Traditional Braces by Solventum®

Braces have come a long way; at Tend, they’re more comfortable and effective than ever.

Whether you’re starting your smile journey or helping your teen feel confident, we make the process easy, judgment-free, and fully personalized.

Why so many choose traditional metal braces

Metal braces have stood the test of time—and for good reason. They’re one of the most effective orthodontic treatments available for straightening teeth, correcting overbites, underbites, crowding, and closing gaps.

At Tend, we use advanced low-profile brackets that are smaller and more comfortable than traditional ones. They’re an excellent option for teens and adults who want predictable, efficient results, especially in more complex cases.

Choosing braces at Tend means you’ll get the best of both worlds: clinically proven results and a care experience that actually feels, well, caring. Whether you’re navigating orthodontics for your child or considering braces as an adult, our team customizes each plan to fit your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.

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Which orthodontic treatment is right for you?

Traditional Braces

Clear Aligners

Treatment
Best for
Mild to severe cases
Best for
Mild crowding or spacing
Visibility
Duration
High
Duration
Minimal
Food Restrictions
Appliance type
Some food restrictions (super hard, sticky)
Appliance type
Removable, no restrictions (worn 22 hrs/day)
Care
Speech
Brush after every meal & floss daily
Speech
Brush after every meal & floss daily


Orthodontic care, the Tend way

We believe orthodontics should feel a lot less overwhelming—and a lot more human.

From the moment you book your free consultation, our orthodontists and care team make it easy. We start with a digital scan (no goopy impressions here) and a personalized treatment plan. Every visit is on your schedule, and every question gets a clear answer. You’ll know what to expect, how long treatment will take, and exactly what your smile will look like when it’s all done.

We also make cost simple and transparent. No hidden fees. No pressure. And with our in-house financing options and insurance support, getting braces is more accessible than ever.

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Get up to $3,000 covered by insurance

We believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for before you commit. We’ll walk you through every detail of your plan and payment options before starting

We’ll also verify your insurance coverage in advance, so there are no surprise bills down the line. Our goal? High-quality, expert Invisalign care that’s accessible and affordable.

Searching for Invisalign cost near me? Tend gives you transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Check your insurance
Most major PPO dental insurances accepted.

Why people love Tend

Google reviews
+8,000 5-star reviews

Allyson Adams was a terrific dental hygienist. She is clearly passionate about her career and talented in the work. She went the extra mile to really do a meticulous cleaning of my gum line and in between my teeth. Great conversationalist and super welcoming personality. Highly recommend requesting her if she is available for a cleaning or any other treatment you might need!

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Alex N.

East Nashville

Tend dental office is incredible. They go above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable. I’ve been here twice now, with a 3rd appointment already scheduled. Everyone is kind, friendly, and welcoming. The Dentist/dental hygienists are timely, kind, personable and all together amazing. Highly recommend!

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McKenzie H.

East Nashville

Chipped my tooth Sunday afternoon and was in the Tend East Nashville office Monday morning. Everyone from the front desk to dental assistant to dentist was extremely welcoming and helpful and I had temporary crowns in that same day. The rooms are kept very clean and if you have delta dental, I would double recommend this place.

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Faraaz R.

East Nashville

This was the best experience I’ve ever had at a dentist, and I don’t say that lightly, because who enjoys going to the dentist? This was my first cleaning in about a year so I was a little nervous because I was anticipating all the scraping and grinding that came with my previous dental experiences. I was mistaken because Ally gave me the BEST cleaning I’ve ever had minus any pain. I hardly felt anything at all. She talked me through everything and gave me sunglasses and headphones to watch TV show during the whole process. I also got to visit with Dr. Joe who was also just so lovely. The atmosphere is unlike any other dentist I’ve ever been to, and everyone is so nice. They also prioritize your comfort, which is HUGE. Couldn’t recommend more!

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Kennedy R.

East Nashville

Best dental experience I’ve had in years! Would 100% recommend Tend. They make dental visits easy and cleanings pain free. I’ve been going there for 2 years and have no complaints. Shout out to my great dental hygienist, Allyson! She really is fantastic.

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Danielle L.

East Nashville

Easily the best dentist experience I’ve ever had. Ally’s an incredible hygienist; she made everything super chill, calm, and comfortable. Not to mention the space itself is beautiful (very unlike the sterility of typical medical offices) and the entire business is built around making the dentist a less scary and anxiety-inducing place. They even let you choose a show to watch during your appointment and give you noise-cancelling headphones so you’re not focused on the teeth cleaning noises we all hate. 🙃 It’s also super easy to book/reschedule through the app. 10/10 recommend!

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Nikki M.

East Nashville

I recently switched dentists based on my husband’s recommendation, and I’m so glad I did. The whole visit felt modern and calm — nothing felt rushed. The office is beautiful, clean, and full of the latest technology. I was seen by Ally, who was kind, patient, and made me feel comfortable throughout. I also really appreciated that I didn’t feel pressured to do any of the procedures they recommended — everything was explained clearly and respectfully. They validated parking too, which is super convenient — there’s a lot right behind the building. I’m definitely staying with Tend as my new dental home!

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Gabriela C.

East Nashville

Ms. Edit (sounds like Edith without the H) provided me with the best consultation and teeth cleaning I've ever experienced, and I've been to dental offices all over the world. She is hands down the best hygienist, and I guarantee she'll be your favorite hygienist! Edit didn’t just clean my teeth; she also provided a thorough examination and great recommendations for improving my health.

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Nicole P.

Pentagon City

My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Tend during our routine exams and cleanings. Dr. Park and Maya were exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, making the entire visit both comfortable and efficient. We really appreciated that they didn’t push any unnecessary treatments, but instead provided helpful insights on what to keep an eye on for future visits. The office is immaculate and modern, with thoughtful touches like sunglasses to protect your eyes and headphones so you can enjoy a show on the ceiling-mounted TV. The visit ended on a high note with a great goodie bag that included a toothbrush, floss picks, and toothpaste—an added bonus to an already excellent experience! Definitely one of the best dental office in town!

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Susan Y.

Pentagon City

Dr. Chandler and the entire team at Tend provided an exceptional experience. Dr. Chandler was warm, professional, and made me feel comfortable immediately. She was thorough, gentle, and took time to explain everything clearly, while the hygienist left my teeth feeling perfectly clean. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for skilled and caring dental care.

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Asa M

Kendall Square

I've had 3 great appointments here. My dentist, Dr. Chandler, is lovely, and every hygienist has been as well. They take their time during the appointments and explain things in a way that is easy to understand. It is also a very clean facility.

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Natalie M.

Kendall Square

I was very happy with my emergency appointment at Tend. I recommend them.

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Deborah D.

Hell's Kitchen

Will Ferrante is the best dentist! Highly recommend anyone in NYC to visit him!

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Nick T.

Hell's Kitchen

I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Saini at Tend Dental in Hell’s Kitchen! From the moment I walked in, she made me feel genuinely welcome and at ease. She took the time to listen to all of my dental concerns carefully and made me feel truly heard and seen. Dr. Saini explained everything clearly and recommended a thoughtful, personalized treatment plan after my dental exam. Her professionalism and kindness made the entire visit smooth and reassuring. I would surely recommend Dr. Saini and Tend, and I’ll definitely be returning for future visits!

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Anika N.

Hell's Kitchen

Great experience, fit in appt immediately. Everyone I saw from check-in through exam was friendly, communicative and reassuring. Recommend!

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Katie C.

Hell's Kitchen

Fantastic experience at the HK location. First time with Tend and have nothing bad to say. Front desk receptionist was extremely helpful with insurance and related questions. Dental staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.

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Scott P.

Hell's Kitchen

Very friendly staff! Explained everything in great detail.

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Roberto C.

Fenway

Both my doctor, the dental assistants I’ve had and the receptionists at this new location have been so amazing and friendly, so happy they opened a location closer to me!

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Jocelyn W.

Fenway

Just went yesterday for the first time and was so pleased with my experience! They made my cleaning pain free and everyone was so kind. Extremely clean and aesthetically pleasing facility.

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Jackson T.

Fenway

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Gloria Andrews at Tend Chelsea for over two years, and I can confidently say she’s amazing! Dr. Andrews has the most upbeat and bubbly personality, making every visit a pleasure. She is incredibly kind, patient, and detail-oriented. I’ve been undergoing Invisalign treatment with her, and her perfectionism ensures my teeth are perfectly aligned to my liking before completing the process—a quality I deeply appreciate. She genuinely cares about her patients and encourages me to reach out anytime with questions or concerns. Dr. Andrews is truly the best, and I couldn’t recommend her more highly!

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Theresa N.

Chelsea

As a person with some dentist anxiety this was a nerve wracking appointment. Oksana took such great care of me and was so patient. It was easy to trust them and everyone made me very comfortable.

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Jess D.

Downtown Brooklyn

Our visit was amazing. The receptionist was so kind and pleasant. The treatment we received was thorough, informative and educational. The Dental hygienist was exceptional!

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Carla L.

Downtown Brooklyn

10/10 experience! The new Tend location in downtown Brooklyn is amazing. The location is very very clean, sparkling dare I say…but it’s the staff that made the experience so perfect. Everyone is so kind and friendly! They make you feel so comfortable! Request Ikira for your cleaning, she did a fantastic job! What an angel!

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Lyndsey F.

Downtown Brooklyn

Everyone was so professional and pleasant. The studio is very clean. They thoroughly check you and give you all options for your treatment, explaining everything! The staff is friendly and they make sure you are very comfortable. I’m looking forward to bringing my daughter in as a patient as well.

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Alisa H.

Downtown Brooklyn

Great facility, all the stuff I love about Tend + the friendliest staff out of the three offices I've gone to. The receptionist today was super helpful and patient while I was figuring out my cards and took the time to walk me through a number of options for my root canal. Really appreciated her, the hygienist, and the doctor I saw.

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Carolyn W.

Downtown Brooklyn

Just left my first visit at Tend Cobble Hill, I was super nervous because who likes to go to the dentist 😩. I was greeted by Ruthie who took care of me. She was so professional, kind and patient. She took her time and explained every step of every procedure. She truly made an incredible difference for me and made my visit relaxed and comfortable. Thank you so much Ruthie, your kindness made me excited and looking forward to my next appointment with you!

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Iyar H.

Cobble Hill

Highly recommended! Professional staff, very clean offices that are aesthetically pleasing. Well thought out interior design! Personalized service which I love! I couldn’t recommend this anymore, glad to call this my new dentist office!

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Ashton W.

Cobble Hill

I had a great experience here. Clean, modern office. Nice hygienist and dentist. Straightforward billing and no shadiness. Considering I hadn't been to the dentist in years because of a traumatic and shady experience at a dentist in Manhattan some time ago, this was such a nice change. Highly recommend! The app is super convenient, too.

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Nicole F.

Cobble Hill

Staff is very professional, caring and knowledgeable. They have late hours that accommodates. I felt valued and they listened to all of my concerns. I would recommend this facility to all who want a modern professional place for all their dental care needs.

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Imah P.

Cobble Hill

What a wonderful dental experience !! The flexibility of being able to have an early morning appointment comes in handy for people with busy schedules. My appointment started on time at 7am in a relaxing office setting. My hygienist was super thorough as was my dentist who took time to explain findings and patient to answer all my questions. What a great way to start my day. Thank you

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Diahann M.

Cobble Hill

Before and after

Tend has transformed the smiles of over 10,000 people just like you.

Before
A smile before Invisalign.
A smile after Invisalign.
After
Before
A smile before Invisalign.
A smile after Invisalign.
After
Before
A smile before Invisalign.
A smile after Invisalign.
After

Frequently asked questions

Traditional metal braces use a system of brackets, archwires, and elastics to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Each bracket is bonded to a tooth and connected by a thin wire, which your orthodontist adjusts over time to apply gentle pressure. This consistent force encourages bone remodeling, which moves your teeth into their ideal positions. At Tend, we use modern low-profile brackets that are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than older styles, with customized treatment plans for faster, more predictable results.

That depends on your orthodontic needs. Metal braces are typically recommended for more complex cases, like significant bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite), overcrowding, or severe misalignment. Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, are great for milder cases and those looking for a more discreet option—but they require strict wear compliance. If you're unsure, our orthodontists can walk you through your options and help you choose the best path based on your goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Braces shouldn’t be painful, but it’s normal to feel some pressure or soreness—especially after your braces are first placed or following adjustments. This is a sign your teeth are moving! Most discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and usually subsides in a day or two. Our orthodontists are here to make the experience as comfortable as possible, and we’ll share plenty of tips to ease any tenderness.

Most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but treatment time varies based on how much correction is needed and how your teeth respond. During your free consultation, we’ll provide an estimate tailored to your smile goals. We also track your progress at every visit, and we’ll let you know if we can speed things up—or if more time is needed to get the best results.

Yes! Braces aren’t just for kids or teens. In fact, adult orthodontics is more popular than ever. Many adults choose metal braces for their affordability and effectiveness—especially in cases where clear aligners aren’t recommended. If you're ready to fix crowding, spacing, or bite issues you’ve lived with for years, it’s never too late. Plus, Tend makes the experience more comfortable and supportive than you might expect.

You’ll usually visit us every 4–6 weeks. These check-ins are quick, but important—they allow your orthodontist to make small adjustments to the archwire, change elastics, and monitor progress. If something feels off between visits (like a poking wire or loose bracket), just reach out. We’ll fit you in right away.

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits—especially for children and teens, though some cover adults too. Our team will handle all the heavy lifting: we’ll verify your coverage, break down what’s included, and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer interest-free monthly payment plans to help make braces more affordable.

Mostly, yes—but there are a few foods you’ll want to avoid. Sticky, chewy, or super hard foods can damage brackets or wires. That means skipping things like gum, caramel, popcorn, and ice. Don’t worry—we’ll give you a full list of what to watch for, and most people adjust quickly. Bonus: it’s a great time to try new recipes and soft snacks!

Brushing and flossing with braces takes a little extra care, but we’ll show you exactly how to keep your smile healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and consider a water flosser or interdental brushes to clean around brackets and wires. Keeping up with your hygiene is key—it prevents cavities, plaque buildup, and staining around the brackets.

Once your braces come off, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Retainers are crucial—they help maintain your beautiful new smile by preventing teeth from shifting back. Depending on your case, you might wear your retainer full-time at first, then switch to nighttime wear. We’ll give you a personalized retention plan and make sure your results last.

If something breaks or feels off, don’t panic—just give us a call. A loose bracket or poking wire is usually a quick fix, and we’ll get you in for a repair appointment ASAP. Avoid trying to fix it yourself, and in the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spots and ease irritation.

The cost of traditional metal braces can vary depending on the complexity of your case and how long treatment will take—but at Tend, we’re upfront about pricing from day one. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan along with a clear breakdown of total costs. Most insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, especially for children and teens, and we’ll work directly with your provider to help you maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible monthly payment options to fit your budget—so you can get started without financial stress.

You’ve got options! Every time your braces are adjusted, you’ll have the chance to choose a new rubber band color. From fun, bold shades like teal, pink, and neon green to more subtle tones like navy or silver, the color combos are endless. For adults or anyone wanting a lower-profile look, we also offer clear or tooth-colored elastics that blend in with your natural teeth. These give your braces a more discreet appearance—perfect for work or events where you want your smile to look a little more under the radar.

Each orthodontic option—traditional braces and Invisalign— comes with its own benefits, and the best one for you depends on your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and the complexity of your case.

Traditional braces are the most effective and versatile choice for treating moderate to severe misalignment, bite issues, and overcrowding. They’re fixed to your teeth, so there’s no need to remember to wear them. They’re visible (though more discreet than they used to be), and they do come with eating restrictions, but they’re consistent, reliable, and often the most affordable option. For teens or adults who need precise, hands-on correction, traditional braces are a solid choice.

Invisalign aligners are removable and nearly invisible. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, and they generally come with fewer lifestyle adjustments. The adjustment period is shorter, and there’s less impact on your speech. However, they only work if worn consistently, at least 22 hours a day. Invisalign is great for mild to moderate cases, but may not be the best fit for more complex needs.

If you’re not sure which is best, we’ll walk you through your options at your free consultation. Our orthodontists will assess your case and help you choose the treatment that works for your smile and your schedule.