Braces season. Baseball season. A move to a new school. Life doesn’t pause for orthodontic treatment, and it shouldn’t have to. At Kulits Orthodontics, traditional metal braces remain one of the most reliable, effective ways to correct even complex bite and alignment issues, and we’ve spent over 30 years fitting that treatment around real Snohomish County families, not the other way around. Dr. Paul Kulits, a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, personally treats every patient at every visit, from your very first consultation to the day your braces come off.
Traditional metal braces are fixed orthodontic appliances made of small, high-grade stainless steel brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. That archwire is where the real work happens: it applies gentle, continuous pressure that guides your teeth into healthier alignment over time. During regular adjustment visits, Dr. Paul fine-tunes the archwire (and adds rubber bands or other appliances when needed) to keep your bite moving exactly according to your treatment plan.
Because metal braces stay on your teeth around the clock, there’s nothing to remember to put in, take out, or lose in a locker. And thanks to smaller, smoother bracket designs, today’s traditional braces are far more comfortable than the ones many parents remember from their own childhood.
Metal braces aren’t just the most familiar orthodontic option; they’re often the most effective one for a wide range of smiles. Dr. Paul may recommend traditional metal braces if you or your child have:
Metal braces work well for kids, teens, and adults alike. In fact, it’s not unusual at Kulits Orthodontics to see a parent and their child in braces at the same time, and second-generation patients are one of our proudest signs of trust in this community.
A little preparation makes life with braces easy. Here’s what our patients can expect:
It's normal for your teeth and mouth to feel tender for a few days after your braces go on or are adjusted. A warm saltwater rinse (one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water) or an over-the-counter pain reliever can help, and orthodontic wax is always available for any irritation while your cheeks and lips adjust.
You'll want to set aside sticky, hard, and crunchy foods that can damage brackets and wires, but there's still a long list of braces-friendly favorites to enjoy. We'll go over the full list together at your bonding appointment.
One perk traditional metal braces have that other options don't: color. At every adjustment visit, you can choose new band colors, team colors, holiday themes- you name it. It's a small detail that makes a big difference, especially for kids and teens.
Game on. Patients in metal braces can absolutely keep playing sports; we simply recommend a properly fitted mouthguard to protect both teeth and appliances. If you're not sure which mouthguard is right for your braces, just ask.
Our team is happy to review your benefits with you so there are no surprises, and we offer flexible financing options so cost is never the reason your family has to wait for a healthier, more confident smile.
Kulits Orthodontics proudly serves Everett, Arlington, and families throughout Snohomish County, including Marysville, Lake Stevens, Mill Creek, Snohomish, and Stanwood.
Contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul and find out if traditional metal braces are the right fit, with zero pressure and zero guesswork.
Book Your Consultation | Arlington: (360) 435-2764 | Everett: (425) 355-8730