Braces in Shelby Township, MI
Braces planned and overseen by Dr. Thomas Fredal Jr., an orthodontic specialist.
*For new patients only. Patients transferring from another orthodontist: $250 consultation fee, credited toward treatment if they start here.
Fredal Orthodontics serves patients across Macomb County and Metro Detroit including:
Who Treats Braces Patients at Fredal Orthodontics
Dr. Thomas Fredal Jr.
Orthodontic Specialist
Dr. Fredal is the only orthodontist at Fredal Orthodontics. He leads every consultation himself. He trained as a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (guiding how the face and jaws grow), and he holds a master’s degree in that field. He has treated more than 2,000 orthodontic cases in his training and practice.
Whether teeth need to be removed is not decided by crowding alone. Dr. Fredal weighs your facial profile, lip support, front-tooth position, smile width, gum health, function and long-term stability. His approach focuses on avoiding the removal of permanent teeth whenever that can be safely prevented.
Types of Braces Offered at Fredal Orthodontics in Shelby Township
Metal Braces
- Damon Ultima self-ligating brackets for comprehensive treatment, and traditional twin brackets with elastic ties for Phase 1
- Brackets placed with DIBS AI indirect bonding on comprehensive cases
- Adjustment visits every 6 to 8 weeks
- Phase 1 (early treatment, kids 7+) from $2,980
Adult Braces
- Damon Ultima braces, planned by Dr. Fredal from a 3D CBCT scan
- Crowding back after earlier braces? He treats adult retreatment cases
- Braces before implants, veneers or crowns, planned with your dentist
- Appointments on Mon 12:00pm-7:00pm, with $750 down and 0% in-house financing
- No deposit or commitment needed to get your treatment plan (patients transferring from another orthodontist pay a $250 consultation fee)
Not sure which option fits? Schedule a free consultation. You will get Dr. Fredal’s treatment recommendation.
Other braces services at Fredal Orthodontics: braces removal for braces placed at another office.
Braces vs Clear Aligners: How the Decision Gets Made
Fredal Orthodontics offers metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Fredal recommends braces, Invisalign or a mix of both after he reviews your records at your free consultation.
How Dr. Fredal Presents the Choice
He typically recommends braces for severe deep bites (upper front teeth that cover too much of the lower front teeth) and for significant spacing (gaps between the teeth). For adults, he also considers whether you can wear aligners consistently for the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day.
Hybrid treatment combines braces and Invisalign within the same treatment plan. It is not necessary for every patient, and Dr. Fredal decides case by case whether to recommend it.
By the Numbers: Case Mix at Fredal Orthodontics
How Braces Work in Shelby Township
Braces are small brackets bonded to your teeth and joined by a thin wire called the archwire.
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1
Free Consultation
Your first visit includes a free CBCT scan (a 3D X-ray scan), an iTero digital scan of your teeth and clinical photographs. Dr. Fredal reviews the complete records with you. You get his treatment recommendation and the exact treatment cost in writing.
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2
Braces Placement
Your brackets are bonded and your first wire is placed. For comprehensive cases, your brackets are placed with indirect bonding. The brackets are set onto a custom 3D-printed transfer tray instead of being placed freehand on each tooth.
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3
Adjustment Visits
Adjustment visits are every 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Fredal directs every orthodontic visit. He bases clinical decisions on your progress and makes adjustments with your long-term goals in mind.
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4
Removal + Retainers
On the day your braces come off, the team takes the scan for your retainers. Only Essix (clear plastic) retainers can be delivered the same visit.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Take?
Many comprehensive braces cases are completed in about 12 to 18 months. Dr. Fredal gives you an estimate for your own case after your evaluation.
Materials and Brands Fredal Orthodontics Uses
Every treatment plan at Fredal Orthodontics is built from a 3D CBCT scan and an iTero digital scan.
Damon Ultima Brackets and DIBS AI Planning
Dr. Fredal uses Damon Ultima and Damon System passive self-ligating brackets with lightweight shape-memory wires. He sets up the Damon system with a broad archform (the curved shape the wire follows). For comprehensive braces cases, he uses DIBS AI software and indirect bonding. He checks each bracket position on the computer before bonding.
Damon Ultima brackets
Self-ligating brackets hold the wire with a built-in door, so no elastic ties are needed. Damon Ultima is the practice’s primary bracket system.
i-CAT FLX V17
This CBCT scanner takes a 3D X-ray of your teeth and jaws. Dr. Fredal merges it with your iTero Lumina digital scan. He uses the combined 3D model to assess your tooth roots and bone support before braces are placed.
Weave Remote Monitoring
Between visits, you can text photos and questions to the team through Weave at any hour, with no monthly fee. The clinical team reviews them during business hours and replies with next steps. That way, a broken bracket or a poking wire can be addressed between appointments.
In-House 3D Printing
Fredal Orthodontics prints models in the office on a SprintRay 3D printer. Essix (clear) retainers can be delivered the same visit.
Braces for Kids, Teens & Adults
Fredal Orthodontics treats children, teens and adults. Each patient’s care is designed around their face, bite and long-term stability.
Kids 7+
Dr. Fredal recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. The evaluation includes a 3D i-CAT CBCT scan. Dr. Fredal uses the scan to assess jaw growth, the teeth coming in and the airway.
Dr. Fredal is an advocate of early (Phase 1) treatment. When early treatment is indicated, he uses growth-guided approaches such as palatal expansion (widening of the upper jaw). He weighs growth, dental development, skeletal relationships (how the jaws line up) and your goals to decide not only how to treat, but when to start.
Most Phase 1 treatments at Fredal Orthodontics combine a palatal expander with limited braces. In some cases, an expander alone is used. The choice follows your child’s growth pattern, bite and orthodontic needs.
Kids OrthodonticsTeens
Teens can be treated with metal braces or Invisalign Teen. For comprehensive braces, Dr. Fredal uses Damon Ultima brackets, which need no ties. Colored ties can be added on request, in most colors, including Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions colors.
Clinical hours include Mon 12:00pm-7:00pm and Tue 10:00am-6:00pm. Fredal Orthodontics does not make custom sports guards and recommends a Shock Doctor orthodontic mouthguard: see playing sports with metal braces.
Teen & Adult BracesAdults
Dr. Fredal routinely treats adults who need a second round of treatment. He also routinely treats crowding that has come back after earlier braces. For adults, he looks at the whole face, not just how the teeth line up. He checks skeletal relationships (how the jaws line up), gum and bone support, root position and the airway.
Adult BracesWhy Choose Fredal Orthodontics for Braces in Shelby Township?
Free 3D CBCT Scan
Every new-patient consultation includes a 3D CBCT scan on the i-CAT FLX V17, at no charge. How the scans and digital braces plan are used
Private, Not a DSO
Fredal Orthodontics is a private, single-doctor practice owned by its orthodontist, not part of a DSO (a dental service organization, or corporate group). You see the same orthodontist, Dr. Fredal, throughout your treatment.
Braces vs Aligners: How They Compare
Braces and Invisalign have the same fee levels at Fredal Orthodontics, starting at $5,280 for comprehensive treatment.
| Factor | Metal Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $5,280 | $5,280 |
| What You Wear | Brackets bonded to your teeth | Clear plastic trays |
| Bracket/System | Damon Ultima brackets | Invisalign |
| Removable | No | Yes, trays come out to eat and drink |
| Daily Wear | Worn all the time | Adults: 20 to 22 hours a day |
| Eating | Avoid hard, chewy, sticky or crunchy foods | No banned foods |
| Office Visits | Every 6 to 8 weeks | Every 10 to 12 weeks |
Braces Cost in Shelby Township
Fredal Orthodontics publishes starting prices so you can plan before your first visit. Your comprehensive treatment fee depends on how complex your case is, at three levels: $5,280, $6,880 and $7,175. It does not change with how long treatment takes. At your free consultation, Dr. Fredal reviews your 3D scan and gives you an exact fee before treatment begins.
Limited treatment (such as treatment of one arch only, or a simple retreatment) has its own fees: $2,980, $3,980 or $4,980, depending on the case.
Phase 1 and Phase 2 are not sold together. If your child continues from Phase 1, Phase 2 is $500 less. Two-phase treatment for children
| Treatment | Comprehensive | Phase 1 (Kids) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | From $5,280 to $7,175 | From $2,980 |
| Invisalign (clear aligners) | From $5,280 | From $3,480 (Invisalign First) |
What Patients Get for the Fee
Your treatment fee includes every appliance your case needs, and elastics are included too. Current patients pay no fee for comfort or emergency visits during patient care hours. One set of Essix retainers is included when comprehensive treatment ends.
Hybrid treatment is included in your treatment fee. If you start in aligners and have to switch to braces, the switch is covered at no extra charge.
Fredal Orthodontics combines specialist-led care with advanced digital treatment planning. Every patient is evaluated with i-CAT CBCT imaging and an iTero digital scan, merged into one fully digital workflow for braces and Invisalign.
The fees reflect the expertise, time and personalized care that go into every case. Orthodontics is the practice’s specialty, not one of many services it provides.
Financing Options
In-House Financing
0% interest and no credit check. The down payment is $750 for comprehensive braces or Invisalign, $500 for Phase 1, or $2,000 for braces with MARPE. Payment plans range from 12 to 30 months. Monthly payments vary with your treatment cost, down payment and financing terms.
Third-Party Financing
Third-party financing through Cherry, with down payments from $189.99. CareCredit financing is also available.
Pay-in-Full and Community Discounts
5% by cash, check, or ACH; 3% by credit card. Phase 1 treatment qualifies too. The discount comes off your out-of-pocket portion, after insurance. HSA/FSA accepted. Claims filed for you with Delta Dental PPO and the other PPO plans the practice accepts.
Community discounts: Military $250 off · First Responder $250 off · Healthcare $250 off · Teacher $250 off · Family $250 off · Student $250 off. The family discount is $250 for each additional child who begins treatment.
Each comes off your out-of-pocket portion, after insurance. One community discount per patient, and it can be combined with the pay-in-full discount. Bring ID proof to claim it. The discount is applied on your financial agreement.
Insurance for Braces in Shelby Township
Fredal Orthodontics is in network with Delta Dental PPO. For the other PPO plans the practice accepts, the team files your claims for you as a courtesy. Your fee is the same whether you use in-network insurance, out-of-network insurance or pay on your own.
The team takes your insurance card when you book. Before treatment begins, you get your benefits verification in writing. You also get a clear estimate of what you will pay yourself. The team’s goal is to make the insurance process as simple as possible.
Every patient at Fredal Orthodontics is personally treatment planned and supervised by Dr. Fredal. The practice does not take Medicaid, state insurance plans or HMO plans. Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental program generally does not cover orthodontic treatment. Families with qualifying medical conditions can check with Children’s Special Health Care Services.
In-house financing is 0% interest with no credit check, and you can pay with HSA or FSA funds.
What to Expect: Braces Timeline in Shelby Township
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Consultation:
Bring a photo ID. The visit takes about 50 minutes, about 20 of them with Dr. Fredal. -
Placement day:
Your brackets are bonded to your teeth. -
Every 6 to 8 weeks:
Adjustment visits. -
12 to 18 months:
Many comprehensive braces cases finish in about this time. -
Removal day:
Your braces come off, and the team takes the scan for your retainers. -
After removal:
Wear your retainers full time for the first 1 to 3 months, then at night for life. -
Fixed retainers:
Dr. Fredal prefers removable retainers. He may recommend a fixed (bonded) retainer for teeth more prone to relapse (moving back), especially when treatment began with generalized spacing or severe crowding. A removable Essix or Vivera retainer is then worn over it.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?
Fredal Orthodontics treats patients from age 7 through adulthood. At your free consultation, Dr. Fredal tells you whether braces, Invisalign or both suit your case. Sometimes he recommends against treatment.
If you have active or concerning jaw joint (TMD) symptoms, orthodontic treatment does not start until a qualified specialist has evaluated and cleared you. If a jaw problem cannot be corrected by moving teeth alone, he may discuss surgical orthodontic treatment (orthodontics combined with jaw surgery).
When Dr. Fredal May Start With Braces
In hybrid treatment, Dr. Fredal may start with braces for the most challenging tooth movements, such as:
Severe rotations (teeth that are turned out of line)
Significant deep bites (upper front teeth that cover too much of the lower front teeth)
Other complex corrections
He may then switch you to Invisalign to complete the remaining alignment and finishing stages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Shelby Township
How much do braces cost in Shelby Township?
Metal braces at Fredal Orthodontics start at $5,280 for comprehensive treatment. The fee depends on how complex your case is, with levels of $5,280, $6,880 and $7,175. It does not change with how long treatment takes.
Phase 1 (early) treatment for children starts at $2,980. See the braces cost page for financing, insurance and discounts.
How long do braces take to straighten teeth?
Many comprehensive braces cases at Fredal Orthodontics are completed in about 12 to 18 months. Dr. Fredal gives you an estimated treatment timeline for your case at your free consultation. Once your braces are on, adjustment visits are every 6 to 8 weeks.
Do braces hurt?
In the first three to five days after braces are placed, it is normal to experience mild soreness and pressure as the teeth begin to move. The lips and cheeks may also need a few days to adjust to the brackets. After this initial adjustment period, most patients experience little to no discomfort during everyday wear. For discomfort, Dr. Fredal says Tylenol can be used as needed, following the recommended dosing instructions.
What happens if a bracket breaks or a wire pokes?
Call/text the office, including after hours. The team will help decide whether it needs care right away or can wait until your next visit. For current patients, the repair is included at no extra charge.
If there is discomfort and you cannot come in during patient hours, orthodontic wax can be applied to the area. If a wire pokes, you may carefully clip its end with clean nail clippers until the team sees you.
What types of braces does Fredal Orthodontics offer?
Fredal Orthodontics offers metal braces. Its primary bracket system is Damon Ultima, a self-ligating bracket, and traditional brackets with elastic ties are offered too. Clear ceramic braces and lingual braces (braces behind the teeth) are not offered. For a clear option, the practice offers Invisalign clear aligners, and some treatment plans combine braces and Invisalign.
Damon Ultima has no clear version at this time. The practice stopped offering InBrace lingual braces after the manufacturer closed.
Does insurance cover braces in Shelby Township?
Dental insurance can help pay for braces, depending on your plan’s orthodontic benefits. Fredal Orthodontics is in network with Delta Dental PPO. For the other PPO plans the practice accepts, the team files your claims for you as a courtesy.
The team also helps you understand your orthodontic benefits and gives you a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins. HSA and FSA funds are accepted. Full insurance details
What foods do I need to avoid with braces?
Avoid anything hard, chewy, sticky or crunchy. Dr. Fredal’s examples are Starburst, caramel, peanuts and popcorn. More tips for eating with braces are on the metal braces page.
Can I get braces at my age?
Yes. Fredal Orthodontics treats patients from age 7 through adulthood. Dr. Fredal routinely treats adult cases such as retreatment and crowding that has returned after earlier braces. Some adult plans add MARPE (widening the upper jaw with mini-screws, placed outside the practice) or jaw surgery coordinated with an oral surgeon. Adult braces details
Ready to Start Braces in Shelby Township?
Your free consultation includes a 3D CBCT scan, an iTero digital scan and photos. Dr. Fredal then tells you what he recommends and gives you the exact cost in writing. Visits are by appointment only, with no walk-ins.
*For new patients only. Patients transferring from another orthodontist: $250 consultation fee, credited toward treatment if they start here.
Ask about discounts for military, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, families and students. Each one takes $250 off what you pay after insurance. View all