O·M·I Orthodontics, with an office in Fishers, Indiana, is addressing common questions from Hamilton County parents and adults about braces. The practice, where Dr. Joel Johnson plans and supervises treatment, explains how metal and ceramic braces differ, what happens during placement and adjustment visits, and why retainer wear starts the day braces come off.
Metal and ceramic braces operate on the same mechanical principles, according to the practice. Both use brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by an archwire that applies steady pressure to move teeth into alignment over time. The main differences are appearance and durability. Metal brackets are more visible but tend to withstand daily wear more consistently. Ceramic brackets are designed to blend with the natural color of teeth, making them a more discreet option. For families considering braces in Fishers, IN, understanding this distinction helps in selecting an option that fits individual preferences and lifestyle.
Families often weigh these two options carefully. Ceramic brackets are more brittle than steel, so hard foods and contact sports call for more caution, and a mouthguard is essential with either material. Older teens who want a more discreet look often ask about ceramic brackets. The recommendation follows the case: Dr. Johnson explains which option suits a patient's bite at the consultation, so families researching braces for teens in Fishers know what to expect.
The treatment process begins with a placement appointment during which brackets are bonded to the teeth and the archwire is set. Following placement, patients return every 6 to 10 weeks for adjustment visits, when the archwire is changed or tightened to continue guiding tooth movement. These visits are a consistent part of the treatment timeline regardless of whether a patient has chosen metal or ceramic brackets. The practice also explains the use of elastics, small rubber bands that connect upper and lower brackets. Elastics are used in certain cases to correct bite alignment and are worn according to specific instructions. Not all patients require them, but for those who do, consistent use plays a direct role in the progression of treatment.
For families exploring braces for kids in Fishers, IN, knowing what routine visits involve helps reduce uncertainty for younger patients before they arrive at the office. The practice offers early appointments starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, which accommodates school and work schedules for Hamilton County families.
Retention begins when active treatment ends: retainer wear starts the day braces are removed. This is not a secondary or optional phase, but an integral part of maintaining the tooth positions achieved during treatment. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original positions, and consistent retainer use works against that tendency. The practice provides orthodontic care for children, teenagers, and adults, including metal and ceramic braces, clear aligners, early orthodontic treatment and retainers. The Fishers office is at 13910 Olivia Way Unit 100, Fishers, IN 46037 and serves patients from Hamilton County and surrounding communities. The Fishers office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon. Learn more at OMI Orthodontics.
