, we take the time to know you and your family by name.

Here's what sets us apart:

Board-certified orthodontists. Dr. Lisa M. Giarrusso and Dr. Gregory Livanos are both board-certified, each having completed four years of college, four years of dental school, and three years of orthodontics residency.
Family practice, trusted results. We treat you and your family like our own, with the warmth and care you'd expect from a neighborhood practice.
Modern technology. Digital scanners, NiTi wires, and digital X-rays mean faster, more comfortable appointments.
Flexible financing. Affordable financing options help you fit a new smile into your family's budget.
Three convenient locations. Worcester, Auburn, and Spencer offices make it easy to find a time and place that works for you.
Virtual visit options. Current patients can connect with us virtually for added convenience.

Smiles are a team effort, and our Worcester team is ready to be part of yours. Respected, friendly & fun, that's how patients describe their time with us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

How much do braces cost in Worcester?

Braces costs vary based on the complexity of your case, the type of braces you choose, and how long treatment takes. At Central Mass Orthodontics, you'll get a clear breakdown at your consultation. We offer affordable financing options to help fit your new smile into your family's budget.

How long do braces take to work?

Most braces treatments take between 12 and 24 months. Some cases finish sooner, and more involved cases may take a bit longer. Dr. Giarrusso or Dr. Livanos will give you a personalized timeline at your first visit based on your goals and the condition of your teeth.

Do braces hurt?

You may notice some soreness for a few days after braces are placed and after adjustments, but it's usually mild and easy to manage. Today's braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever. Most people adjust within a week and barely notice their braces after that.

Does insurance or MassHealth cover braces?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, and coverage varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits and make the most of what your insurance covers. To find out whether your MassHealth or private plan applies to braces, contact our Worcester office and we'll review your specific coverage and payment options with you.

Braces vs Invisalign: which is right for me?

The right choice depends on your goals, your case, and your lifestyle. Braces tend to suit more involved cases and every age group, while Invisalign appeals to those wanting a nearly invisible, removable option. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Braces	Invisalign
Appearance	Visible (metal) or subtle (clear)	Nearly invisible
Removable	No	Yes
Best for	Involved cases, all ages	Mild to moderate cases
Care	Brush around brackets	Remove to eat and clean
Compliance needed	Less	More (22 hours/day wear)

Dr. Giarrusso or Dr. Livanos will help you choose your look at your consultation.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

A few foods can damage brackets and wires. Avoid:

Hard candies and ice
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gum
Crunchy snacks like popcorn and hard pretzels
Whole apples and corn on the cob (cut them up first)

You can enjoy almost everything else, just cut harder foods into smaller pieces.

Schedule Your Braces Consultation Today

Ready to smile bigger? Getting started with Worcester braces is simple. Book your consultation with Central Mass Orthodontics and meet Dr. Giarrusso or Dr. Livanos at our Worcester office. We'll walk you through your options, answer every question, and help you understand insurance and financing, with no pressure.

Call us at 508.841.3908 or book online to get started. Current patients can also choose a virtual visit. Our offices in Worcester, Auburn, and Spencer welcome you and your family. Central Mass Orthodontics is the place for easy treatment & beautiful smiles.